Let me start off by saying that London, England is one of the greatest places I have ever been. Granted, we’re going to Paris next week, but as of right now, London tops my list. Everything is just so… British. This is the country that gave the world Shakespeare, Dickens, The Beatles, Harry Potter, stories you grew up with like Peter Pan and Robin Hood, and so much more… it’s just surreal to fathom that this country has seen all of those countless wars, the rise and fall of royal regimes, centuries of power struggles and conquests… it’s very humbling. The history of the States is so young compared to here.
Anyway, I’m writing today at almost midnight on Thursday, June 16th. It’s the close of our second day here. We woke up leisurely this morning and had breakfast in the hotel. Let me tell you, a continental breakfast in England is definitely not like one in the states… it was a huge buffet of eggs, croissants, bacon, all sorts of breads, baked beans (that was different… haha), and lots of juice, tea, and coffee. Delicious. After breakfast, we hopped on the tube and went to the Imperial War Museum.
Brooke tried to put her camelback under her jacket... and ended up looking like a blue turtle. I couldn't resist.
The Imperial War Museum in Southwark was really interesting… lots of tanks and submarines and other memorabilia from World War I and II. The entrance and the building itself were beautiful; lots of roses and an impressive cannon display.
Interesting artwork outside of the museum.
This was right at the entrance to the museum. It housed equipment from both world wars.
This is an atomic bomb exactly like Little Boy, the bomb dropped on Hiroshima.
We spent a couple hours going through the Holocaust exhibit. It was so extensive that it took up two floors… and was it ever eye-opening. Every detail about the Holocaust was covered, along with lots of pictures, artifacts, personal stories, and videos. It was frightening to see so much of a dark side of humanity and history. After the museum, we stopped and got a quick lunch at a nearby patisserie.
Brooke with her cornish pastry.
We then took the Underground to Piccadilly Circus and Oxford Circus. We walked around for a bit and then headed back to the hotel to change for dinner and the theatre.
Picadilly Circus
The Ripley's building in Picadilly Circus.
Next we stopped at Oxford Circus, another famous intersection in London. There is a ton of shopping in this district. Brooke and I took a picture intending to gesture towards the street corner, but Elaine snapped the picture right as the electronic sign said 'Friends.' Too funny.
We went to Covent Garden for dinner at a little bistro called Bistro No. 1. But on the way, we ran into the London TGI Friday's, so I had to get a picture.
Yummy brie with a berry sauce at dinner.
On our way to Love Never Dies, we saw the sign at the Savoy Theatre for Legally Blonde: The Musical. It was pink and sparkly, so I got a shot.
Then it was time for our show! We saw Love Never Dies, a sequel to Phantom. This one was by Andrew Lloyd Webber as well, and it was wonderful. I mean, nothing can compare to the original Phantom of the Opera, but Love Never Dies didn’t disappoint.
Love Never Dies at the Adelphi Theatre!
Quiet in the theatre, please!
Now we’re back in the hotel… Brooke is asleep, Elaine is reading, and I’m about ready to keel over on my laptop. Time for some sleep! I’ll get these posts up as soon as I can! Hopefully it doesn’t rain in the morning because I’m really looking forward to seeing the procession of the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace tomorrow. Brooke and I also really want to tour the Tower of London tomorrow. I’ll keep you in the loop!
Til tomorrow,
Annie
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