London was an absolutely blooming good time. Nate and I couldn't have stayed with a more amazing couple. His sister Robin and her husband Dan welcomed us into their flat which was located in a small but beautiful village called Walton on the Thames. It's was a quick tube ride into the big city of London where we explored the sights of one of the world's foremost global cities.
In the very first weekend of staying in Britain, we were lucky enough to be invited to stay on the top level of a gorgeous victorian townhouse smack dab in the middle of posh Notting Hill. Robin and Dan's 'mates' offered the flat to the four of us while they were away and we all jumped at the opportunity. That weekend, we saw some of London's biggest sights and attractions on foot - Piccadilly Circus, St. Paul's Cathedral, Trafalgar Square, The London Eye and Shakespeare's Globe theatre just to name a few. Dan was able to give us fantastic facts about each of the attractions and Robin was able to provide great ideas about the best restaurant and vegetarian cuisine, and of course how to get to the stellar shopping - Oxford Street and Harrods. I was reunited with my favorite English cocktail; Pimm's. It's a delicious cocktail that tastes like a mixture of Lemonade and Iced tea with spices and fruit. Nate discovered a refreshing local London beer called; London Pride. It seemed to be his drink of choice for the remainder of the stay. In this first weekend, we agreed to devote a portion of our evenings to watching the first four Harry Potter movies in honor of everything that is haunting and magical about the big city.
During the week, Nate and I took a gander at the British Museum and were completely gobsmacked. It was beyond incredible. We saw the Reliquary of St Eustace from Medieval Europe, the tomb-chapel of Nebamum from Ancient Egypt as well as the Rosetta Stone. The 'wow' factor was prevalent. But perhaps one of the best parts of the British Museum was the it was easy on the budget. Tourists are able to see certain Museums and attractions in London for free so that you don't pay a pence! Have I mentioned that I love this city?
The following weekend, we all took a trip to Wiltshire to see one of the most famous sites in the world. Stonehenge (which new evidence has determined was an ancient burial ground from as far back as 3000 BC), was enigmatic. I couldn't believe that the bluestones were transported all the way from Wales, some even weighing 4 tonnes EACH! It was thought that they were dragged on roller and then loaded onto rafts along the coastline of Wales and then again dragged overland to Warminster. Jeepers! I can't imagine doing that type of backbreaking work. It was an honour just to be surrounded by such ancient times and ideas.
Robin and Dan introduced us to perhaps some of the best new television that I've seen in a while. Nate and I got addicted to an HBO show called Flight of the Concords and a British series called The In-Betweeners. These two shows are a long way off from Monty Python or Mr. Bean in terms of humour but they're also extremely funny in their own way. Now, I can't claim that it will tickle everybody's fancy, especially since Nate and I were living on a boat for nine months without comedy t.v , but we loved it and hope to get our hands on some more.
All in all, London was boss. I have no doubt in my mind that we'll go back again. Thanks again Robin and Dan for having us and hope to see you again soon.
