First Day in London

Part of me was so mesmerized by London. I couldn't believe I was actually there. It was so surreal to visit these places that I seen and heard about. I really wish that we had more time to visit. Next time I would like to be there long enough to be able to take the time to actually go on tours of each of the buildings. Instead I was able to enjoy the views from the outside.
One of the most refreshing things about this little pit stop was being able to speak English. We arrived in London on a Wednesday. Shawn and I were able to enjoy that day together, but Thursday and Friday I was left solo while Shawn tended to his work. I feel like if we were in Spain (or any other country for that matter) I would have been less adventurous for fear that I would get lost, and then not be able to communicate with anyone. Besides the fact that I LOVE British accents...it is really something I could listen to all day long.

Wednesday brought lots of fun. We headed over to Piccadilly Circus/Leicester Square on the Underground. This trip really made me appreciate the subway system. It really is such a nice thing to use to get around...quite efficient. I grinned everytime it would stop and it would say "Please Mind the Gap." It is amusing the different phrasing they use. Here in America it would probably say "Please Watch your Step"...clearly not as amusing. Shawn and I decided that the British English is much more refined and proper, and American Enlish is the slang version...kinda like the difference of Spain Spanish, and Mexican Spanish.
Piccadilly Circus is London's Times Square. People are everywhere, and there is tons to do. Our first set of business was to find some tickets to a 'broadway' show. So we took the short walk to Leicester Square. This is the place where all the red carpet events take place when movies are opening in London. It would have been so cool if there was a movie opening, but alas there was not. Instead we found a half off ticket booth, and got some awesome tickets to see WICKED that evening!

Now we had time to burn before the show, and the first stop was eating. We went to Chinatown, and enjoyed a great meal. I wish I would have gotten a picture of the entrance of Chinatown, but just got one in front of the restaurant we ate at. This restaurant was really fun. Once you walked through the tunnel it was as if you were in China. They had a little bridge, and a Coi pond.

The underground took us to Westminster where we were able to take in Big Ben.The day was a little overcast so we took a stroll over the Thames river and walked past The London Eye. We layed on the grass, and rested. I took some shots of the amazing 'Eye'. It is one of the largest Ferris Wheels in Europe.
Next stop was Trafalgar Square, and the National Gallery. Unfortunately the gallery closed 5 minutes after we arrived. I ended up going there by myself that Friday, but have to leave that experience for another post.
Trafalgar Square was quite the sight. I couldn't believe all the people just sitting around.Buckingham Palace was beautiful. We spent some time watching the guards. It really is amazing how still they are. I would think that would be one of the most boring jobs ever.
Before we knew it, it was time to head over Apolla Victoria and enjoy WICKED. I couldn't contain my excitement. I had heard a few of the songs, and the raves of everyone that had been to it before and coudn't wait to see it for myself. I have to agree that it did not dissapoint! I found the story line to be so intriguing. It is amazing the things people do just to be liked. I thought the set was so cool...I know it is a bit dark, but this was the theatre before the show started. For those of you who have been to the show before...do they all look the same??
Such a perfect ending to a perfect day.