Reading

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Currently we are in Reading (like "red" with an "ing"; colour in action). We were dropped off at a bus station that is in the middle of nowhere. Well, it's somewhere, obviously, but it felt more like the bus driver was trying to get rid of us where he dropped us off (to be fair, however, he did warn us before we got on the bus). Reading is a small town, but the people we're staying with (Radha and Amol, a cute married couple) are extremely enjoyable. Tomorrow, we're off to Zurich where we'll be picked up by our new Swiss family and taken to another small town in Switzerland.

Now some back story: We found a bus that traveled from Dublin to London. The first question that you are obviously asking yourself is if the UK has a secret form of transportation involving buses and floatation devices for seamlessly crossing large bodies of water. Well, the answer is that it does. It's quite impressive, really. The bus super-inflates its tires and large inertubes are deployed beneath the bus in conjunction with a rather large propeller. It's amazing, I know. Unfortunately, we weren't able to take pictures since it was much too dark, and I wasn't about to climb outside the bus to take pictures with a flash on (much too cold, you know).

Anyway, we traveled all night on the bus, and it was quite uncomfortable. We arrived in London about eight-ish in the morning, at which point we headed for our hostel called the Central Hostel, located only a few blocks away from the first hostel we stayed in a month ago. The people at the Central Hostel were quite enjoyable, and if we had to stay in London again we would surely stay there if we could.

At this point, the travel party had been reduced to two, as Genny, our third, traveled to Nottingham to stay her final days. We two decided to explore London a bit more this time 'round, and explore we did. First, we ventured to the Portabello Market, a large collection of trinkets, rags, and food spanning several blocks. While exploring the market we stopped in for a bite to eat at a vegetarian restaurant called The Grain Shop. Even if you're not vegetarian, this is greatly recommended. Wonderful food that will surely fill you up--ask for a large bucket and keep it open so you can pile the food high. The following days we saw all of Hyde park, but it's difficult to know if we've seen every blade of grass since it is quite large. It's a beautiful place, even in the winter, and anytime you walk through it you are bound to see dogs, ducks, swans, other birds, all kinds of people ranging from little children to the youthfully challenged, various statues and even a gallery or two, vast stretches of land, and many vertical logs with leaves. Traveling on we also visited the Tate Modern Museum (a must see, even if you don't understand what art really is--who does?); the grand Tower of London, which is actually more of a castle with a number of intriguing stories of love and murder; the Tower Bridge of London, which many people confuse with the London Bridge because of its more immaculate appearance; the London Bridge, which is actually quite plain, but no less spectacular; and absolutely gorgeous views across the River Thames (pronounced "tames").

Finally, we left for Reading, where we are now, spending our time in great company with Radha and Amol.

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Photos

In front of the Tower Bridge
This is a picture of me near the Tower Bridge in London. Many people think that the Tower Bridge is the London Bridge (it isn't!) We saw the London Bridge, there wasn't much to look at so instead we decided to post a picture of the Tower Bridge.

A walk along the Thames
A snapshot of Radha, Chris, and Anushka taken by our personal professional photographer Amol.

We've lost our marbles!
Radha, Amol, and me playing marbles in their home in Reading.

Comments

[Genevieve]

That's Lovely
Ummmm. I can't believe you went to the Tate Modern. You suck. And the tower of london? I will cut you. I saw a working windmill in Nottingham so HAH. No really...after all Chris' talk about the Tate Modern.....EXPLAIN.

[Khalid]

Sorry for being an Ass!
Hey Anu! I am so sorry for being an ass lately. I had to come back to Iowa on Friday (the day I IMed you). I will let you know the reasons on phone sometimes. Since then, I have pretty much been travelling for work - Kansas City, Wisconsin, Canada, Baltimore, and now I am in New Jersey. I am spending most of my time traveling for work - in the beginning it was fun - but now it just sucks. Anyways, I am sure you will understand - like always! It's so awesome that you are visiting Europe. Nice pictures - and I wish I could be there. Had a chance to visit Belgium? My old home! Oh...my phone no has changed - 319-210-5401. When are you coming back? I promise the next time I make a trip to Virginia, I will come straight to your place from the airport. And enjoy the rest of your trip in Europe!