Samuel Johnson was right

Piccadilly Circus, London
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The Tube. I love the Tube. I love riding the Tube. So that's what I did. All over London. From Gloucester to Tower Hill, to Monument to Baker Street to Piccadilly. I rode the Cirlce/District line, the Jubilee (my favorite), the Northern, Central, Bakerloo and the Piccadilly. I just walked, tried to take some snaps to upload. I have about 3 albums from previous trips, but these are the things I do for you, dear readers.

Walked down near the Tower of London, and then took the Tube over to the Globe Theater. It is a faithful reproduction of the theater from Shakespeare's day. I took a tour a few years ago, but have not had the stamina to watch a play (they run a little long and the seats are either standing or you know, wood - ow). Crossed the Millennium Bridge and walked over to St. Paul's. St. Paul's Cathedral was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and I so dig that church. I think it's wonderful. I have climbed that puppy, all the way up to the top. It has a 'Whispering Gallery' and you can stand on one side and whisper into the wall and the acoustics are such that your friend can hear you on the other side. I went over to Westminster to get some digital shots of Westminster and the clock tower where Big Ben is. Some of you may already know this, but if you don't, here's your one new thing you learned today - Big Ben is NOT the clock, but a bell inside the tower. One of my favorite statues is there, along the Thames, Boadiccea (there are several variations, and I think I combined 3 of them). She was the Queen of the Icenis, an ancient race of Britain. I think they were attacked by Romans or Celts. They, and she, were pretty ferocious. My heroine :) That is my favorite spot, and there is a pancake/crepe stand, and YES, I got a crepe and fresh orange juice. I have done it every time I go back.

British phone box
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So, anyway, Samuel Johnson was a great mind from the 18th century and compiled a dictionary (I want to say the first, but I can't remember)and was famous for espousing opinions (I may be him reincarnate). He is quoted as saying that 'He who tires of London, tires of life'. I couldn't agree more!

People have asked if I am ready to come home or if I am tired of travelling. If circumstances were different, I would say, nope, bring it on. The only thing that I am tired of is wearing the same clothes. Now, you may say, Trace, you pretty much wear the same clothes at home: jeans, t-shirt, denim. Yes, but they are DIFFERENT. And, in some cases, they have gone WEEKS without being washed. You know when you're in a crowd of people and you start to wrinkle your nose because of something odiferous? ANd you're like, oh, you people need to eat less garlic or onions or whatever. And THEN you get back to the hotel...and you realize that maybe (just maybe) you need to give up the garlic...Ya know? Other than that, I could go around again.

Pall Mall street sign - This is where Phineas Phogg (?) started his around the world journey
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It was raining today. I don't mind the rain, really, it's the umbrellas and the people attached to them. I am surprised that there are not more one-eyed people on this planet the way people way the umbrellas around. You need safety goggles. Do you remember the bubble umbrella? It was kind of dorky, but nothing to impale your ocular on, if you dig me.

I am off to the Emerald Isle tomorrow. Time flies.

Cheers