London Calling!

Hello!  I am towards the end of a pretty fantastic stay in London.  This has been made even better by the fact that I am staying with a dear old friend who has also been the most gracious hostess - including spectacular instructions for using the tube (I am now a master and jump trains effortlessly), and not freaking out at having a sick puppy in her home for the past few days (me).  This city is fantastic and my friend lives in a beautiful part of London with an excellent local pub right behind her flat.  I unfortunately was down with a cold for two days, but am now back among the functioning - much better to be sick in the comfort of a friend's apartment than in a strange hotel room.

London Tower

On wall walkway and headed towards another tower

My favorite!- taken from the spot Ann Boleyn was beheaded - nice last view

London Tower - Thames side view

Big Ben

I am a huge fan of history - WWII, the monarchy, spread of the Roman empire, etc. - as well as a film aficionado and I have a special place in my heart for British films and BBC programming.  It's been amazing to actually see things like the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey and walk through Hyde Park - where so much history has passed and so many film locations have been based.  Also very cool to walk on the streets that have been included in so many music lyrics - The Strand, Baker Street... I love Roxy Music... Anyway, I'm a bit frustrated that I lost a few days to a cold which most likely will nix a trip to Oxford and Windsor Castle, but I suppose I will have to come back.  I was pretty much digging hanging around the site where Ann Boleyn was executed inside London Tower and listening to all the morbid and creepy stories the guides around me were telling.  I also LOVE old cemeteries and anything that looks like it will creek when you walk on it - in other words, anything old with extra points going to architectural significance.

Parliament - Thames side

Westminster Abbey

Today I woke up late thanks to a combo of a cold and being out late last night for dinner and too many drinks (tons of fun though).  So I got up and just started walking - through Kennsington Gardens (right past Kennsington Palace) then the Hyde Park and down to Buckingham Palace, through the Horse Guards and Old Admiralty down the Strand and back to Charing Cross Road (also in the title of an excellent Anne Bancroft movie) - it was a long walk, but the coolest thing was that I happened upon a few events that I had no idea were happening and did not plan - the best way to see things in my opinion.  I get to Buckingham Palace right when the changing of the guards is starting .  Had no clue and it was incredibly cool to see while not having planned to do so.  Then an auto escort comes out of the palace as I'm headed down the main road and I turn around to look at it and inside the car was somebody obviously pretty important and in an official uniform - I won't venture as to who it may have been but I was impressed by the escort alone.  Anyeasilyimpressed, it was a very entertaining morning and early afternoon.  I finally pooped out from walking all over creation and took the train back and had a well deserved pint and an even more well deserved nap.

Kennsington Gardens - beautiful stroll

Tomorrow is my last day here and then I leave Saturday for Brugge, Belgium and will once again be pursuing travels on my own (minus the excellent company in the evening that I have enjoyed while in London).  I'm taking the train there too which will be a nice break from the airport - my flight from Greece included a full plane and in my row... a guy with a cold who never covered his face when he sneezed and coughed, between him and me was some Greek version of Butterfly McQueen - she talked to herself the whole time, sighed constantly, sucked food out of her teeth for 45 minutes and leaned into my seat and personal space for the entire flight - four hours.  On the other side of me was horrific B.O.  Needless to say, I am looking forward to a break from the trials of the international airport and am ready to enjoy a train ride through Belgium.  I think I'm also taking one from there to Amsterdam as well.

Buckingham Palace

mounted guards headed towards the palace

London has been quite enjoyable so far and I still have about 10 days to enjoy my travels before I have to return to Afghanistinkistan and back to Muslim-land.  I don't even want to think about it, but it should turn out to be a great improvement - new job, digs, people and purpose! Hope you are all enjoying your week.

Drink of the Day - an espresso for breakfast and an ice cold draft beer in the afternoon - perfect!