Skip to main content

The European Chronicles - 6/8/14

Day Thirteen. 

London, England.

It wasn't a terribly packed day (much different to the flow of this entire trip), as we joined a local tour in the morning for a brief trip to some of the local sites around London. We managed to see memorials, statues, and pieces of art representing much of England's history and other countries and popular world leaders as well. I was surprised to see the Brits have huge statues and plaques in some of their squares for Abraham Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Nelson Mandella, and the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Classy and respectable move by the Brits for sure. 

We also managed to see Buckingham Palace, witnessed the official changing of the guards ceremony/routine, snapped pictures of Big Ben, and many of the government and parliament buildings, one which happens to be the location where Prince Charles will officially become King. 

For the rest of the day, as the tag team partner and I usually do, we wondered, and wondered, and wondered around London taking in places such as Kensington Palace, Notting Hill, and other various neighborhoods and shops. Again, just taking in the culture and vibe of the city. 

Oh, before I wrap up this post, if you're in to cars, London is a great place for you. Your neck will be on a swivel as Aston Martins, Lamborghinis, Bentleys, and other various expensive, or even some awesome custom cars, will routinely whip around the city. I still can't believe it. 

Here are some photos from today. Please click to enlarge. 















Tomorrow, we're off to downtown London in our last day in England, and on vacation.

Recently Read

Dome Pondering Move Review: Say You Will (2017)

What is it about? A recent high school graduate cares for his mother while attempting to navigate his first relationship following his father's suicide.  Who is in it? Travis Tope - Sam Nimitz Katherine Hughes - Ellie Vaughn Favorite Scene: [spoiler alert] Sam plays his song for his mom. Favorite Quote: Ellie: "I wish we could have met down the road, maybe when we were like 27." Sam: "I think we needed each other now." Review:  Say You Will was an absolutely pleasant surprise of a watch from the Amazon Prime offerings.  I wasn't exactly sure what to expect with this one, but after the credits rolled, it was a movie that provided authentic characters and a great lesson on life. We don't always have to have everything figured out, and it's okay if you don't.  What makes Say You Will so beautiful is that all of the characters are carrying some inner struggle that connects them in the moment and time that helps them through whatever it is. The unlike...

The Pondering 10 - Most Fascinating Things of 2025

2025 sure did ebb and flow.  Is it just me, or did August through December zoom by? Nonetheless, we are at that time of the year again, which brings about some common traditions around these parts - the Pondering 10 Most Fascinating Things of the Year, and then the Dome Pondering Year in Review .  (Most Fascinating Things: 2015 , 2016 , 2017 , 2018 , 2019 , 2020 , 2021 ,  2022 , 2023 , & 2024 ) Life really presented itself in unique ways this year, with a sense of a deeper layer of belonging and purpose, more so than what society has reflected since the pandemic. 2025 brought a deeper understanding of life through war, disaster, politics, the human spirit, and appreciation, among other things.  We'll get into that in the Year in Review.  For now, let's run it! Here is my Most Fascinating Things list for 2025: --- 10. Marjorie Taylor Greene Oh yeah, we're going there. MJT makes the very end of the list with a recent change in political positioning. I find it ...

Dome Pondering - 2025 Year in Review

2025 brought depth and growth.  In many ways, 2025 provided so many challenges and opportunities, allowing for a deeper, more layered approach to the world we live in. Our world is changing, and often, not for the better. Over the last 365 days, life has been more complex, more exhausting, and is asking so much more of us through these transitions and nuances than it did 365 days ago.  No big deal, right?  But hey, you're here. We're here. And we're going into 2026 much stronger, whether we realize it or not. But before we do, let's bid adieu to 2025.  As always, I'm incredibly gratefu l to those of you who still visit this little speck of the internet that houses my thoughts, rambles, and learnings. Thank you for taking a break from instant dopamine hits and videos, and likely the much cooler options of prepared content and indulging my humbled words. It is much appreciated.  It's the 20th annual - TWENTY YEARS of doing this! - Dome Pondering Year in Review. Le...