London

Well, today has been eventful.  Actually, I should say the last few days have been eventful.

The volcano ash is causing problems again and I didn't think I was even going to fly out yesterday. Yet, the flight took off and we booked it to beat the ash.  Luckily, we made it, and I landed at Heathrow airport.  Unfortunately, I got there and the taxi I booked wasn't there.  So here I am, at 11 pm, in a country I have never been in.  I have no phone and I cannot contact this taxi service, and I didn't want to get another taxi because the other one was already paid for.  So after checking the internet with the computers at the airport and calling the company, only to find them closed, I decide to just pay for a another taxi.  On my way out, I see a taxi driver just coming in holding a card with my name on it.  Apparently he didn't realize that it is important to be on time to pick someone up from the airport.

After being a little frustrated with that situation, I finally get to the hostel at like 12:30.  Haley's asleep, so in the process of trying to wake her up to say hi, i accidentally woke up like everyone else in the room.  Oops.  It was interesting, though, because nobody really seemed to mind.  So apparently hostelers just have a much more relaxed attitude.  We didn't do much last night; I just caught up with Haley and couldn't fall asleep until like 6 am because of the time difference.

I woke up super early this morning to catch the free breakfast, and then Haley, her friend, and I went to Shakespeare's Globe.  It costs a lot of money and also requires a booking way in advance to get in and see a play, so I just had to take pictures on the outside. Kind of sad...

Then, Haley went back to Nottingham and her friend left for her flight to Chicago.  So I was left in London by myself, and let me tell you, it was strange.

I completely mastered the tube, though! It's strangely very easy to use, and I love it.  I feel comfortable going anywhere on it, really.  And, there are stops almost everywhere, so I don't think I can get totally lost, then.

I took a walking tour the went through the major tourist spots of London, just to get a variety, and it was really neat.  We saw Hyde park, Buckingham Palace (with British guards!), Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar square, and so much more.  It was about 3 hours long, and I am so exhausted.

Here are some interesting things I noticed about London:

Even when the British are mad or mean, their accent makes them sound so nice.
They wear leggings or tights ALL THE TIME it's insane.
Also, they wear peacoats obsessively.
Actually, they always look put together and cute, and I don't in comparison...
London is a lot like Chicago in that I feel pretty safe and I am able to navigate easily.
In fact, the tube is SO easy, I love it.
It rains.  A lot.  And it's always cloudy.  I thought it was just today, but apparently it is always like this.
The police don't have guns, just sticks. It's because guns are illegal.
They don't exercise nearly as much as Americans.

Now about hostels:
They are dirty and hot, but soo social.
Language barriers are there even within the same language.
The male to female ratio is SO uneven.  There are so many more guys.
I like them.

Anyway, London is great.  I knew I would like it,  but it's just great.  Honestly, their accents alone make it awesome.  But the history! I mean, there are interesting things that have happened here from 600! The US didn't even exist then.  Not for a long time after that.  I love that the buildings have history and the traditions are still in tact.  For instance, the queen doesn't have much power anymore, but they still hold true to a lot of the customs that have been put in place over the years such as celebrating her birthday and even having her live in Buckinham palace.  It's really neat, and I really enjoy learning about it.

Tomorrow I want to do more a lot more, but I also want to save some stuff for Krisi, too.  More updates to come!