If I die here, its because i've frozen to death.

Nat, Me, and Rach in front of Buckingham Palace.
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Remember that brilliant tan i spoke about in my last entry? Yes, well i've become somewhat of a scaly dry crocodile because of the freezing harsh weather of England. Ironically, this is warm for them. Rach and I were 'lucky' to get the good weather they say!!! My God, i'll never complain about it being cold in NorCal ever ever again!

Now that i've complained about the cold...time for the good stuff. England is amazing. The home of Shakespeare, Jane Austen, the Beatles, Beckham, Rolling Stones, Sherlock Holmes...even Paddington Bear! Natalie and her mom were kind enough to let us take over their home for the week, which saved us an absolute fortune by the way! We are incredibly thankful to them both. We took in the traditional sites. For the record, london bridge and Buckingham Palace are not nearly as fascinating as the Tower Bridge and West Minster. We also went to Nottinghill (didn't see Hugh Grant), as well as Kenwood park which was also a scene in the film. To add to our movie fanaticism we actually went to the 'Travel Bookshop' ;) Some of you ladies can appreciate that. St.Paul's Cathedral is incredible, its where Princess Diana and Prince Charles were married.

The home of Shakespeare, Jane Austen, The Beatles, Beckam....

Good ol´big ben.
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Natalie's Dad also got us free tickets to Madame Tussauds, which is where they have all the wax figures of celebrities. Took some pics with the royal family and David Beckham of course! The Chamber of horrors was the scariest haunted house i've ever been into in my life! Seriously.

We also left London and went to Birmingham and Nottingham. Birmingham is more of an industrial city with not much to offer besides its university. We went to a club there which was fun. Oh they also have the Cadbury factory there! Who doesn't love Cadbury eggs during Easter!?! Nottingham was also a sweet little town. Its hard to believe that i came extremely close to studying abroad at the university there.

Horse Guards.
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For St.Patty's Day we went out to an Irish Pub! Good fun. We also visited a pub later in the week that was from the 1600's...Shakespeare and Dickens were frequent visitors! Natalie's grandparents also had us over for a traditional tea. I wanted her grandfather to regail us with war stories, but Nat would have nothing of it! Lord knows, Rach and I have been drinking tea like mad women. Its so 'bloody' cold that you have too or else your blood may stop circulating. I even indulged in good ol fish and chips.

Hello Tom!
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Its been a bit of culture shock for us. We are constantly comparing prices to Asia. In Thailand we'd eat lunch for $1...here we're lucky to pay £5 (which is $10)!!! Prices are exactly the same as the U.S. but double (£1=$2). For example, a starbucks coffee is £3.50...which is $7!!!! If not for the weather, then definitely the cost of living would keep me from becoming a permanent resident. The underground transit system, referred to as the tube, is extremely convenient. It takes you ANYWHERE in London.

Help!
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Some other tidbits, include shopping in Camden market. We went into a store that sells items for raves. Scared me enough to never want to go to one. Who needs acid when their glowing/flashing/vibrating clothing is trippy enough? London is beautiful though, and i'm glad we came. The architecture and the cobblestone streets are amazing. It was nice to be able to see the inside of natalie's families homes (her moms, dads, grandparents, even aunt!) The large red brick homes are gorgeous! Anyways, history is oozing all over the place. And hey its where our forefathers came from! Well mine came from somewhere in mexico but you get my drift haha. I can't get enough of the accent either.

Kenwood Park.
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Nonetheless i'm ready for a warmer climate. Much love to London but i'll appreciate my experience much more from the steaming beaches of Brazil :)

P.S. I have loads of pictures. I'll add some for your viewing pleasure as soon as i can. Be warned my nose is pink in all of them.