Advertisement
Published: December 1st 2008
Edit Blog Post
After a five hour nap the American boys in London were ready to hit up a pub and get some pints in 'em! We took to the streets to see the awesome Christmas lights that were hanging above. A bit of magic mixed with luck and a pinch of streetwise know-how led us to a dilemma: which one of the two open pubs should we choose? There was The Woodstock which looked like a winner and then across the road lay the Spread Eagle... which we just wanted to go to because it sounded cheeky. The Woodstock won out. With an incredibly interesting (not to mention educated) Brazilian import bar maid the evening started off with a few laughs and some good 'ol football rivalry between her and one of her patrons who we would later befriend. His name was Jamel and his cute little counterpart was Laura. Unfortunately on a Sunday night the pubs close early and we had to head out. Luckily enough London's version of street meat was still poppin. The boys had their first taste of fish and chips! Salt and vinegar abound we downed it in our buzzed state and started to
make our way back to the hostel. We realized that our bladders were about to burst. As we scurried on our way we not only were we in dire need of el bano, but crisps and sweets as well. We stocked up on Maltesers, Minstrels, crisps, and some other goodies. Sidenote: no flavor of Monster Munch is good. NOT ONE! Stay away from all Monster Munch.
While smoking some ciggs outside the pub I looked around me and realized just how much I love London. It feels good to be back. No waiting anymore. There is just now.
After the bartime ballyhoo described by my bro. The night began to wind down. We hung out in the common area in the hostel for about an hour. Reminising about the over long daynightday we had getting here, and how glad we were to be settled in. We proceeded to head to our room with an apple in hand for a game of "Bed Apple" where the object is to throw the ball to opposing bunk beds. Suffice it to say, the apple didn't survive. It was a grand and epic match to say the least. We
were going to sleep until 10 and get up to shower. Our beleagured bodies and minds couldn't handle the waking world any longer.
The sleep lasted for about 5 hours, and here we are; enjoying a breakfast at 3 pounds 95 that includes a pastry, yogurt or fruit, cereal, juice, and coffee or tea. A fantastic deal considering a grande late at starbucks is 4.15. Unreal. Anywho, we have quite the day ahead of us. Central London is about to get an eye (and ear) full of NYC. Excelsior!
The air is clear and cold this morning. My Mind is rested and sharp. Behold the dawn, and a new adventure waiting in the wind.
If you hadnt noticed yet, our first night in London was eventful and enjoyable. After breaking the cardinal rule of travelling overseas and sleeping for what felt like a fortnight, we got up at night and hit the streets. After some careful deliberation and a little luck, we ended up at The Woodstock where we enjoyed good drinks and better company.
Having slept for so much during the previous day, morning has come early. We sat in bed chatting
about the simpsons and the twilight zone to pass the time. As I laid in bed listening to recaps of classic episodes, my worries (of the financial sort of course, being laid off does that to you time to time) I had before coming here flitted to the front of my mind. I could have taken the safe way out, passed on the opportunity to have this experience, assuring myself there would be another time. Even if that were to be the case, it would not have been the same, this trip, the experience, its much less the places we are going and more who I am going with that makes this trip worth the risk, worth the worry and worth the sleepless nights I had.
Sitting here enjoying my tea, a line comes to me from a favorite song that sums up my feelings about this trip, I've worn out my hesitations, I'm made of destinations now.
Looks like I'm last to hit the mic on this post so i'll leave it short. London is a pretty bad ass place and we're enjoying it. The pub had a real great atmosphere and I learned a few things:
-Don't talk football with Londoners if you can't back yourself up. Be it Arsenal, Man Utd, or whoever else, some one will want to punch your face in if your going against their rival.
-Apparently, Stella Artois is for people who beat their wives (who knew). Also, as our friend Laura put it, "Fosters is shit. It's like piss water". Hilarious.
Lastly, here we are at breakfast getting ready for the day. I'm enjoying the much needed tea and cereal. Off to see Ben, Elizabeth, and the Parliment Funkadelic.
Music: Couldnt sleep... first to wake up. Needed some of Chicago's own Piglet to kill time and it did successfully.
Advertisement
Tot: 0.084s; Tpl: 0.011s; cc: 13; qc: 28; dbt: 0.0249s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1.1mb
natasha
non-member comment
Jealousy.
Jealousy is a horrible emotion that I am overcome with at the moment. Theres nothing like some good London air, fish and chips, and my favorite - the tube. "Mind the gap!" I should be leaving in a few hours to meet you guys, instead i'll be home trying to sleep off this headache these screaming babies are giving me. Sigh. I'll be reading every day so make it good. Don't forget to think of me when walking the red light district in Amsterdam while window shopping for hookers. God, I would have saved so much money tramping those windows than sleeping in a hostel! Have fun - be safe - hugs and kisses for all four of you!