London

London was so incredibly fantastic. It was raining when we landed, the only time it did rain. Other than that it was very sunny with blue skies every day, if not freakishly cold (I'm talking 20 degrees average). I think that one day, I may want to live there for at least a little while.

Ellora and I stayed in the Ashlee House youth hostel, which ended up being not that good. Crowded, uncomfortable, and with French boys having sex in the next bed! But we didn't actually spend that much time there, no, we spent most of our time in the city sight-seeing and getting to know the place better.

The first day we went to the British Museum, which is HUGE!!! We took a 90 minute hight-light tour. It was quite educational, but tough to grasp everything. Next we went to St. Paul's Cathedral where we were awed and inspired by the architecture and color. Not to mention the 600 or so steps we took to get to the top so we could view the city from the high high tower. It was gorgeous.

We walked from St. Paul's to the London Bridge and by the Globe Theatre, not that exciting really, but still amazing and enjoyable. We went back to the hostel shortly after and decided to go to the Lucas Arm's Pub, which was so much fun. We didn't really drink but the experience of being in a real English Pub was delightful.

After we got back, some French boys asked us to join them at O'Neill's, a pub and club near Trafalgar Square in Leicester Square. We went but we never actually saw the boys there. No matter, we had a blast anyway. It was good music, good people, and great dancing, (the wild and crazy living room kind). It was fun, despite the fact that I re-sprained my ankle.

On Saturday, we went to Big Ben, Parliament, and inside Westminster Abbey. Wowza, talk about some history. We got to see all the great monarchs and poets and the like. Beautiful. Afterwards we went to Buckingham Palace, which was pretty, but no too exciting. It was nice walking through the park though. And finding where to go to Lord of the Rings, the musical.

What's that you say, Lord of the Rings became a musical? Yes, yes it did. And it was HILARIOUS and SUPERB. The story was abysmal, and the actors seriously needed training (especially the Aragorn and Gandalf). But Gollum was incredible, the actor was fantastic, reminiscent of Joel Grey and the like. The songs were actually surprisingly good, as were the dancing and battle scenes. The orcs were phenomenal dancers. And Arwen had a voice that angels would be jealous of. They did elliminate most of the major characters. The only characters they had were the four hobbits and Rosie, the rest of the fellowship, Arwen, Galadriel, Shelob, Soroman, Gollum, Treebeard, and Boromir's father. And that was it. They totally got rid of Rohan, and so much else. Ironically they kept some of the stuff that wasn't even in the movies, like Soroman in the Shire, kinda. Very very bad, but so wonderful. I'm definitely happy I saw it.

Our last day was spent in the British Museum, the Tower of London, the Tower Bridge, and Abbey Road. The British Museum had this great Terracotta Army exhibit that Ellora and I had to wake up for three hours ahead of time just to wait in line for tickets. But it was worth it. Another once in a lifetime opportunity for me. As a hopeful archaeologist, seeing all the ancient artifacts and warriors made can only be described as heart racing and jaw dropping. I nearly cried from happiness at one point.

The Tower Museum was fantastic. I got to see the Crown Jewels and they were so sparkly and shiny. Made me wish I was queen. Phew, big diamonds, big. The weapons and the fortress were incredible. It was like walking through 17th century England on the banks of the Thames. The Tower Bridge as well was like that.

Abbey Road, was a road. Not too much, but it was exciting to see where the Beatles walked, followed by Peter Jackson barefoot, (I think he wishes he was a hobbit beatle). We went to the most fantastic pub afterwards called the Marlborough Head with the best food, (treacle tart, yummy), and the bathroom was through a bookcase. So amazing.

The best moments for Ellora and I were seeing LotR the Musical, and walking through that bookcase in the pub. The only regrets I had were not seeing Kensington Gardens for the fairies, and discovering all the hidden less touristy places. But I know I'll be back, ready for more. And as an extra good sign, it was snowing when we landed in Budapest, the only time it has.

If you want to know more, email me specifically. co_dolphin@yahoo.com.