Getting to London

After having spent all day in the Detroit airport, it was finally time to get on my plane that would end up at Heathrow Airport in London. I meant to sleep the entire way so as to adjust to the time in Europe more easily, but the people sitting next to me were interesting...so it didn't happen. There was a lady from Minnesota who when she asked what I was going to be doing got really excited because her favorite new hobby is to make bread. She asked what my favorite flour was. She was going to London to visit a friend and had so many stories to tell. A guy sat down in the middle of our conversation and said that his parents own a wheat farm and he is currently trying to convince them to mill their own flour. He was on his way to Liberia to set up some kind of legal aid. He was a law student at Michigan. (sorry Ashley) We all spent most of the time chatting instead of sleeping.
I arrived in London to friendly customs officers and easy bag pickups and then had to decide which ticket would best get me to the London St. Pancras/ King's Cross area where my train would be leaving the next day. I finally chose the Heathrow Express (the more expensive option I quickly found out) to get me to Paddington Station and then to London St. Pancras from there. I easily found the luggage storage area after packing an overnight bag in the bathroom and stashed my luggage for a total of 12 pounds. Then I was off to be a tourist in London!
I started off by taking the tube to Westminster Station, somewhat unaware that I would be coming out at the Thames and right under Big Ben, quite a shock! There were tons of tourists being offered paper flowers and then quickly asked for money 'for the children' while they were taking their pictures. I got my own touristy type pictures of the Thames, the London Eye, and Big Ben. Then I set off in a direction that I was hoping was correct, about 10:15 am by now. I soon realized I was in the right direction (sneaking glances at my map and guide book from time to time) as I saw a group of protesters in the square across from Westminster Abbey. People were walking and taking pictures, so it was a slightly dangerous group to walk alongside! Really beautiful though of course, it was very cool to recognize all of these things of which I have long seen pictures.
I loved seeing the cabs in their characteristic shapes and the policemen with thier characteristic hats. Upon passing the Ministry of Defense I saw a police officer with a machine gun- quite surprising to me! I then found a small park next door that overlooked the Thames where I could sit and get my bearings. It was a slightly overcast day, but wasn't raining so I was very happy! I then realized that I had about 1/2 and hour to make it to Buckingham Palace for the changing of the guard so I set of in a direction that didn't seem to see many tourists. I got to see a cool little neighborhood with lots of shops holding hundreds of baguettes filled with a huge variety of sandwich ingredients. I also passed by a small street market with Indian food and books. MMm! I finally made it to Buckingham Palace at just the right moment along with the masses of tourists. I was beginning to forget that I was in an English speaking country! The ritual was neat to see in real like, but a bit anticlacmatic....the Royal Army Band played a medley of Ricky Martin songs!
I then walked along the Mall and in the park leading to Buckingham Palace. It was a beautiful place with a pond, rugby, and lawnchairs for rent. I kept walking through and found myself in the Embassy District, the first I saw being Uganda's. I think this place was the National Museum with huge statues of lions flanking the square, but I didn't go in. Instread I got a 'Salt Beef Deli', a tortilla filled with salt beef, mustard mayo, sauerkraut, and gherkins. It was much needed along wih some water and picked up my energy level a bit. I then set off for the Tate Modern Museum. It was a cool place on the opposite side of the Thames. While crossing I got a nice view of London Bridge, and the Globe Theatre- more recognizable to me than I would have thought. The museum was really cool and I got to see works from such artists as Picasso, Monet, and Matisse. It still blows my mind every time I see a work of art from one of those really famous artists, let alone so many.
I later went to meet my friend Joel, who I met in China, at a red phone booth at Oxford Circus. We had nice lagers and then went to a delicious Thai restaurant. WE had a fantastic meal of fish cakes, pad see-ew (both of which my homestay family taught me how to make while in Thailand), Massaman curry, and Singha. The best Thai I have had in a long time! He then took me on a laid back London night tour amongst some decently heavy rain, fun times indeed.!
The next day we went to the most amazing outdoor food market I have ever seen near London Bridge! We walked up and there were the largest wheels of the freshest (well maybe not- they were aged forever, but that's how it should be) cheeses I have ever seen in one place. Most offered sample, so I just went down the row trying them all. There were also people selling huge amounts of fresh artisan bread, gorgeous sea food (the tuna looked amazing), pastries, and produce (I had no idea pirple asparagus existed!). We made it to one of Joel's favorite vendors for a sandwich with chorizo, pickled bell pepper, and spring mix greens. It was delicious and I actually liked this more tame version of the bell peppers that I am used to! We sat on the Thames and ate our goods- mm! WE then headed back to find a raw oyster vendor so that I could have my first taste of the delicacy. I out some kind of red wine vinegar with onions on one and then tobasco and lemon juice on the other. I was shocked with how clean and fresh the flavor was and how much I liked them. Onward to some delicious cappucinos with the creamiest froth I have ever had!
We then went to a Thai style street market with the kinds of booths that you could get lost in! Brought back so many memories! Throughout my time in London I had noticed that everyone wheres grey or black, or black or grey. Here I think was all of the color in London- great for people watching! It was time then to head back to the train station to catch my train. A fun time indeed in London!