Western Europe: England

Hey hey hey!!!

Finally got some internet time, so I thought I'd post a quick update.

I'm feeling tons better since I've gotten some proper rest, a real breakfast, and some antibiotics. Met Rachel at the airport on the 22nd, and I've been showing her around London ever since. Apparently, she's always avoided this city while living in the UK, so we've been relying on my mad travel\guide skillz for enjoying this great town.

I've seen several great sites here, but I'll just go over some of my personal faves.

Winston Churchill War Room Cabinet Bunker was excellent. Its basically a bomb proof shelter where Mr. Churchill lived during WWII while planning Britain's war strategy. After the war ended, it was immediately abandoned and everything was left exactly how it was during the war. Basically, the place was sealed up and forgotten, only to be rediscovered again in the 70's. I've seen it several times on the history channel, but seeing it in person was spectacular.

Hyde Park was another notable place. Its roughly a 1 mile by 2 mile sized park with tons of opportunities for people watching. The area I liked the most was Speaker's Corner, which is a corner of the park where people can go to stand on a soap box to practice free speech and talk about anything they like. Several crowds were there attracted to various freaks standing on step stools while speaking about religion, politics, or anything in between. I saw one speaker nearly come to blows with some guy about Israel. Another speaker was on a step stool holding a sign that read 'Don't Believe Anything People Tell You, Including Me'.

I also got a chance to hang out with some locals. Rachel's friend, George, took a train from Reading to meet us for drinks in London. Later, we met up with Rachel's cousin, Emma, to join her for an after work gathering at St. James park for a soccer and beer social. Afterwards, we all went to a local pub (which there are tons of in London) for some fine pints of Ale. Everyone was extremely nice and laid back, and nobody seemed to mind that I was an American. :)

Another thing I've enjoyed about London is that is has the biggest cross section of cultures. English speaking Brits seem to be a minority here.

Welp, that's all the time I have for now to rant about London. So until next time...

Good times!!!