Day 2: More of London

To wake up jet lag free is one of life's simplest pleasures. It's a sign of true accomplishment. Like you are a real world traveler. The other great thing about this morning is finding Crunchy Nut at breakfast. pure joy.
Boarding the coach was a little less desirable, I started to remember nightmarish rides out of London with Tony at the helm--but it wasn't too bad. In fact, it was everything I love about coach rides, getting right into things without walking.
After a fairly delightful city tour of my favorite place in the world, observed the changing of the guard and saw the Queen's home.



Then we ran across Green Park to catch a show. Again, a simple (if odd) pleasure. Running to a destination. We rushed across town via TFL and I felt like a native with my Oyster to get me through those turnstiles with lightening speed.
The show was All's Well that Ends Well at Shakespeare's Globe. Groundling tickets are 5 quid for the best seat in town, and the production was really good.
And, I saw the Slovers. Odd experience--but just goes to show how well traveled OH4 really is.
Indian for dinner plus a Mango Lassie--life's greatest beverage.
Post-dinner included the Cath Kidston pilgrimage, drooling at Harrod's, and traipsing through the old stomping grounds--Palace Court.

Visited Cafe Diana, no. 27, and Kensington Gardens. AND what should we find at Kensington but Prince William and Kate's first official event as a married couple. Awesome.

Rode the tube home exhaustedly, only to remember--oh right. I love this town.

Day 1: London 2011

I have spent the past several days contemplating how best to blog my big European adventure. Finally I settled on making each day a separate post. So as to keep from boring the reader, and also so I hopefully don't lose momentum.
What you need to know is that I left on a jet plane, major Peter, Paul and Mary style. It was great. I am one of few people in the world who truly enjoys airports and airplanes--they mean that you're doing something exciting, you're doing something with your life. But this full day on an airplane hardly counts as a day of adventure,
First thing to know, always mark your suitcase clearly and visibly. Maybe even obnoxiously. This is key in preventing Peter Nash from stealing your bag away--like he stole Hannah's. In the event Peter Nash does take your things, you will have to frantically search Heathrow Terminal 4. In all the hustle, it's likely that Mrs. McConnell will leave her bag behind. This will cause more frantic searching. Basically, watch your luggage.
Then, if you're anything like our group your tour guide will be missing. Then you will finally get in contact with EF, only to have a flustered British man tell you that you have missed your transfer to the hotel--by three minutes. *barf*

"The only thing I like about this man is his accent"
--Caroline

Then, Mrs. McConnell will probably leave her suitcase again

"Um, Mrs. McConnell? Your suitcase is on the elevator..."
--Caroline

It will be a rough morning. But when you finally make it into the city--it's worth it. There is Royal Wedding Paraphernalia. And a very attractive Australian tour director who sparks quite a flurry

"There is two dimensional art, and then there is three dimensional art"
--Mrs. McConnell

Oh, don't forget that you're in LONDON. And don't miss being excited when dinner turns out to be Yaki Soba at Wagamama's. In fact, crying is a totally normal response after waiting SO long for those noodles.
Day 1 in London? Total success.



the city i love

The Rules

The top twenty things any aspiring world tourist needs to know before and as they see the world.

1. If you see it, and you want it, get it.

2. Don't say you'll do it later, you won't.

3. No calorie counting.

4. Don't drink water--you'll have to pee.

5. Always choose chocolate.

6. Watch your wrists.

7. Married men are off limits.

8. Apply deodorant... then reapply.

9. Don't fly with Peter Nash.

10. Never say never.

11. Be Mormon slutty.

12. Asians and scaffolding equal importance.

13. Don't stay in restaurants that smell like portopotties.

14. If the boys are drinking it--it has alcohol.

15. SHOW NO FEAR!

16. Remember, camels spit.

17. Reapplication of sunscreen is key.

18. [Enter city name] is very safe, but...

19. Superglue explodes.

20. If you plan on making friends, be sure you can drive to wherever they live.

one day more

Tomorrow. 5 a.m. Two cars, three bags, one glorious airplane. Then I'll be there! (well, after a two hour underground transit... i mean really, who stays in WEMBLEY PARK??) Beside the point. What matters is that I will be here.

Yee.
Oh and soon after I will be here.

It gets better. I will then be here.

Oh, I even get to spend a day here.

This trip will be so good. I'll even take some pictures of my own so I can stop robbing from other people... oops. Just know, that if I don't blog, it is because I am having the greatest time--ever.

Oh. I still love Enjolras BTW.

ow.

I just read my last post about all my hopes for a normal tan. ha. Like that would happen, I am cherry tomato red all over my back and it hurts. I always take things for granted, like being able to wear a shirt without pain--never knew that it could be so painful.
My back is pretty much this color

Summering fail.

But, other than that it was a very good day. I even got to see dear Paigey for her 17th birthday which is crazy to think about. My little Paj who didn't want to turn 12 is so old. Glad that we're still friends. I love this girl.

ways to know that summer has begun

#1. Get your first sunburn. All over your face and in an awkward line on your neck because chef coats are not conducive to properly tanning. What makes this even better? Of course I had to burn the day before a trip to Seven Peaks with Alexis Bosco--a venture on which I could get a perfectly normal swimsuit line...dang it. I wish my skin would tan normally.

#2. Watch the Scripp's National Spelling Bee on ESPN. Then start wondering why your parents didn't force you to be such an intelligent geek--then thank your parents. Like poor Victoria, whose mom moved her across town so that she could continue to participate in the national spelling bee. Awesome. I'm jealous. Good news, I've decided on a future profession. I want to be the guy who reads the words for the contestants to spell. I just hope I can keep a straight face.

#3. Helping with a barbecue and salsa contest. (see sunburn...)

#4. Hike the Y. Wondering the whole way up why you're hiking the Y, especially since you hate hiking. Oh well, still worth it, and very fun.

First week in a nutshell. Seven Peaks today. Here's hoping for a normal tan--oh, and I leave for Europe so soon! Be jealous.

Also, you should probably be jealous that you don't burn like this...

Memorial Day

Why do I love Memorial Day?
I love America.
I love war movies, dramas, and stories.
I love war heroes weekend on AMC.
I love my family.
I love BBQ's. (first hamburgers of the season)
I love Charlotte buying a new car after she murdered my van (if anyone has a spare engine, let me know)
But mostly, I just love summer, and Memorial Day is the start of summer (even when it's pouring rain and freezing cold)

I found my video from our fifth grade Patriotic Pageant. I'm not posting it though--don't even ask.

God Bless America and whatnot.