Friday, July 30, 2010

London

We began our European travels with a week in London. We were lucky to avoid the high costs of accommodations by staying with some acquaintances in St. John's Wood, the neighborhood where Paul McCartney has his tea and where the Beatles took their famous Abbey Road picture. 

I was walking through this neighborhood, and stopped at a busy street to wait for the cars to pass. It took me until someone yelled out their window, "what are you just standing there for?!?" until I realized that I was on a "zebra" crossing, which meant that cars had to wait for ME. Whoops. As soon as I got over my embarrassment, I was able to laugh.

I enjoyed the diversity of London, spread out over miles and neighborhoods and connected by a wonderful underground train system. I was surprised to find that the museums are free and the churches and historical sights cost a fortune, which is the opposite of other places I've visited. So here are some photos from our trip. Even though we admired the British Parliament, Big Ben, St. Paul's Cathedral, London Tower, Tower Bridge, and Westminster Abbey, I decided to share some more experiential photos rather than the scenic ones. Missing from these photos are the comedy club we went to and the production of The Lion King, which were both very well done.

Our mode of transportation...
From London

Traffic Jam in the London Underground.
From London

These functional phone booths are everywhere. Perfect for tourists to pose inside for pictures.
From London
The alley where Sweeney Todd is said to have killed people to be made into meat pies. Tom looks scary, doesn't he? 
From London
Speaking of Meat Pies...
From London
At Borough Market, I enjoyed choosing from many different chocolate truffles.
From London

And in Whittard of Chelsea, a tea shoppe, I made my own tea. Green and Black tea leaves with peach, vanilla, rosehips, and cinnamon. mmmm!
From London

The old pub where Dickens frequented while working on a book. 

From London
Zaya and I pose with the Beefeater who gave us the tour of London Tower. He told us stories of the British royalty over the years.
From London
This modern bridge connects St. Paul's Cathedral with the Tate Modern, a fantastic modern Art museum. We enjoyed a free organ recital that echoed through the cathedral, followed by the museum.

From London
I like this photo that Tom took, and the statue.
From London

Ancient Aztec art amazingly preserved and on display in the British Museum. This is an actual human skull, decorated with turquoise mosaic.
From London
We are now in Germany...more stories and posts to come!
Karissa

1 comment:

  1. Karissa and Tom - I'm so glad we saw your parents a week ago - we are now reconnected to your blog. Sure missed hearing what was happening in your lives but reading about your London trip and seeing your pictures was wonderful. You two look so good! Can't wait to hear more. Lori and Fred P.S. Was so sorry we missed seeing you when you were at Judy's. Sob!

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