London

Before I begin with London, I want to say I do apologize for not keeping everyone updated! It has been quite difficult finding internet access-without spending my entire days food budget.

Our flight was quite good coming into London, although alot of turbulance, and despite Heathrow having such a poor reputation for confusion, we got through it problem free. I knew it was a good day when on our way to baggage collection, I found 10 pounds!! It is always so funny when we wait at the baggage carousel because of the reactions to our backpack covers. Our covers are made from drappery fabric in this most tacky red and gold pattern, and when people see them they just gravitate towards them and touch them....I dont think they even realize they are doing it. I must admit they are definitly something to look at, but hey....it cost us only $3 to make and our backpacks stay in good condition.

We got on the Tube and took the Victoria Line train towards our hostel.....according to the internet directions. It turned out that these directions were actually for the Astor Hostel Victoria not the Astor Museum Hostel! Luckily, the girl at the front desk was very helpful and directed us to a bus that would take us to the other side of town to our hostel. The #24 bus actually turned out to be a pleasant tour of the city. For 2 pounds we got a mini tour of London, seeing the government buildings and just the everyday streets of London. From the bus stop we had to walk 15 minutes or so to Montague Street...not to be confused with Montague Square which is located directly beside it. At this point the rain began to fall and we were soaked head to toe! Despite the rough route to the hostel we were still quite chipper upon arrival becasue really...how can you get upset about getting lost and rained on in London....you´re in London!!! Whenever we get lost I always take it as an extra bonus, becasue only when you get lost do you find the best of a city..the real city.

The Astor Museum Hostel was quite nice and you really felt like you were in a hostel. I say this because the reception area was covered in maps, postcards, posters and mismatched paint, giving off a cozy atmosphere. The people at the front desk were very nice, and liked to party with the guests, and they tried their best to give you directions..although not always accurate. Upon arrival, they told us about a pub crawl that was happening that night which happened to be free for ladies...

Trying to get ready to go out partying is a challenge when you are backpacking. Shall I wear three day old shorts or 4 day old pants? We managed to throw together an outfit consisting of a wrinkled dress from the botttom of our bag and some nylons purchased from the local beer and wine store...how classy...I know, but you must improvise while travelling I am learning.

The Pub Crawl was so much fun, and we got to meet lots of great people from our hostel. The guide, Geramy, was lots of fun and took us to a variety of different places. We got to first go to The Penthouse, a swanky lounge up on the top floor of a building overlooking the London Eye and Picadilly Circus Square, followed by 3 more popular London night clubs. I would definitly recommend doing a pub crawl if you want to get a taste of a city´s nightlife without commiting to one club you don´t know too much about.

The following day we ventured to a Cambden Market and explored the many stalls of art, jewlery, erotic barbies, clothing and food. There was something for everyone there, including a store called Cyberdog that was basically a space age clothing store in a nightclub. It was neat, because part of the market is in an old horse hospital, so there were many beautiful horse statues placed around the market. We ended up walking the entire way back home to our hostel, spending some time in the red telephone booths and Russel Square park. The walk back was so nice and peaceful and a great way to see London. That night we went to a little pub in Soho called Nine and had a wonderful and affordable Sunday roast beef dinner, followed by a great comedy show we came across at the London Comedy Club in Picadilly Circus.

Our second day in London was spent sightseeing. We explored the parliament buildings, snapped some pictures at Big Ben, and admired the London Eye. We found our way to Buckingham Palace and spent some time strolling the park, watching people feed the birds. It was surreal when we made our way out of the park to the huge square in front of Buckingham Palace. It was so elaborate and the the gates were georgous with the royal emblems and gold accents. I must add that the guards in front of the palace truly do not move...I watched very carefully. Our tour of the Buckingham Palace was a little pricy, at 17 pounds, but it was worth every last cent. I cannot explain how elaborate the palace was inside....every room you walked in, you just stood there in shock. It was exactly what you would imagine the queen to live in, so elaborate and over the top, yet not tacky in any way...just perfect.

We went to the Strand Hotel for high tea later that afternoon. The tea was nice and strong and the three tiered array of treats was fantastic. There were the traditional crustless cucumber sandwiches, raison scones and clotted cream, and the top was filled with coffee cakes, caramel squares, and fruit bavarian cake. What an indulgance that was! I will add that we did indeed drink our tea with our pinkies up!

London was from what I have seen, a wonderful city. Full of history and old buildings, yet also filled with vibrant new artists and aspiring musicians. It seems to have something for everyone whether you want to enjoy the nightlife, wander through an art gallery, or picnic in a park. We did not spend nearly enough time in London, but I am so thankful for every second that I did.