The first Twitter?

Email, Instant messaging, MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, blogging...all have changed our lives in making communication with each other so quick as well as allowing us to share our innermost thoughts and feelings with family, friends, and the world.

In reality, this is nothing new. It's only the method, the technology, that's different.

Tower of London from the outside, looking over the moat.

I was struck by this almost 2  years ago when visiting the Tower of London. Many prisoners held there over the centuries used elaborate graffiti etched into the stone walls to communicate their presence, their love for their families, proclaim their religious faith, note their time in prison, or convey their philosophies on life. These prisoners were not necessarily wrong-doers or hardened criminals, but instead included kings, queens, traitors, saints, and sinners. Many of the carvings in the walls date from the 1500 and 1600s.

Prisoner graffiti from the Tower of London.

Check out the wall carvings in the Beauchamp Tower and the Salt Tower at the Tower of London. This is history and it is fascinating.

The vast array of British history that is on display at the Tower is dazzling. From the Royal Crown Jewels, to the armour belonging to Henry VIII, elements of torture, and an 11th century chapel. The Tower, begun in the early 1080s by William the Conqueror, is a fortress of buildings and exhibits. It's well worth visiting again and again.

Sidenote: The day we visited the Crown Jewels at the Tower, a few pieces had been removed and were noted as "In use." The next day, as we gathered to watch the queen's processional from Buckingham Palace to the ceremonial Opening of Parliament, we were able to see these very pieces, each conveyed to Parliament in its own exquisite, regal, horse-drawn carriage, including the Imperial State Crown, the Orb and Sceptre.

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip on the Opening Day of Parliament

A don't miss site in London. I can't wait to go back!

If you go: check out the sites, times, and prices ahead of time at http://www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon. It's worth spending the day at the Tower.