Tuesday, July 2, 2013

St. Pauls Cathedral

This would be where Lady Di got married.  As for majesty it is more majestic than Westminster Abbey.  It holds lots of British history in the walls.  Kind of made me wonder what the decision process was for Princess Kate when getting married.  Seriously this is something that crossed my mind.
The other thing that ran rampant through my mind... no photography INCLUDES photos taken wiht iphones and ipads blatantly ignorant and rude tourists! 
I spent a good amount of time taking in all the statues and memorials to so many people and places and events.  Supposedly there was a huge outpouring of grief and support and consoling here after 9/11.  And behind the main altar is a memorial for US troops during WWII.  The cathedral was significantly damaged by bombings during the war as well.  The cathedral and palaces were main targets in attempt to undermine the crown and church with hopes it would force the British people to cave.
The art work.  The mossaics.  The dome.  The quire.  All very breathtaking.  Some of the design decisions made me laugh...  they were made with keeping a distance from catholicism and the Pope in mind. 
Below in the crypt... oh dinner is here..

There is a chapel in the crypt for the OBE.  I thought that cool.  If I am correct Wellington and Nelson are buried in the crypt.   The battery to my ipod audio tour died about this point.  I spent some time in the gift shop and headed on.  Surprisingly they were sellling rosary beads and hand rosaries in the gift shop.  I thought those were Catholic as it is about Mary.  Guess I could learn more about the Church of England...  aaah, lunch conversation with Brian...
Thw sales clerk mentioned people buy them to wear.  OK that surely isn't a Catholic thing.  I considered gettting myself another set but opted not to.
From there a headed on out.

Not sure how long I was there.

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