I made my way into the city center once more. Having first seen Big Ben two nights earlier, I now took my first photos of it in daylight. Crossing over Westminster Bridge, I imagined a shot with the famed lion heads in the foreground and the clocktower in the background, but construction barricades prevented the composition I wanted.

Instead, I chose to walk along a section of sidewalks that followed along the Thames River from Westminster to London Bridge. Known as the Queen’s walk, it was a path that showcased many of the city’s top attractions, though I was also able to see London’s diverse architecture, with some of it’s newest structures built around its oldest.

Crossing over Tower Bridge, I decided to take a tour of the Tower of London. Moments after paying the admission, our guide stepped out to meet us. Lively fellow and knowledgeable, with 22 years in Her Majesty's Service, our Yeoman Warden "Beefeater" guide gave his animated tour before leaving us to explore on our own.

I walked to the Jewel House and stood in awe at the collection of crowns, orbs, scepters, and maces from the monarchy's history. Afterwards, I made my way into the armaments museum and found myself looking at display after display of the various weapons and armor used over the past millennia.

Checking my watch, I realized I had time to see only one more thing before catching a play at the Apollo Victoria later that evening. Leaving the tower with things still unseen, I headed back along the Thames towards Trafalgar Square.

I had walked near the Square on a previous night, and had briefly caught a glimpse from a distance then, so I was excited to return once more. Now, with the sun setting, the overcast skies cast a soft light over the scene, giving everything a painterly look.

I headed back to the hostel, showered and changed, then left once more, arriving at the Apollo Victoria before they started seating. I had heard of Wicked a couple of years prior from some friends who had seen it on Broadway, and I had since read the book, but as the lights dimmed, I wondered how it'd compare to my expectations.

Turned out, I had nothing to worry about. Sitting just two rows from the stage, each note was crisp and every voice clear. As the cast took their final bows, the audience honored them with a standing ovation. Several minutes later, as the crowd began to thin, I began my return to the hostel, unable to think of a better way to end my trip.