London

There haven't been many blog posts over the summer, mostly because I prefer to save my time to travel and do interesting things for the Fall (aka the Best Time of Year).  Recently Mom and I hopped across the Atlantic for our first ever trip together as just the two of us!

We had both been to London before; I was there for a week during Spring Break about 11 years ago with Seth.  It was time to revisit some sights but also get introduced to new attractions, this time with the use of a London Pass.  It made for a blurry, whirly week, and here are just a few of the highlights.

Sunday, Oct 2nd: After taking the red-eye flight and eventually finding our way to our hostel in King's Cross, we spent the rest of the afternoon taking a long walk through the city.  Our first stop was the the British Museum (I finally got to see the Rosetta Stone!) then we headed down to Leicester Sq and meandered around the West End and Soho.  It was a brisk welcome to a wonderful city!
  

Spotted near the West End.  The funny thing is that I don't think this was a costume!

Chinatowns around the world are all pretty much the same, and they are all colorful.

Stunning Piccadilly Circus

Monday, Oct 3rd: I think this day set a new record for my pedometer!  We essentially walked along the river, in both directions.  St Paul's was our first stop (it was viewed only from the exterior, unfortunately), followed by a good walk east to the Tower of London.  We could have easily spent the entire day here but we pushed onward to the other side of the river and as the day progressed headed back westward along the South Bank. 

Jogging along the canal was the only opportunity to escape the crowds.

Cozy canal boat with books.

Our Beef Eater friend at the Tower of London.

One of the famous ravens came to say hello (sounded like "nevermore").

We crossed the river via the Tower Bridge Experience.  This pretty much sums it up.

The Old Operating Theater's collection of old medical supplies.  I am surprised anyone even made it through the Plague!

The Globe was setting up for the next performance.

Sunset view at the top of the OXO Tower.

The Thames by night, lit up by the London Eye and Parliament.