The Sights, Sounds, and Overall Experience #2

 Wow, it's been a while. I'd use the "I've been busy" excuse, but seeing as how that's a bit of a cliche with college students, I'll just get on with the post.

No, no. I didn't sneak off to Cairo or anything since the last post. This is actually one of the escalator wells of Harrods (aka the biggest most confusing mall in existence). It is in this mall that you can find themed escalators, a section of the store called "Christmas Land", and absolutely nobody who knows where anything outside of there department is (kind of a theme here in the UK I've noticed). Apart from this though, the food area was excellent, I had a "chicken schnitzel sandwich", and I was able to find a charger for my 3DS since the American one can't handle the power output here.

Some time after the trip to Harrods, I achieved one of the goals on my bucket list and was able to ride in the front seat on the second floor of a double-decker bus.

The view's great, even right outside of the Strand Campus.

Hmm, I think I might be close to the American Embassy...

Kind of an interesting thing to hang over a street.

Here's one for the Portlanders.

Lords Cricket Grounds... apparently built by aliens.

While the bus does take a bit more time than the Tube to get anywhere, it's quite a bit cheaper, a slightly straighter shot, and a LOT more scenic.

In other news, I got my hair cut again ("this close to winter?!" you say? "Yes" I reply), however I decided to be brave (and a bit cheap) and have it done at the London School of Barbary. It took a bit longer than what I'm used to at home and the stylist may have left a mark or two on my scalp, but the end result seemed alright to me.

Decent haircut for only 20 pence tip, priceless.

Well, it's just about time to end this post, but before I do, I think it would be worth it to mention how my culinary experimentation has been going. Well, I can cook omelettes now without burning them too badly. I also made a vegetarian spaghetti dish that was bland, but filling.

Spaghetti, tomato, basil, and garlic. Not the tastiest, but oh-so filling.

I also had the opportunity to celebrate my roommate's big two-one at this great Asian restaurant in Chinatown. I'm quickly acquiring a taste for sushi and the teriyaki beef there was top-notch. Asher also talked me into trying some soju (Korean Rice Liquor), which didn't turn out as "knock-you-on-your-ass" as I had been fearing.

Myes, soju wot wot.

Well, that just about does it for this post. Stay tuned as next one's going to be about my trip to Windsor, Bath, and Stonehenge. So until then, cheers!

The Sights, Sounds, and Overall Experience #1

Well, today's Sunday the 29th. I've been in London for just under three weeks and I've got to say, it's been a great ride so far!

The River, The Clock, and the Eye

I've been seeing plenty of sights (which I promise to add and caption within this post before it's through) and, to be frank, there's still tons that I have yet to see. One of the first places that Asher (my roommate) and I went to see was the Churchill War-rooms. Having more than a little interest in WWII, this was certainly an interesting POI and definitely a hard act to follow in-terms of museums (even with the admission fee ^^'). The exhibit about Churchill's life was my personal favorite, detailing not only his time as Prime Minister but also his early life and well into the Cold War as well.

One of the guards posted within the bunker during its use.

The revolver that Churchill used to escape a POW camp in South Africa.

After this, we went to see the Imperial War Museum, The Tower of London, and the National Art Gallery. All very interesting (especially the Tower) but Churchill's still got my vote for #1.

Now for a segue, FOOD! Yes, all the rumors are true: there is an all-out abundance of great Middle-Eastern, Asian, and Indian cuisine. So far, Asher and I haven't been disappointed once by any of the places we've eaten out at (the only gripe I can think of is the state it leaves my wallet in afterward >_<). Fortunately, we have learned to stick to a budget and eat in most nights. Speaking of which, I now know how to cook pizza rolls! Thanks Google Search!
I must confess, Asher and I do go to a pub about twice per week. Mom, Dad, don't worry, I keep myself to only one drink per visit; we mostly go for the Fish and Chips, ribs, and other pub food (pretty good inexpensive stuff actually).

Well, classes begin tomorrow, so I might as well start getting my stuff together... what?... oh, right. The pictures...

Westminster Abbey

Erm... Not that I don't appreciate seeing a familiar face, but...

Yes that is a giant blue chicken right outside the National Gallery

Tower of London

The Armory

Still standing despite the song.

Probably the best tour guide I have ever had the pleasure of listening to.

Nope, still not moving.

A gift from the Tokugawa Shogunate.

Knew I'd see a dragon around here sooner or later.

"The day the ravens leave, the Tower of London will fall... but we're not superstitious!"

Buckingham, where the Queen lives when she gets tired of the countryside.

And I bet you thought they only came in red.

... whew! Alrighty, with that, I must bid the lot of you adue.

Later!