I think the Tower of London has a fair stab at being my favorite site of the whole trip. I had a really good time at this not-so-"optional tour."
Here was my first site of the castle.
We walked our way around the side of the castle toward the gate.
This was most people's reaction. "Hey, we're here!"
After some discussion, we got ticket sales worked out and proceeded to the entrance.
Here you can see Julianna with the entrance bridge and gate to her right
At the gate we joined a group of people listening to a Yeoman Warder, or to use the slang, a Beefeater. Back in the day these people had charge of the castle and protected it from all harm. Now they still live on the premises and have served in the British Armed Forces, but they mostly function as tour guides.
Pretty funny ones, too.
Here you see Julianna with the noble Yeoman Warder.
...and with the stuffed animalian facsimile.
Cute though.
Shall we continue the tour?