The first day in London was a Monday and boy was it quiet! I wonder if that was because some people made it a long weekend. I'm not complaining, this made it very easy to get around.

First we went to the British Museum, which was very close to the hotel. We decided on the Parthenon exhibit because Maren was recently in Greece and saw the structure. Then we looked at the Middle East exhibit, as I am completely obsessed with the Ottoman empire.
Next -- to the London Eye. Everyone I know suggested we go to the London Eye. It really is a great suggestion. Not only can you view some of the best London sites from the sky, it is also great orientation to the city in general.
For example: I had no idea we were so close to Westminster Abbey until the ride.
So that's where we went next. I was expecting the tour of the Abbey to be about an hour. Well you can choose the inclusive tour or a highlights only tour. The regular tour ran about two hours! It was a very interesting tour, especially if you enjoy UK history. Many historical people are buried under the church, from dignitaries to scientists to poets. One of the funniest to me was that Oliver Cromwell was buried there for only a few years, then dug up, hung and decapitated and hung in Westminster Hall.
Lastly, we went to the Tate Modern Art museum. There is so much to do there that we spent most of the day. I do recommend taking a break at some point and going up to the top floor restaurant. There is a beautiful view overlooking the Thames, and it is a great point to recharge.

Labels: british museum, london, london eye, tate modern, trips, westminster abbey

Sweet Dreams and Goodnite

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It's a bit strange to be in London. I've been in Europe for only a few weeks, but was still excited to be in the "English" element. Not having to worry about being understood is freeing. However, I think I took for granted that London would be nearly the same as any large American city. It's not. It is still pretty European. Which is nice, but jarring.
There are plenty of things that are different. Obviously the whole driving thing. I thought that only mindless Americans forget that the cars drive on the opposite side of the road, and that anyone with two brain cells could easily adapt to the British way. Well, either that is not the case, or I have the said two brain cells. While I realize that the traffic is different and that I should be careful when crossing the street I still need a few moments to figure out the direction of traffic... particularly if cars are not yet visible.
Two bits that seem distinctly European to me: The restaurants close between lunch and dinner. Again, I took for granted that the attitude would be similar to Americans and that whatever I want would be available whenever I want it. Lastly, and this is the big one to me... the housekeeping staff at the hotel is a bit paternal. In the states, 98% of hotel housekeeping merely cleans the room and makes the bed. Overseas, they want to organize all of your personal effects for you. While superficially this seems nice, I would rather keep my privacy. It's weird to know that someone has been going through your things and moving them around. Particularly toothbrushes. Hey, call me obsessive compulsive, but the unknown and germs and my toothbrush freaks me out. On this visit to London, housekeeping even moved some of my computer items into my bag. weird.

Anyway, I promise the next post will be more about London and site seeing!

Labels: cultural differences, london, trips

Sweet Dreams and Goodnite

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