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Parliment
Standing in front of the Parliment Building on a beautiful sunny day! This morning I woke up on the plane to the stewardess handing me a nice warm breakfast. It was 11 am London time. 90 minutes later I safely landed at Gatwick aiprot. Jeneva and I excited the plane and headed to customs. The guy quized me about my trip and stamped my passport, then directed me to baggage claim. My backpack was waiting for me. Jeneva and I both were taking the Gatwick express so we went to buy our tickets. Then we said goodbye, snapped some more pictures and promised to remain in touch.
On the train I called home, they were happy I was safely abroad.
The train arrived at Victoria Station and I followed my directions to Astor Victoria hostel about 4 blocks away. There was a line out the door ready to check in. Some annoying sorority girls from my flights were among them, so I diverted my attention to some guy sitting by the front door by himself. Found out he was also traveling alone, his name was Harry and he's from Minnesota, USA. We decided to keep each other company while exploring London for the first time. I went to lock my bag up and
Beautiful London
Thought this was cool from Talagfer Square. That's Big Ben in the distance! ran into my bunkmate Samuele, who is Italian/Sicilian from Denmark, traveling alone. Harry and I now have another travel buddy! We set out into the city without a plan. We walked toward the river and ran into the Parliment building and Big Ben. We then explored the Tate GAllery, Westminster Abbey, Royal Guard headquarters, Talagfer Square, the National Gallery, and the views from the Bridges. Before we knew it, we were starving!
We saw a sign at Silver Cross Pub for £7 Fish and Chips (a pretty good bargain by London standards). Harry and I, being the American tourists that we are, decided this was a must! Coupled with a local pint of Bombardier Ale, I had a delicious meal.
Samuele told us about his passion for fashion, which was clear from his snazzy red button down with ascot and long flowing locks. His hair, way nicer than mine. I was impressed. Samuele was taking pictures of fashion in London for a publication he was working on.
It came time for Samuele to attend a concert/club he had an interest in and Harry and I traveled to the Shakespeare Globe Theatre, London Bridge and the Tower Bridge, which had its
Westminster Abbey
In front of Westminster Abbey! Beautiful. drawbridge raised for an antique looking sailboat. It was quite a sight. As we crossed the Tower Bridge, we witnessed the changing of the guard from across the river. It wasn't nearly as cool as the changing of the Queen's calvary that we happened to stumble on at guard headquarters. The horses were beautiful and the level of structure/disipline from the Queen's guards is amazing. After Tower Bridge and gazing at London Tower Harry and I took the Underground back to the hostel. In transit we picked up a few beers from the Czech REpublic. We later sat ouside the hostel looking at the London streets and people watching the other foreigners staying at Astor Victoria. By the time I finished my second beer, it was time for bed.
I did learn that Harry's birthday is Thursday, the day after I leave London. So tomorrow, Wednesday, we must celebrate!
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