Favorable Winds

On Sunday, I awoke to see the ocean below. The flight was just getting ready to cross over Ireland on the way to the UK.

Typical London

Once in the UK, I collected my bag and took the express train to Pattingson Station north of Hyde Park in London. I wasn't quite sure what to expect for the hostel, but it has turned out to be quite nice. Located in a quaint neighborhood off the main streets by 3 blocks or so. My roommies have also been great. I am in a room with 7 others for the first few days. They are from Germany, Central France, Sweden, and China.

Meet Monika (Tower London giant sword)

I have been touring with one of them. Her name is Monika and she is from Munich. In the day and a half of travel, we have managed to go to the Marble Arch, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Tower London, Tower Bridge, St. Paul's Cathedral, the Millenium Bridge, and Shakespear's Globe.

From Tower London (home of the Crown Jewels toward London Small S Nelon Building

Shakespear's Globe is funny. We just came across it while walking across the Millennium Bridge. We were told that we could get tickets for £5 to see Much Ado About Nothing with Eve Best from Nurse Jackie or The King's Speech. It was a spontaneously amazing show. The acoustics, building and actors were wonderful.

Millennium Bridge toward St. Paul's

At Hyde Park on Sunday, we saw the Speaker's Corner, where people literally get up on their soap box (step stools) and speak their mind about religion, politics, economics, etc and the crowd joins and debates. It was great to witness the social thought forum and watch how the people interacted with one another.

Door of St. Paul's

St. Paul's Cathedral was too good for words. We climbed almost to the top (only almost because it was closing). The building wanted to make me forget how heavy and solid it was with the large vaulted ceilings and arches, but the size of the columns would not let me. There is a lot more to discuss, but I need to go see more and plan the next leg of the trip.