Dollar, Dollar...Pound?

Hello everyone!
I started out my journey by heading from Denver to London, the flight had come in a little delayed at around 9:45 in the morning and what is the first thing I do in London? Okay, after the bathroom and after my buying my train ticket, I turned around to…Krispy Kreme. I know, so lame but I was hungry and I really wanted to get a bottle of water for later plus I wanted to check out their coins and get some small change. A chocolate frosted and sprinkled deliciously smelling donut later; I boarded the Heathrow Express to “the city”. There are several neighborhoods in London, as the place is VERY overwhelming. The capital and largest city of both the United Kingdom and of England, it is also the largest city in Western Europe and the European Union. Situated on the River Thames in South-East England, Greater London has an official population of nearly 8 million people — although the figure of over 14 million for the city's total metropolitan area more accurately reflects London's size and importance. London is one of the great "world cities," and remains a global capital of culture, fashion, finance, politics and trade (thank you Wikipedia). About half of the population in London is not even originally from England, pretty crazy right? I think I felt really comfortable here because it’s very similar to the United States, plus having everything in English doesn’t hurt either.
Once on the train, I ended up sitting nice to a very nice older man, we clicked right away and talked all about England and where he lives and how he came here to visit from New York and 16 years later hasn’t thought to book a return flight home. He worked in the TV business, but more on financing side of things, he was so friendly and after talking the entire ride, he offered to share a taxi with me into town, I was going to take the tube, but I figured why not. My family is probably freaking out that I went into a car with a complete stranger, but we had a driver in the car too and after doing this sort of thing before in Morocco, Thailand and other places, it just seemed natural. He showed me all around as we sat through the streets and traffic; we passed Parliament, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and St. James’ Park. It was a blast, he even paid for the taxi and told me to go and have a wonderful time traveling while I am still young and adventurous. We traded business cards, because he travels to the United States all the time for business, I told him he if came to Colorado I would make sure he tried some good ole’ mountain pizza (CU kids you better know which place I am talking about).
After that, I used my London travel guide (Thank you Sarah at the study abroad offices for letting me borrow it, this SAVED ME) and went to the Tower Bridge and the Tower Museum.

It was VERY cold outside and had snowed earlier that morning, I was glad I grabbed my jacket, leggings and ski socks out of my checked luggage, I probably would have never gotten outside without those. The museum was really cool, it talked about the proposals for the bridge, the history which revolved around this famous monument and how the bridge worked. We even got to check out the engine room, I loved it. The people here are so friendly and helpful. Unlike New York (Toby Lewis you are the only exception), they will help you with anything. The guy at the gift shop drew me a map, took me outside and pointed me in the direction and gave landmarks, and gave three different places to eat on way. AMAZING.

I did try to eat a one place and get the classic “fish and chips” along with a beer, but 1. I really do hate beer 2. The line took forever 3. I wanted to keep moving. Walking along the Thames River was beautiful, I loved looking back at the Tower Bridge (I have pictures I will post soon!) and seeing the different travelers speak different languages along the way. I kept walking and got a little lost, but sort of on purpose and stumbled (literally, there were stairs involved, but not as bad as when I tripped in Ketchum (Poli Sci building on campus) and I STILL have a huge bruise on my knee) into one of my favorite places. It was a market. Oh, I how I looove scrolling, wandering, tasting my way through markets. This one was not too big, but it had fresh food and cheeses, chocolates and coffee. Ooooh it was soo good. I almost got paella, then also empanadas, and settled on some falafel. It was delicious. I passed a little church (didn’t remember the name) and William Shakespeare’s globe theater. That was really neat to see. I also passed London Bridge, but it was pretty unimpressive in comparison to Tower Bridge, basically just looked like concrete over water. After walking a good ways, I found the Tate Modern museum. I really wanted to both of the “Tate” museums but after this one, I sat down and felt so drained. It was almost 3 pm and after going out the night before, getting barely any sleep on the plane I was exhausted. But, I figured was already in the museum, so I might as well wander around a bit. I really enjoyed seeing all the very modern looking art pieces, some were pretty crazy. Oh and the museum was free. :-)


I walked across the millennium bridge, look it up on Wikipedia or Google, its SOOO cool looking. Walked around St. James’ Cathedral, which was so beautiful. Then finally found the “underground” metro stop. I was planning on having tea on High Kensington Street and possibly checking out Notting Hill area, but I knew I would probably pass out on the street if I didn’t just head back to the airport before my flight. I had already had a headache (of course all of my Advil was in my first aid kit, in my checked luggage). It took me awhile to figure out the metro system, though it’s pretty easy to understand, I had to switch lanes and then wait for the express train. I returned to the airport around 4 and after checking in and security, I have been passing in and out of consciousness since 4:30 for my flight at 9:45. I really wish I could’ve been out more, but it was also 32 degrees outside and windy, not exactly wandering around streets in London weather. I will see more on my way back and I will have a longer layover. I would normally stay in a hostel, but I might book a cheap bed and breakfast and instead of running around the city perhaps stay in an area and wander around and just take it easy. Plus, that just sounds like so much fun. Maybe I will even go see a show on the West End (I have ALWAYS wanted to do that). :-)

The airport is pretty crowded, finally talked to my mom because I forgot to call the company telling them I need an international plan. Oh well, I forgot just one thing at least. So, I still was able to get what I really wanted in London. I am sitting at a bar (in the nice clean warm airport) eating fish and chips with the only beer I enjoy. When I ordered, the bartender was like do you want a half or full size? I looked at him for a second and I said, “The exhausted traveler would like the largest size for a beer please!” He said it will be right up! There are so many different languages and types of people in this airport, it’s amazing. The people next to me just had burgers and spoke French; I have seen saris and head wrappings. The one thing about traveling by yourself is it’s nice because you only have to do what you want to do and not what other people want and you don’t have to hear people complain about how tired and hungry they might be. I do not have anyone to complain to and if I did, people would think it would be pretty strange if I walked around talking to myself, well about…me. I was nervous going about being alone, but once I get off the plane I was ready to go! I get into Kuwait really early and cannot check in until ten am, so I will probably update then too. We will see I might just pass out in the lobby.
The only thing that has made me sad so far is the non-stop flight to Phoenix that left Heathrow about a half hour ago; I miss my family and everyone. I know this will be a great experience and for a second I almost forgot it was Hanukkah tonight and I have no candles, no menorah, no one to light them with and frankly security would probably attack me if I lit a flame. So do me a favor, wherever you are light a candle for me please since I am unable to do so.
Miss you all so much, cheering to you for a successful and safe experience for these next three weeks, talk to you soon.