Touched Down in London Town!

Apparently tales of London Fog are merely fable. I expected 40s and 50s and what kind of weather did I find? Warm and sunny 70s. The English became toasty Brits as they basked in the sun at Hyde and Regent's Parks (near to where Mary and Nik live) --  and honestly don't think I've seen so many white people lounging around on the grass. It was like Waikiki beach minus the beach and bathing suits, and people were everywhere: in business clothes, jogging, taking a stroll with their partner, chatting with girlfriends and wine, reading a book, snogging on the grass, walking their tots.

In the evening pubs were filled to the brim, and men spilled outside for after work drinks.  (I'm told it's a bloke thing to have a beer with the guys after work.  Hardly any women, although pubs offer fruity drinks like strawberry beer.)

Below are photos of both Parks. Regent's Park was filmed in the "The King's Speech." Also, Regent's will be utilized for the Olympics 2012. Latest word is that both parks will broadcast the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton on gigantic screens, and many women will sport bridal gowns and sip champagne in the parks. The Brits are even granted a four day weekend for the wedding!

*Note: The peace sign is a signature Asian, especially Japanese, trend in photos.

** The UK doesn't subscribe to euros. I felt like an ignoramus attempting to purchase a ticket with euros instead of pounds.

Recognize this from a recent Academy Award-winning film? Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush had an argument right about here.

Day 1: The Double Decker Red Bus: The Original London Tour

 

It's always been my dream to travel throughout London via the vibrant red bus. And it certainly wasn't disappointing.

Basking in yet another lovely day of sunshine, and with Londoners decidedly cheerier, we saw the London Bridge, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Parliament, St. Paul's Cathedral (one of the choices for the upcoming royal wedding), Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, Tower of London (yes, the execution place), Shakespeare's Globe, and the National Gallery amongst many other English landmarks.

Our tour guide was witty and full of English charm and clever factoids. Did you know "wharf" is actually an acronym for Warehouse and River Front?

 Big Ben from a distance atop the Double Decker.

 

Photos Above: London Bridge; back of The Palace

  

 
          

  

One of four bronzed lions built to protect the city. Each lion faces a corner. It seems very Narnia-esque particularly with that highschooler sitting on it.

 This sign is posted in Tralfagar Square. Whatever happened to the compassionate "Feed the Birds" from Mary Poppins?

Thus far I'm most impressed with London's international flavor. There is a level of sophistication to this kind of melting pot that feels... distinctly London. And English girls are lovely, and some even have the porcelain skin from a BBC film. English blokes... not so bad either.

Cheerio.