Thursday was my day adventure, of London. I took a different way there, by way of Braknall since Laura and I had forgotten that she had my passport in her purse...ooops, so... non stop to Waterloo (it's in London, but just outside). Just the end of the train station was a marvel of its own, I just had to take a step back to take it all in. Then, I had to go potty:) Needless to say, "Thank God for change", because I had to put in 30 pence. Lets just say I put my money to good work on that go, since it was my first time ever having to pay to "go"... I don't know how the rest of the Europe is, but in this town you really need to know how to "hold it" or just pay up to literally, push it out...I've heard of this, but never had encountered it until now :)
Next was the subway or "Tube" as they call it in the great underground. After a quick study of the tube system and some questioning locals, I made my way to Leicester square. This area really reminded me of Time Square of New York City. Lights, signs, hustle and bustle...I followed a group of people I somehow stumbled into and just followed. This led me into a huge area called Trafalgar Square. This area was used for great political debates, as a public forum due to it being the only area in London where a large group of people could gather and be heard with what they had to say, discuss, or protest. I've got pictures to prove its scale with statues of Lions the size of small elephants. Look at the size of people compared to the lions for scale.
Next was the subway or "Tube" as they call it in the great underground. After a quick study of the tube system and some questioning locals, I made my way to Leicester square. This area really reminded me of Time Square of New York City. Lights, signs, hustle and bustle...I followed a group of people I somehow stumbled into and just followed. This led me into a huge area called Trafalgar Square. This area was used for great political debates, as a public forum due to it being the only area in London where a large group of people could gather and be heard with what they had to say, discuss, or protest. I've got pictures to prove its scale with statues of Lions the size of small elephants. Look at the size of people compared to the lions for scale.
In this center I also went to the National Gallery of Art; paintings with art from the likes of Monet, Picasso and other dudes that like to paint naked women and photos of Gods and Monarchs. Breathtaking as it was I just couldn't stay for too long and off to be a tourist...only one day to scope out the city before Laura and I return in a days time.
I found my feet at the biggest traffic jam ever seen by me at this town center, 3 major streets converging into one spot, with cars wanting to go each different way.
I walked thru the newest tourist attraction, the Country Guards, protectors of the people on horses and such, Prince William is said to be in this "unit". They have two live horse and riders posted out front and one guard walking from the street to the inner grounds, ''pacing" back and forth all day.
Out with the horse-man and on to St. James park and Buckingham Palace. What a marvel both are. It took me some time just to make it to the palace since the park is huge and one of the most beautiful smelling places on earth that I've ever encountered. I had to stop and smell the "roses" as they say, plus all the other flowers I've never seen before. I took many pictures of them and will post them on another day because there are allot and are worthy of their own "picture day", but here's one. I do have to say I didn't feel like a pansy taking so many pictures of flowers because as I looked around...I noticed tons of other men taking photos of flowers too...so...
Out with the horse-man and on to St. James park and Buckingham Palace. What a marvel both are. It took me some time just to make it to the palace since the park is huge and one of the most beautiful smelling places on earth that I've ever encountered. I had to stop and smell the "roses" as they say, plus all the other flowers I've never seen before. I took many pictures of them and will post them on another day because there are allot and are worthy of their own "picture day", but here's one. I do have to say I didn't feel like a pansy taking so many pictures of flowers because as I looked around...I noticed tons of other men taking photos of flowers too...so...Then came Buckingham Palace and the men with the Funny Hats, shoes and marching.. The monuments that surround the area and the Palace itself is amazing. From what I heard, when the flag is fully extended up the pole, the Queen is "IN" the building, and IT WAS. I didn't see her, but I did see the men in the funny hats that are posted to protect her. Laura and I will be able to come here and see the actual "changing of the guard" in a day or so and I will post then what we see, this is still a day in London, right?
Time became an issue, I inhaled a hotdog and a coke, and hustled thru town to meet my train viewing Big Ben, the London Eye and other attractions. I took some pictures of these, but hopefully when I return with Laura, I will get pictures of us with them in the background, so I'll wait to post them until then.
After finding Waterloo once again, I grabed the best snack I've now put at the top of my list..Ham with provolone on a short french bread and a coke...yummmy. Needless to say it was hard not to fall asleep on the hour ride back to Bracknell, just out of fear of possibly waking up and not knowing where I was...which is kind of everyday life anyway right now, but that would be B A D...
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