Looking for a London Pass, Lunch and Locks...U.K. Trip Day 4b

It took us a bit of time-and a bit of sightseeing along the way-to finally find an outlet to purchase our London pass at a souvenir shop near the London Eye  (a behemoth of a Ferris Wheel!) 

A London Pass is a discounted ticket, maybe you could call it an admission permit, to as many London attraction as you can possibly fit in, for as many days as you decide to purchase. It also includes other little perks such as free souvenirs, half-price tea parties, and exclusive front-of-the-line rights at many London attractions.






Our first destination (after an early lunch, that is) (we never missed a meal and we usually had snacks once or twice a day) (thanks to Sara) (and I had a tendency to photograph everything we ate) (this might have been disconcerting to my traveling companions) (but no more disconcerting than this paragraph with all these parentheses, probably) As I was saying, our first destination was Westminster Abbey, but to get there, we had to cross Westminster Bridge and pass under the shadow of Big Ben and Parliament.

 

                                                  Rachel, in her cute coat and accessories.
                                The wardrobe planning worked out nicely for her, don't you agree?

As we were crossing over the Thames we saw locks attached to Westminster Bridge.Turns out these padlocks have a romantic purpose. The deal is, you and your true-love-wannabe get your names engraved on a padlock or, if you are too cheap to spring for an engraving, you can just use a sharpie. The next step is to attach the padlock to the bridge, all the while looking over your shoulder to be certain you are not being observed by a bobby, who aren't always keen on the practice.  After you have locked your Sclage or Master Lock to the bridge, you must toss the key into the water which will therefore secure for you true and everlasting love. Apparently, the theory behind this quaint little custom is that by doing so,  it will forever lock your love to each other. However, there is no word as to whether or not it will work with a combination lock (no key to toss into the Thames) so, just to be safe, you probably ought to use a padlock.  Which you can buy at many locations on either side of the bridge. (probably) (I am not actually sure about that)

Notice the couple walking nonchalantly past the bobbies as they make their way to the bridge. The couple studiously avoids making
eye contact with the bobbies and the bobbies are just as intently
pretending to be involved in a serious discussion of some import, as they avoid speculation on whether or not the chap's backpack has a padlock inside.

                                       Watercraft on the river near the Millennium Bridge

This was not the first guy we saw in a kilt nor was it to be the last. (we are really going to have to go to Scotland) 
The first guy we saw was on a bus, in a kilt and a suit jacket. He did not have bag pipes. Although he did have a briefcase. Rachel tried to surreptitiously get a picture of him, pretending to take a picture of me with him conveniently in the background.

The next guy in a kilt was at St. Margaret's church, our very next stop. (but I am getting ahead of myself here)