“Time was a funny and fickle thing. Sometimes there was never enough of it, and other times it stretched out endlessly.” ~ J. Lynn, Be with Me
It’s part of that list – the list of the iconic London structures that every tourist will want to see. The Elizabeth Tower, the structure that houses Big Ben, the great bell that has marked the passing of each hour for 157 years, since it began service in 1859. The Big Ben was silenced in August of this year for necessary restoration work that is meant to take about 4 years to repair the cracks and the Elizabeth Tower was slowly covered up with scaffolding to also undergo restoration work, along with other areas of Westminster Palace. Although Ben was meant to be silent for 4 years, it did chime during Remembrance Sunday and Christmas Day. It is also meant to chime in the New Year.
While I have always said that since I moved to the UK, time has rushed past me, waiting for Ben and his “braces” to be removed seems to be quite a long wait. Sometimes waiting for Ben to be unbraced is unbearable. I keep telling myself it’s for the best, because Ben will come back, stronger and restored. So wait we must. Patience is a virtue. But oh my goodness! 1146 days (give or take a few days, as I can’t be completely accurate) is a lot of days!
I miss you Ben!
Yellywelly 