Churchill war room

When I think of WWII, I think of bombed-out buildings, people hiding for their lives, spies, living off potatoes and whatever little food they could scrounge up, espionage, bomb shelters, Nazi, Allies, Normandy, and of course the atomic bomb (if it wasn't for this, my little corner of the world where I grew up wouldn't exist and we no doubt would be in a different world). We took the opportunity to see the actual underground headquarters for England's war room. I was looking forward to this - I love learning about the past wars. We waited in line for a good 30 minutes. The place is pretty small and can't be over loaded with visitors - there is a very tiny hallway in and an even smaller hallway out.

 can you crack the code?!

 for my nephew Bracken

 those who restored or preserved this place, kept as much of the original as they could. All the maps on the walls, lights, table, chairs, etc.

 can you imagine having to relay messages with this thing.....encrypted messages??

 these are the pins they used to make up the map below.....

 I don't imagine much sleep was getting done.....too much stress.

Funny story about our little visit. There was this very long table, with a touchscreen 'filing' system. You could touch a year, a month, and then a date and read about what happened on that date in the war. I looked up the date of the atomic bomb being dropped. I touched the date and the entire screen went blank. I looked around to see what was happening, if I broke it, if someone else had touched it. No one else was near by. 'the bomb' went off and wiped out the entire contents of the screen - a simulation of the bomb. So I walked away, then came back to try it again......was it just a coincidence??? Tried it again, nothing. A second time, nada. Went to find Jeff and show him....nothing again. Bizarre. An amazing experience to see and 'experience' the war room. I'm forever grateful for these people who risk life and limb to protect our freedoms, allies and our fellow countrymen. My nephew is currently serving in the Air Force, my uncle and cousin have served, Jeff's grandpas both have served. Truly a blessing they survived and have left us with a beautiful legacy to keep going.

HMS Belfast - aka freakin me out

 Remember this ship from our little river boat cruise? We had nothing prominent on our list of things to do and this was close - free tour, we'll take it! I will say, I got a little bored and freaked out all at the same time. I was certain we were going to be lost forever (even with all the signs - some be them vague, giving us direction), stuck in the bottom of this massive ship, destine to go down if this ship decided to give out.......yes dramatic, but still I'm claustrophobic on ships at sea, remember Titanic (ironic is I'm listening to that song on Pandora - haha!)

 'My heart will go on......' hahaha

 yes, please, I'd love to sit right here and shoot things.....out in the open.

 at the helm (go cougs!) check out the 'computers'

 Now pictures from Jeff's phone: A BOMB! :)

 do I look scared? this is where I was starting to freak out a little. tight quarters, small walkway, long way down....

 this is where we split up and I refused to go down any farther - I could see this from the level up. there was a small viewing window.

 the other thing that creeped me out were these fake people and then there was simulated sound of them talking, playing games, etc. It was especially creepy when the hammocks started to sway (only because live people pushed them), but I still felt like I was moving with them and waiting for someone to jump out at me. Forget the haunted house, this freaks me out enough. God bless those who serve on these ships, airplanes, on the ground and in the submarines. I couldn't do it.

 photo-bomb

 great, get in here if the ship goes down.......

 So the tour was closing and we were the last ones on there. I high-tailed it back to the beginning and then lost Jeff some where. He went right, I went left and somehow he took another 5 minutes (seemed like a long time when I thought I had to go back in to find him......)

Thank you HMS Belfast and those who served with you.

Buckingham Palace

 To the Palace......for the changing of the Guards. We were there plenty early and had a great spot. Until we had to move back into the crowd because they come out the front gate. Oh well, we got to meet a family on holiday from Spain.

 crowds starting to gather - if you go to London and want to see this even, I'd stand right where the lady in the pink jacket is - just on the other side of the gate, or up higher to get a view over everyone else. That is if you can't get up to the gate for a front row seat.

this lady is our friend from Spain - they left before it all started - we only waited 2 hours.

 I got a little bored and took a picture of my nails....could use some tlc.

 This was the police officer who kept us entertained by repeatedly saying - move back, behind the gate, move back, keep moving, move along and other things that would sound awful if it wasn't for his accent. :)

   all of our friends - I didn't realize just how many people there were until I saw these photos.....a smidge claustrophobic

 not being very tall, we were at a disadvantage to see the actual changing take place.

 

On to other sites.