Livin' On Au Pair: England, England, England, That's the Country For Me

Due to convenient timing, I had this past week off, and at the last moment I decided to take a trip up to jolly old England.

Charles de Gaule was easy enough to get to (although I accidentally didn't have a ticket for the last leg of the journey so I had to sneak in), and after a brief argument at check in (they claimed my backpack was too big and I disagreed), and a bus ride to the plane (that's never happened to me before), I arrived in Jolly old England.

After meeting my friend at the airport, I made my first of many mistakes and walked to wrong side of the car. Being in the left seat of the car and not driving was extremely terrifying, and I kept checking to see if I was stepping on imaginary pedals (I wasn't).

My first night I was treated to an authentic Chip shop, and had Fish and Chips which tasted better than any knockoff I've had here in America (sorry Fitz's). I also got to try Mushy Peas, which is really exactly what it sounds like...and quite nice.

On Tuesday I was given a brief tour and history lesson of Coventry, and then I was off on a train to London town.

It was quite a shock to be around English speakers again. I could order food and do everything I would normally do without worrying about miscommunication.

I first walked from my station to my hotel to drop off my bags, which turned out to be a nice little bed and breakfast. I then took the Underground to Leicester Square, got some food from a vendor and Chinatown, and made my way down to Trafalgar Square, which was utterly amazing. I didn't realize that Nelson's statue was on top of a gigantic column. Little did I know.

I then caught sight of Big Ben and made my way down to it, only to witness the changing of the calvary guard by sheer luck. I then saw Big Ben, made my down to Buckingham Palace to see hundreds of news truck and cameramen. The Royal Wedding had just been around.

I then made my dash across the city, seeing the Millennium Bridge (the one that gets twisted in Harry Potter), the Globe, St. Paul's Cathedral, the Tower of London and the Tower Bridge. I then made my way to the Strand and had a delightful dinner at Simpson's (courtesy of a recommendation from my girlfriend) and then went to the West End to see "Les Mis" at the Queen's Theatre. It was a phenomenal show and a magical evening.

The next morning I woke up early, had an English Breakfast at the bed and breakfast, and then made the 15 minute pilgrimage up to Abbey Road. I was amazed to see all the commuters passing by one of the most famous studios (and crosswalks) in existence. I was lucky enough to get a picture take of me crossing "The Crossing."

I then went back up north, and then made the drive to Stratford. I saw the "real" Globe theatre, Shakespeare's birthplace (complete with tour guides who had accents that I couldn't tell whether or not they were real or fake) and then Shakespeare's tomb.

After lots of traveling, I returned back to my friend's house for a relaxing evening, and unfortunately watching the French pummel the English in a friendly. Oh well.

The next morning I got back on a plane and headed home, completing an amazing journey to the land of my forefathers.

Here are the pictures to prove it:

Ian