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London
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2/10 7:25 am
Here at SeaTac waiting for my flight. We should be boarding here in about a half an hour. So far this morning I got some Euros at a bad rate and also got breakfast here at the airport. The only thing I forgot to do before leaving was calling and telling the bank I would be using my cards in Europe. I tried this morning but they don't open til 8 so I'll have to do that in New York during my layover.
2/10 6:00 pm EST
On the plane here in NY and waiting for everyone to get seated. The last flight was pretty good but I was really hungry at the end. Since when are there no free snacks? So here in NY it was snowing a little when we landed but nothing was sticking. Once on the ground I hunted for food and fittingly enough my last American meal was McDonald's. Got that and some snacks to hold me over. I've heard several different accents and languages so far and will hear plenty more. This belt thing might be why my stomach is uneasy or maybe it's the excitement. Time to go!
2/11 11:05 according to Big Ben
I guess I will start off where I left off. The flight out of NY was delayed an hour once we were on the runway due to a traffic jam. I knew I would have to sleep on the plane so I tried to make myself. Unfortunately I only got about a half an hour and the rest was spent waiting patiently. The lady next to me had the right idea. She bought two little bottles of wine and she was out! I was jealous as she slept right through the landing. Oh I had coffee on the plane...first cup ever.
Once at the airport it was another new experience-Customs. Made me think of how quickly I got through compared to those who went through Ellis Island. So I got through and started to search for my train. Found it with a little help and was off to town.
After getting off at a stop and choosing not to catch a connecting train to my final destination for fear of getting lost on the wrong train, I walked into town from Paddington Station. On the train I was separated from my new friends by the morning commute but they said cheers as they got off at their stop. Oh, at the station I had a gross Burger King breakfast sandwich. It had link sausage on there but it tasted weird...oh and it had ketchup on there by default.
The first thing I noticed when I got off the train was how much I stood out thanks to my WSU sweatshirt. Must be an American huh. So I walked in through Hyde Park and saw Buckingham Palace but it was way too early for the changing of the guards so it was somewhat of a letdown.
Next I went to the bank dot on my map but accidentally went to the bank next door so I'm sure I will be charged a fee. Oh well, I have more pounds.
Then I took a tour of Westminster Abbey. It was huge! Amazing architecture! I thought it was odd that Darwin's remains are there and his birthday is tomorrow...
After that it was time for the good stuff. Big Ben and the Parliament. Didn't see any tour opportunities but got some good pictures. So now it is 11:25 and I am sitting near the London Eye debating about going on it. I'm leaning towards no but I'll be sure to write about it later. Going to the London Bridge after lunch. Cheers!
2/11 12:19
Stopped off for lunch near the London Bridge and realized the Tower Bridge is the cool one. That = more walking which is alright since tomorrow will be light. Oh and Coolio's "Gangsta's Paradise" just came on in here. Amazing.
2/11 18:33
Wow that was a lot more walking than I thought it would be. Probably should have worn these shoes in a little more than I did. Oh and my backpack is hurting my shoulders. The Tower Bridge was pretty awesome though. So I did that and walked back north in a zombie mode since I was so tired. I tried turning on my phone to see if there was an off chance that it would work but no and it won't let me use the alarm because it is "searching for service." Oh well. I guess I'll be relying on the watch.
So I huffed up to the hostel area. Couldn't find it at first but was more focused on finding a bathroom. Made it to Euston Station and had to pay to go but it was worth it. So I went back and found the hostel. Check in was easy and I went down to my room and my bed. Put my stuff in my locker and jumped into bed. I set the alarm on the watch but only vaguely remember turning it off. So I slept from about 4 til 6:15ish. Some Spanish people came in and started chatting but I was able to get some sleep. Got up and kind of explored the hostel a little. There is a bar and internet place which I will try and use. Now I'm at dinner trying the lamb shank...time to eat.
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