There's No Place Like London

Sooooo.... I didn't sleep last night. At all. Some combination of jet lag, parents' snoring, trying to go to bed early, not taking any Ambien, and the anticipation of being in England kept me tossing and turning all night. Luckily, the day only got better and better.

From a delayed flight to British customs to overloaded train to taxi to hotel, traveling took a good part of the day. There were some particularly frustrating moments, especially the ones involving my incredibly heavy suitcase, but now the trip is all play and no work. My mom's conference is over, it went really well for her, so we celebrate in London.

We are staying at the Lynton Hotel in Belgravia, near Buckingham Palace and Piccadilly Circus. The taxi dropped us off on a street lined with apartment buildings, which look nothing like our apartment buildings, and there was nothing to tell it apart from the other residences than a sign above the door. We were immediately met by the delicious smell of curry. 'Simple Simon' runs the hotel and was making himself a late lunch. Our room is on the fourth floor, which somehow requires six flights of stairs to get to, and with all our luggage... I'm sure you can imagine the struggle.

After taking a breather, we head out into the streets. It was an unusually nice day out, hardly any clouds, bright sun, and a light breeze. Great weather for walking. Starving and unable to decide between going to eat at a pub or an Indian restaurant (after smelling the curry it was almost irresistible, but then a beer sounded good), we decided to hit the pub first, walk off our meal, and then grab curry on the way back. Awesome plan, right? We ate at a pub called the Bag O' Nails and I had my very first ever fish n' chips! They were soooo delicious. I was worried I might not like this English diet staple, I usually don't care for fish, but this fried dish was mmm mmm good. English beer: good.

Our stomachs sated, we walked. We walked past Buckingham Palace and through St. James Park. It was gorgeous. There was a great pond with all sorts of ducks, geese, and swans. Quite a few flowers were still in bloom, and the trees were beautiful. People everywhere. We continued through Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately depending on how you look at, it is Sunday and most all the good shopping was closed. We were true to our word and stopped at an Indian Tandoori restaurant on the return walk. I ate too much, the food was so tasty. We probably walked about five or six miles total, which is far enough to excuse two dinners, right? I hope so.

Lying in my bed, stomach bursting, I'm blogging and what sound comes to mine ears? Oh, tis the popping sound of fireworks! No joke, I look over about five minutes ago and there is a full-fledged firework show not far in the distance. For what? No idea. Kenn thinks it might have been the ending to a soccer game. Whatever it is, it was the icing on the cake of my first day in London.

**Note**: Lots of pretty people in London, it's a bit intimidating. I've seen a lot of young people on the streets and in pubs having a great time and it makes me miss my friends very much. If you're reading this, I miss you! Wish you were here! :)