london.

We have made it safely to London and found our hostel fairly easily. Though, when I booked our room, I did not realize how far we were from downtown. Oh well. Live and learn, right?

Payton and I had a pretty interesting start to the trip. First we were told that Virgin Atlantic was not in terminal five at O'Hare, but in terminal three. When we got there we found out that it is in terminal five, and had to go back. A good game of hide and seek to start off the trip - good thing we got there five hours early. Going through security was a fine time as well. Not sure if it was 'training day' on Tuesday, but it definitely took longer than it should have with the 'quick and easy scanners.' Though, what really made security interesting for me was the guy who could not seem to understand the woman telling him that he did not need to take off his pants, just his belt. Those things almost fell down a couple of times. Once on the plane, about an hour into our flight, we got to feel some rough turbulence and the plane actually dropped a bit. I have never experienced that before, only heard stories from people. It was definitely exciting for me, not so much for the girl sitting next to me who had not been on a plane since about first grade. She was a champ though. The captain came on the PA and told us he would like to apologize for the 'lumps and bumps' we were experiencing. Ha ha!

Once we got on the ground, which was an amazing landing, we got through customs and found Keith, who had flown over from Hong Kong. Decided to take the tube into London since the express train was about £32 ($52.68) and a cab would be around £100 ($164.64). No, thank you. The tube was £5. Got into London, found our bearings, and headed across Hyde Park, which is gigantic, to check in. After getting settled we left to explore the city.

We decided to walk through Hyde Park again and see the sights. Saw the Memorial Fountain to Princess Diana, pretty sweet. Covered with children. Walked down to Buckingham Palace and acted like tourists. The Queen was home, we said hey. Then had some grub at a pub - I had some bangers and mash and Payton and Keith both had the broccoli and cheddar soup, which looked delicious. I was practically falling asleep in my mashed potatoes; the time change really messed with me and I barely got any sleep on the plane. After lunch we ran to Trafalgar Square and saw the National Gallery. Random side note: the quote of London, 'Waity Katie,' is brought to you by Payton. Walked through Piccadilly Circus, which was all ripped up with construction, but amazing none the less. Bought a map. Saw the Hard Rock Cafe which Audrey and I stopped at back in 2008. And headed back to the hostel.



Napped. It was wonderful.

Got up for dinner - ate at a chinese place, Noodle Oodle, also delicious. Then went out to one of the local pubs to have a drink. I had a London Pride, pretty good. Keith had a Strongbow, said it was too fruity. And Payton...had something, which he liked. Then got back and slept.

Woke up early this morning and had breakfast, which is included. Amazing - corn flakes, white toast, and burnt coffee. Tried to find that map we bought earlier, no success. So we just got on the train and headed to Hampton Court, Siciliano would be so proud. Spent the day touring the gardens and going places we probably should not have been. Our secret. Walked around nearby East Molesey a little bit too. Bought some pita bread, hummus, and yogurt for a snack and held some guys old dog for him while he bought something. That dog was not going anywhere.

We decided to hit Wimbledon on the way back. Started walking to the complex and did not realize the time until we saw it. It was after 7 pm, probably closed...yep, closed. Got yelled at by some grumpy guard for walking in to talk to him and imitated him for the majority of the walk back. Ate at the Brewery Tap in town. Payton had some sort of meat sandwich (looked yummy), Keith had chili con carne (also looked yummy), and I had a burger...with a big, ol', black hair in it. Not so yummy. Headed back to our hostel and we have been relaxing ever since. Charging phones and playing Pingu.

Tomorrow we are having another 'tour day.' We will probably hit the London Eye, Westminster Abbey, a football stadium, and whatever else tickles our fancy. On Saturday we are heading on a day trip with Stonehenge in the morning and the afternoon in Bath. We'll most likely head out to find a local pub or maybe even a club that night, and drink away some more money. Random side note: the exchange rate here is disgusting. Then on Sunday morning we are heading off to Amsterdam through the chunnel.

I will post more when I can get to a computer.

steinkraus.