water, water everywhere

We have a leak! Actually, we counted five separate leaks and there could be more since they're all from one shower upstairs but seem to appear at different spots in our hallway, living room area, and kitchen (especially random in the kitchen). Joanna called down to report our water issues and they sent a person right away, but we haven't yet gotten the final word on what the impact of the upstairs leak will be. Following class this morning, the maintenance person was gone, as was one of our towels and the puddles in our hallway. We haven't received instructions about not using showers or anything, though, so our water problems here appear to be fixed.

On the other hand, I learned a sad lesson today also ironically involving water. In an effort to pack light for a day of walking--Westminister Abbey tour--and then standing in the London Eye for a ride, I thought I'd save space by not taking any water/drink with me. Bad idea, even in London's comparatively balmier weather. I did get some water at lunch (an interesting experience in and of itself because we had a slightly harried/abrupt waitress), but that didn't last long, and it was sort of a sad taunt to be riding the London Eye over the Thames River and be really dehydrated, especially since we had an overabundance of water in our flat this morning. On the plus side, though, dinner remedied the situation and I know without a doubt that a water bottle is on my must-pack list for the rest of this trip, no matter what the daily activity. :)

We got some incredible pictures of Westminister Abbey and the surrounding areas this afternoon, and the London Eye provided some unique perspective on the London cityscape in general. Peep managed to make a few appearances as well and meet the other mascots. I've included more pictures behind the cut of today's adventures (amazing buildings) and just a little more about Westminister Abbey.

Peep riding the London Eye and enjoying the view of Parliament and Westminister Abbey

A shot from inside the cloisters at Westminister Abbey

Amazing architecture!

This was taken as we approached 10 Downing Street

The guard! (It was toasty, so they were probably both really hot)

A view of all the sights in relative proximity/relation to one and other

An aerial shot of the Parliament buildings and clock tower from the London Eye

Peep perched outside Westminister Abbey waiting for our tour

Westminister Abbey

I closed with the Westminister Abbey picture because I absolutely loved that tour, even though the whole crypt aspect of the church is a little unusual. Still, it was facinating to see the tombs/markers for Tudor kings and queens and some of my favorite authors and musicians (Chaucer, R. Vaughn Williams, etc). Even though it's just a memoriam, it was also cool to see markers for Lewis Carroll and Jane Austen, but sadly, no pictures inside the Abbey means I can only tell, not show the experience. :)