Over the last week we have done a ton of exploring. Two weekends ago we went into London and explored the Star Wars Exhibit. Was it for me or the kids? We can say that it was enjoyed by all, with the highlight being my son being called out of the crowd during the Jedi show to fight Darth Vader (smile).

It is amazing to see the detail that the special effects artists put into the models and costumes. Oh .. if I could only get hold of one of these costumes for Halloween … Very cool.

The event is being held at the old County Hall in London where the London mayor and council used to hold their meetings. The history of the hall and the London mayor is very interesting (We were with friends who related the story to me):

For sixty four years County Hall served as the headquarters of local government for London. During the 1980s the then powerful GLC (led by Ken Livingstone) was locked in conflict with the British Government. Since the Parliament buildings were just across the river from County Hall, the facade of County Hall frequently served as a billboard for anti-government slogans. When the government of Margaret Thatcher abolished the GLC in 1986, County Hall lost its role as the seat of London’s government. The building remained in use by the Inner London Education Authority (ILEA) until its abolition in 1990 when the building was transferred to the London Residuary Body and eventually sold to private investors.

Of interest, Ken Livingstone is the current Mayor of London and seen as one of its’ greatest mayors. I think this is what fascinates me so much about England, everything here has an interesting history.

What Star Wars picture would be complete without the big guy himself?