London, you are dear to my heart. The first time I went to London was June of 2008. After a very long and sweaty plane ride, is it just me or do they not air condition planes enough? I stepped a ballet flat out to a muggy and over cast city. All of a sudden I'm overcome with my "London soundtrack" playing in my head with out any hesitation (or ipod for that matter). As "London Calling" blasts and I sing along in my head, I hope on the tube ("mind the gap") and get off at King's Cross Station.
Now, having been a few places with subways I have the expirence to say London is the idiot's survival guide for getting places. It could not be easier. That said, even my jet lagged behind could find my hostel. After checking in to the Ashley House hostel, not too bad but have you people ever heard of an elevator bigger than a litter box? thanks. The only logical solution was to find a real English pub...
Are you thinking perhaps we stormed in to find Prince Harry and his rugby team? Wrong. What did happen though was the soundtrack to Grease. The whole soundtrack. Every hair slicking lyric. After I was through standing on a chair and pumping my arm a la John Travolta we ordered what the bartender reccommended. A lovely, delicate, lady like drink - "snake bites." Hello, I'm drunk.
After the snake bites wore off, we showered, completly broke the hair straightener, we decided to do a little night walking to see the sights. Those of you who have been to London understand when I say, London has a "feel". It has a way of wisking you off your feet, to this day I still remember the way I felt the first time I saw Big Ben.
This picture is in fact false. Yes I took it but that was not the first time I saw Ben. The first time was by mistake, at night, remember how I said the tube was idiot proof? I'm the idiot who got off on the wrong stop and landed with my nose against ...
So here you go, my first night and my first real view of Big Ben. I almost think I see peter pan flying around somewhere. That night truley was incredible (minus the scent of burnt hair). After walking around Parlament, we walked all the way to Buckingham Palace (Kate Middleton, who?) to get our private view of the place. Just as magical as I imagined. Looking back, I wish I had been more prepared. Why, you ask? I wish I had thought to research a decent adaptor for all things electric. Unfortuantly, I did not. And this mess is the result of it.
Also, if you'll notice this is front of Buckingham Palace. Class all the way.
Since we landed late afternoon this is pretty much all we had time for the first night. There is more to come, much more, but for now I leave you with some thoughts. Do NOT let a guy named "Sam" who works at the corner liquor store cut off your hair curler cord in attemps to make it fit into the outlet. Do NOT tell him "sure" when he asks to come pick you back up from your hostel to hang out. This is how horror movies are made.
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