Metal Meredith

Blisters and History

We started today off at 9am. I can’t believe we slept in that long. I probably could have done more, but I felt bad sleeping in too long when there was a whole city we had to explore. We had a nice breakfast in the hotel of toast and yogurt. We would have loved to have some OJ and Apple Juice, but it seemed to be watered down beyond belief. Not sure if that is a cheap thing or a British thing. We are hoping it is the former. We walked to the Underground Station and bought a day pass for 4.80 pounds each. It allowed us full access to the city with one ticket.

Our first stop was Westminster. It was the first place that felt like the London we have seen on TV. We walked out of a dingy tube station to see Big Ben in full view. Surrounding the station entry was a pancake stand (that smelled delicious), a hot dog stand, and a souvenir stand. We took a few photos and looked behind us to see a group of American teenagers. The only thing I heard was “Kids, it is Big Ben” and one of the girls squeal, “I am so cold!” I might not have been that impressed with Big Ben, but I know when to acknowledge a landmark. Kids...geesh. We walked across the Westminster Bridge over the Thames and came to the London Eye, the Dali Museum and the Aquarium. I took some photos; we bundled up and bought tickets to the London Eye. The London Eye really looks, like Phil said, a giant bicycle wheel.

After, feeling very adventurous, Phil and I lunch.

MacDonald’s isn’t any different in the UK, by the way. Well, almost not. It seems that every place here has someone who cleans your table and tosses your trash for you. At Starbucks, someone comes around and cleans off tables after you leave. It is the same with MacDonald’s. But if you go to the grocery store, the cashiers sit behind the register and you must bag your own purchases. It seems oddly backwards.

We walked toward Westminster Abbey and passed the Parliament entrance along the way. It is an odd feeling to read banners and displays about President Bush while visiting another country. I almost wanted to go over and apologize. However, they seem to have the same thoughts about him that we do. Those who know me don’t need me to go into detail. There were 4 guards, two with machine guns. It was a far cry from the stories I have heard about English Police not having guns.

Right across the street was Westminster Abbey. First we were able to go into Margaret’s Church. I sat down for a moment just to say that I did. Then we toured the Abbey, which didn’t allow photos. I saw the tombs of Henry V, Elizabeth and Mary, lots of Edwards, Henrys, and many many people with noble names that I have never heard of. I stood in a room that was built around 1000 AD, lit a candle and said a little prayer (because it couldn’t hurt) and encouraged (read: gave the evil eye to) Phil to do the same. We stopped for the afternoon prayer with everyone else. I stood and took in the place where they had Princess Diana’s funeral for my mother. She loves all things royal.

After, we walked about 400 miles around the rest of London. Through the financial district where we exchanged some travelers cheques in a bank where they played Terrance Trent D’Arby’s ‘Sign You Name’ and ooo’d and awe’d at the fact that its wasn’t Kenny G or Celine Dion or Classical...in a bank! We caught the Underground again to Tower of London and walked another 393 miles to see the Tower Bridge. Inside the gift shop, there was a tiny, toy guillotine. It really worked.

Back on the Underground to Piccadilly Circus, where we decided out feet hurt too much to continue on. We went into the Virgin Megastore briefly to warm up where they were playing some vintage Michael Jackson. It was pretty cool. Phil wanted so badly to eat dinner in a pub. We walked into the Rat and Parrot and it was smokier than any bar at home. He had one beer and we opted to find another place to eat. It was like being trapped in a car with a cigarette. I couldn’t breathe!!

We ate Mexican food to see if that was different. Again, nope. Just like you would think. We popped down to the local market where Phil got this:

It is chocolate cake, topped with chocolate sauce, chocolate and white chocolate mousse, brownies, white chocolate chunks, chocolate candies and more sauce. It is appropriately named “Crazy Chocolate Overload” and it was a little disgusting.

Now we are exhausted, I have a bunch of blisters on my feet (Phil: Why didn’t you tell me? Me: I told you my feet hurt. Phil: Feet hurt doesn’t mean blisters, it means your feet are tired. Me: Great, next time I will be more specific.) And both of our legs are achy. I have a feeling our last day will involve taxis instead of walking. Go look...MORE PHOTOS!