The Royal Palaces

Yesterday, I went to Hampton Court with Kat and Dean. It was pretty cool. The strange thing was that the admission fee cost more then my rail ticket. I found that a bit amusing. We more or less wander the grounds and took some pretty pictures with wabbit. And round and round we went in the maze. The most amazing thing was the great vine, which is even older then the United States. Dean took us back into London in his TVR. We were able to fit both Kat and me in one seat. It was very reminiscent of the time 8 of us crammed into Michelle’s Altima. Yup! Back in the good old college days.

So today, I headed over to Windsor Castle. It was the first sight that I’ve visited that I had to walk through a metal detector. But then again, it is the queen’s residence. I had no idea how big it was. I went to see Queen Mary’s doll collection, and I have to say the detail was just amazing on her doll house. After I got done with Windsor castle, I was going to head over to check out Eton College. But it so dark and dreary. And it was weird seeing the seas of penguins passing by (that’s how the Eton school uniforms look like). Instead, I headed back home to drop off some stuff and to make a batch of brownies before I left to meet up with PW. We’re going for oysters tonight. Yum ..yum.

October 29, 2001 at 7:28 pm · Miscellaneous, Travel· Permalink ·

Closed

Bah! So while we were in Oxford we were going to go punting. It’s kind of like going down with a raft and paddle. So we got to the boat house and it was closed. Blah! At this point I was in dire need of caffeine. So we were going to head to Alice tea shop. They were utilizing the theme to Alice and Wonderland. But they just closed. Blah! And we ended up back at Oxford station to catch our next train back to Paddington.

Right now, I’m sitting here waiting for dinner at Robin’s house. Robin lives in a converted church. They’re making an English meal. I wonder if it’s as bland as most people say.

That’s all for now. Heading to Hampton Court tomorrow.

October 27, 2001 at 7:37 pm · Travel· Permalink ·

Mating Season

If you’re thinking what I think you’re thinking get your mind out of the gutter or the shaft. Whatever! It seems like it’s a major mating season for animals right now. Ducks and sheeps. On my way to Bath we saw these sheeps and they look like the were spray painted on their hinneys with either pink or blue. Supposely, it’s mating season for the sheeps, and that’s how they determine which sheeps would be impregnated. Interesting.

October 27, 2001 at 7:36 pm · Travel· Permalink ·

College Towns

To Oxford we go! I was bad today. Well not really. The stupid machine at Paddington rail station wouldn’t take my £20, and the ticket line was way long. I was going to pay for my fare on the train, but the ticket guy didn’t come around. So I’m guilty of being a fare beater today. Oxford was neat. It kind of reminded me of Harvard, Yale and Duke. On our way to the main road, we had saw these swans in this park. I walked up to the swan, and it stuck it’s neck at me and quacked at me. It was a really mean swan. You would too if you saw the swan’s glare. I think was probably a scorned and extremely bitter swan. I guess none of the mallards wanted to mate with it.

October 27, 2001 at 7:29 pm · Travel· Permalink ·

Mishaps and Misadventure

So I finally met Ben. And he managed to get us lost. Actually we were taking Britrail to Dover. Turns out we can to change trains at Ramsgate and the next train wasn’t coming for another 45 minutes. So we ended up going into town, and we got back to our station, our connection train already left. It got there early. Have you ever heard of a public transportation leaving early. Geez Louise! You would be lucky if it got their on time. So we hauled our asses back to town to get something to eat. Ben headed over to what he calls the American Consulate, aka McDonalds. I refuse to go there. The food makes me totally nauseous. Blah! So I headed over to an express cafe across the street. And let me tell you it wasn’t expressed. I waited 15 minutes and they still didn’t put my food on the grill. In true American fashion, I was on the verge of making a really big scene, when they finally decided to give me my money back. The lady didn’t get the concept that I wouldn’t be able to wait 5 minutes, because I would miss my train. Bah!

So we finallly made into Dover at 3:15 pm. Climbed up many stone steps up to Dover castle. It was so pretty. We got two discounts, the late admission and student fare. Yeah! You know, I got to utilize this student image as much as possible. hehehe =) When got into the castle, there was a note warning us of strong winds. And it was quite reminiscient of my days on State Quad at university. Almost got blown away a couple of times. It was an amazing castle. Even thought it took us about 5 hours to get there. Before we headed back to Central London, we went to this pub. I forgot what it was called but the meal was dirt cheap. Our total came out to about £9 for two people. This of course, included a drink, appetizer and main entree. I had the most amazing lamb burger. It was heavenly. Dude! What, do you think I was going to have beef. Hell no! No foot and mad cow disease for me. They can keep in the UK for all I care. *evil grin* I’ve been fighting this urge to have beef. I have such strong cravings for it. I think the first thing I’m going to do when I get back is to get a large juicy burger with a milk shake. *stomach growls* *yum yum* or I can get myself a 16 inch steak. Maybe, my chums can take me to Peter Lugers for my birthday. Nah! I’m just kidding. The thought of a nice juicy steak is just as good. *Mmmm Good*

On our way back to Central London, I almost fell out of the Britrail train. No I wasn’t being clutzy. So this is what happened. I just got back from the loo (that’s the Brit’s term for the toilet, don’t ask me why?) and some dork that got off the train at the previous station didn’t shut the door. Remember, this train is at least going a good 80 mph. But it’s all good. I’m fully entacted.

Well, off to Oxford tomorrow.

October 26, 2001 at 7:39 pm · Travel, Mishaps & MisAdventures· Permalink ·

Yum Yum Good!

My friend Kat took me out to try some of London famous curry. It was so good! It was kind of scary though. We got off at Liverpool street to go to Bricklane the London’s version of Little India. But in order to get to Brick Lane we had to walk down the path of Jack the Ripper. It’s really spooky there. I don’t think anything has changed except that there are cars. The lighting is still dim. And all you needed was horses clapping down the pavement. If you had that, you can find me up hugging a pole. Yup! You would be totally spooked too.

October 26, 2001 at 7:39 pm · Travel, All About Food· Permalink ·

Six Degrees

So I’m sitting here waiting for Ben who went to college with my friend Rio. It makes you realize how small the Asian circle is. I think it’s more of 3 degrees as oppose to 6 degrees. Anyway, he’s going to take me to Dover to see castles. I had a choice of going to Dover or Portsmouth. I think I’ll probably choose castles over ships anyday. It’s a 2 hour trip on Britrail. Yeah.. yeah.. I know you thought I was going to say a 3 hour tour. It didn’t help that I already covered all the of the London sights. Not all, but most of it. Most of what I want to see.

Ah!!!!! My foot fell asleep. That’s not good. *stretchs* *yawns* ah.. va.. va. va!

October 26, 2001 at 7:38 pm · Travel, Friends & Family· Permalink ·

The 3 Hour Tour

Well it really wasn’t a 3 hour tour, but I thought it was funny. Today, I went to the Bath and get Stoned. No, I don’t mean it literally. I’m Mary Poppins, you remember. I only went to see the Stonehenge and Roman Bath. And now I know why I rather travel by myself then to go on tours. I really hate the hustle and bustle, and the way they rush you. We were only at the Stonehenge for half a hour. That wasn’t even enough time to even go into the souvenir store. I actually would have liked to stay another 15 minutes, to sort of savor the moment. It was amazing.

Then onto the Bath we go. That was so cool. It so pretty there. And really did help that it was sunny. The garden there was amazing. I can imagine just sitting there all day just reading my book in peace. At least we were there for 3 hours. I got some really nice jewelery at their market. You know how much I love silver. I don’t really like gold but I can live with platinum. *evil grins* It’s true that white gold looks nicer. Well I’m off for now. Going get my first taste of London’s famous curry.

October 25, 2001 at 7:39 pm · Travel· Permalink ·

Blackout

I was shopping in this stationary store in Covent Garden when it went pitch black. It was quite strange. The lights in all the stores down the street were all out. Thank god there was still light outside. I can imagine people trying to loot the stores. But I don’t they would get away with anything with big brother watching. Then again, there was no electricity so it would have been quite easy.

Then I made my way down to St. Martin’s Lane to Freed of London. They are the famous ballet shoe store. And I saw the cutest small ballet pointe shoes, and I just had to get them (pink, red, blue, and black). Yup! When I like something, I get it different colors. hehehe =)

October 24, 2001 at 8:04 pm · Travel, Mishaps & MisAdventures· Permalink ·

All done!

Today, I went to the rest of my sightseeing and had lunch with Desmond. Now all that is left to do is to make some day trips.

Here is my day trip itinerary:
• Bath and Stonehenge
• Hampton Court Palace
• Windsor

I’m so glad that I’m all done with the sights in London. Can you believe it, but I think I’m also pretty much done with all my shopping too. hehehe =)

October 24, 2001 at 8:03 pm · Travel· Permalink ·