I do not think many others could fit as much into a day as we have today! Started off with a ride on the Tube across the city from Kings Cross to Victoria Station. 
Grabbed a coffee and croissant (I plan on eating a croissant everyday of this trip!) and hopped on the tour bus. First stop (no, not the Island of Misfit Toys) Buckingham Palace. Although it is an imposing structure, it kind of appeared gloomy and drab. In contrast, our next stop was Downing Street, home of the Prime Minister. A much more modern and energetic area, although I dare say with a significant difference in property value for sure.
On to Trafulgar Square where many, many statues and fountains adorn. The most notable statue is Nelson's Column erected in recognition of Horatio Melson, victorious, although mortally wounded, in the battle of Trafalger and one of Britians best-loved heroes. The four bonze lions that surround the base of the structure 
are said to have been modeled after the artists dogs, as he had no live lions to study. Therefore, the paws of the lions are canine, instead of feline in appearance. As regal and insiring as these mighty statues are, nothing is above a little humility. 
Kind of puts it all in perspective, eh?
Queen Victoria Gardens- Prince Albert's Monument. This entire area is a living testimoy to one of the greatest love affairs in British history. Albert was at first a minor consideration on the list of acceptable suitors (even though they were first-cousins) yet once Victoria met him, she pleaded with her Uncle to allow their relationship to develop as she was certain he was the man that could make her exceedingly happy. The British population did not warm quite so quickly to him as he was seen as an outsider. It took several years before the title of Queen's Consort was bestowed upon him. Victoria had complete trust and faith in him and shared much of her royal responsibilities with him. He, it is said, was passionately in love with his Queen and worked tiredlessly to promote her stature. He was instrumental in restructuring much of how the Royal Household was run and his influence prevails to this day. After his early death from what was at the time diagnosed as typhoid fever but later historians believe it was actually stomach cancer, Queen Victoria remained in mourning, dressing only in black, the rest of her life. She created Queen Victoria Gardens as a standing memorial to her beloved. By the time of his death, the British people had grown to adore him as much as they did Victoria and many other monuments and dedications were erected in his honor. However, Queen Victoria Gardens is a personal and reverent tribute to the man, as a husband and father, not as a member of royalty. Each of the nine gates guarding the entrances to the Gardens are named for one of their children. The Prince Albert Monument was designed mainly by Victoria herself. 
this was one of Jim and my favorite sights.... afterall, we share one of the great love affairs of our own!
Passed by Wellington Arch- 
The tour driver gave us an interesting interprtation of the history of this structure. According to the guide, it seems that this gate was originally along the main entrance route into into Buckingham Palace. However, Queen Victoria did not like the gate as it was because it blocked her view of the gardens. She requested it be changed but her request was denied by the government. In quintessential "royal" style, Victoria purposesly had all her carriages made too wide to fit through the gate. Needless to say... the gate was moved and replaced by one more to Vicotoria's liking. However colorul as this rendition is, all the historical research states that it was moved as part of a restructuring project to widen the streets leading into and around Hyde Park. That may more likely be the truth, but certainly not as interesting.
Speakers Corner - This is an area located in the north-east corner of Hyde Park designated for public speaking. On Sundays, anyone who wishes to speak openly may do so. There are a few rules though, you cannot use obscentities, you cannot insite riotous behavour and you cannot disparage the Queen (although again, this is according to the tour guide so take the info with a grain of salt, as we say. It is said that this is the place where the term "on your soap box" came from as speakers used to stand on a wooden soap box becasue they had to be at least 6 inches above British soil in order to speak openly wihtout reprocutions.
Harry Nichols - Known as Harry Nics 
to the locals, this old time department store is preported to have been Princess Diana's favorite place to shop. I found it kind of interesting that this was the ONLY mention of her throughout the entire tour. Prince Charles was never mentioned but William and Kate were mentioned several times. The school Camilla attended was designated but I didn't even bother to look.
Took a boat ride down the Thames to expeience the London Eye adventure. This was one of the must-do's on Jim's itinerary and I must say... "Good Call, Jim!" The view from so far above was awesome!
It takes about 30 minutes to complete the one revolution so there is plenty of time for looking out over the entire city from the glass gondalas. It was so cool, I actually forgot that I am afraid of heights!
Tower of London 
we didn't tour the inside of this historical sight, but even from the outside, its dark and brutal history is felt. Eerie!!!
Enjoyed a great dinner of Goat Cheese and Pesto Wraps and of course chips with malt vinegar. 
. Then had a mad-dash back to pick up our luggage and head to Saint Pancras Stations
Here are just a few random shots of our tour. 
Okay guys..... hurry up now... the train is getting ready to pull out of the station! On to Paris. Bye-Bye England Bon Jour France!!!