The Queen says "Hi"

6/19/2011

Sunday started with a bang!  Ella, one of the other Winants, showed me around Oxford Circus.  There are tons of shops and stores and we were in desperate need of a few things.  I had to stop by the apple store for a converter for my Mac, plus -- I love the apple store and wanted to visit.  (I wish they had a stamp book or punch card for apple stores.  I would be very far into the collection at this point!)

We got there around 10:30 am and found that many stores did not open until 11:00 or even later.  The apple store didn't open until 12!  We were both hungry and decided to stop in to a small cafe' that was serving breakfast and coffee.  I got the most delicious bagel with cream cheese and smoked salmon.

There are tons of street vendors for food and other tourist-y items.  I ended up buying two scarves and a cute bag at one of them.

Ella and I went to several stores in search of different items.  One store we entered was called Boots.  It is basically a three story Walgreens/CVS.  Everything was pretty reasonably priced, so I was pretty pleased.  Not to mention, riding on escalators is always fun!

Ella and I had planned on meeting up with the other girls in Trafalgar Square for West End Live.  Several shows would send their actors out to perform musical numbers from the shows running.  Ella decided to go back to her room...especially since her oyster does not cover the Tube system.  I caught the   tube and went in search of the group.

We all bought little top-off phones, but none of us are used to using them.  This meant that it took a bit to finally communicate.  During this time of finding the group, I walked up to the theater district to see where Much Ado About Nothing was playing -- I REALLY want to see this show.  (David Tennant, need I say more.)  Molly, one of the Winant girls, called me to tell me they were headed toward Buckingham Palace.  I left to join them.

The walk to Buckingham Palace was beautiful.  All the old buildings, the brick streets, double decker busses, English accents wafting in the air....the weather was cooperating as well!  The poles lining the roadway to the palace were decked with golden ropes and royal crowns!  I'm not sure if they are always this way or if it was a left over decoration from the wedding.  Some of the poles were missing their crown embellishments.  This left me wondering if they had fallen off or if they were stolen.  0_0

I finally made it to the palace and it was amazing to finally see it in person!  The guards were finishing up chaining, so I got to see them, but not take a picture.  I will go back to document that.  I found the girls relaxing at the fountain steps and was glad to see them all.  It was liking seeing family!  I am so happy to be having this experience with them.  It is very comforting to have a pocket of people to go to and spend time with.  And these girls are the BEST!

We walked back to the tube station near Trafalgar Square and parted ways in smaller groups.  Molly, Roni, Rebecca, Kyra, and I all went back to Oxford Circus because the girls needed to purchase a few things as well.  I was glad I was there earlier in the day so I could point them in the right direction.  I had to break down and buy some fish and chips -- mainly because I was starving.  I was; however, a bit disappointed with my purchase.  It was not as delicious as I had hoped, but think I can find a place with better eats.

There was a scheduled strike for the public transportation system, so we headed back before it got too late.  The tubes were so crowded!

I made it back to my home for the summer and was greeted with a hug by little Aleia.  She kept me company in my room and asked me about the spots on my arms.  I told her they were freckles -- she had never heard of such a thing.  :)  Gwen fixed the most delicious cod with spinach, rice, and roasted potatoes.  Aleia went to sleep in my lap after dinner as we all watched TV.

I showered and hit the hay.  I tried to call home to tell my Daddo happy fathers day, but had to leave a message instead.  I do miss talking to my family members daily.  I hope I can get something worked out, even if I have to purchase a dongle.