Pembridge Gardens London

... you say "feel the burn?"

We spent the rest of the afternoon finding a bus station that had the company, which screwed us in Prague. We finally returned that ticket (with a penalty of course). We went to a grocery store for a quick bite and then headed to JP and Antje's flat up in Harrow.

We went out to a pub for dinner and a beer. And spent a low key night hanging out in the flat and catching up with Antje (JP was out of town).

... again, 'computer says no'. Not very helpful. This all happened in the south terminal, and they had suggested I go to the North terminal, so I did, and asked the 'hotel reservation' place there, and she was like "the courtesy bus is outside across the street" - why did the others not know that, grrrrr?! (BTW. The 'courtesy bus, is £3 - not 'free courtesy')

To add to all that, there is only ...

... t have enough time to see it before it closed, so we had to put that off for a couple of days. We battled the peak hour crowds and had a bit of shop on Regent St (where I purchased myself a pretty new phone :) ) and caught the tube back to Paddington Station. It was a quiet and cheap dinner back in the hotel room that night, as we were up early the next day. A big Greyline tour bus picked us up at 8am the next morning to take us on a day trip to Windsor ...

... the museum. We couldn't go in the Westminster Abbey because it was Commonwealth Day, and the queen would be arriving soon. Next we went to Buckingham Palace, and we saw (I'm sure you've guessed it already...) Changing of the Guard. (Ahhh, here is where the tourists have been hiding! I'd felt like we hadn't seen that many yet, was wondering where they were!) Well I myself found the Changing of the Guard to be ...

... and quite safe. Also, there are tons of delicious curry restaurants lining the High Street (what they call 'Main Street').

The nearest tube (subway) station is Tooting Bec, which is in Zone 3. The inner part of London is zone 1, and the subsequent zones make concentric circles out from that. Tooting Bec is on the Northern Line of the tube. I have come to hate the Northern Line since I have to take it everywhere. Also, it has the reputation of being the slowest and of ...

... perfectly refreshing after the voyage. I was a little more personable afterwards. Much had changed since parting ways in Rishikesh and we took some time to hear about one another's adventures. We then went to Covent Garden for dinner. From the subway station to the restaurant we were surrounded by the glory of London- cafes, busy sidewalks, public plazas, and street performers. Having arrived from Dubai, the basic ability to walk and use trains was phenomenal. I barely ...

... of four) courses in the "Seafood Feast" which I had ordered (and was, of course, recommended).  The food is delicious and plentiful, but I can't help but feel that I picked a poor time to eat here, as I couldn't fully appreciate it in my present state. Hour 30 - I am completely wiped out, but I don't want to waste one of my two nights in London.  The same company which leads the free walking tours (New Europe) is ...

It lies written, it is all recorded in my little black books... I have held them in my hands, all four of them, the one's that got away from my destructive moods. They lay in between my fingers but I could not destroy them, no, even the sight of those four bundles is making me ache a little. I read a page, I read another and I glanced upon a fantasy from long ago... Drinks with the group on Sunday have meant I sat ...

... into these rooms with the ceilings and trim work is sooooo impressive. And the artwork that they have hanging on the walls is wonderful. When I was going through the security check they searched my entire bag. I guess I looked suspicious since I had not shaved in a couple of days. I was a little scruffy. The Tower of London and Tower Bridge were a real treat to see. I always thought London Bridge was actually Tower Bridge ...

... one double bed (more like a 1.5) and a single bed (more like .75). Two closets (one is a bathroom) and a fridge. Perfect! So being the wise gypo I am, I knew exactly where to find a mini Ukplugged hairdrier, a kettle and space heater. Sorted. I was so excited to see everyone!!! Catie swiveled and then went straight to bed. I went straight to the starting dock with my jumper and then socialized for hours! I've missed all my mates!! Then unpacking and to bed. Work starts tomorrow.