Europe 2013 Day 6 - York, England

Left London in the morning today.  I wasn't feeling very well, and did not think that walking and battling the tube commuters with my huge backpack would be a good idea, so paid £ 19 for a taxi to King's Cross instead. 

King's Cross is large and busy.  I did not have enough time to see platform 9&3/4.  It was easy to figure out where to go, and I was looking forward to sleeping during the ride.  I had a seat with a table area to spread out on.  Unfortunately, a couple stops later, six loud teenagers got on and sat right next to me, playing loud music and laughing loudly.  No nap after all. 

After arriving at the train station, I took a taxi to my airbnb host.  It was such a cute townhouse!   Took a nap for a couple hours, and it was the most comfty sleep I've had so far. 

There was a free walking tour at 2:15pm, and I had read good things about it, so thought I would try it out.  Sadly, it was not an engaging tour and I left halfway through.  Met a father and daughter that are from near Boulder -- small world!

St Mary's Abbey

After leaving the tour, I walked around aimlessly. It was so cold out, but many other visitors had thin jackets and sweaters on.   

York Minster was so beautiful.   Its Gothic architecture is entirely different from St. Paul's.  I went inside the cathedral and just sat on the side during the evening service to listen to the organ and evensong.

York Minster

Cute shops at the Shambles.  Lots of tourists!

 I strolled all around The Shambles.  A lot of cute, quaint, small shops line the streets.  Didn't actually buy anything because the exchange rate means I'd pay 50% more in USD. 

For dinner, I picked a random spot on a sidesteet, called All Bar One.  The service was horrible, as there was one waiter for the 15+ tables.  I was never offered any water or drinks.  It took 15 minutes for someone to come over.  However, the blue cheese risotto and salad were delicious.  It better be!

Dinner at slow-service All Bar One

At 6:45, I went on the Terror Trail walking tour to learn more about the dark history of the town.  It was very engaging and interesting.  We had a small group of 11 people, and passed some ghost tours that had 30+ people.  The plague, torture, Jewish slaughters, red light district (aka "Grape/Grope Lane") were all discussed.

Random pic of baby geese

Got back to my host's place and had some good conversations and cat-petting sessions before turning in for the night.  More York tomorrow, then I leave for Kent!

Europe 2013 Day 5: England - Tower of London, St. Paul's Cathedral,

A tiring day! And a cold and wet one again.I started off the day with the Tower of London. Originally wanted to get there when they opened, so that I wouldn't have to deal with any lines.  Got there about half an hour later instead.

Part of the Royal Beasts Exhibit

Before even going inside, you could see the large scale of the towers and palace.  The first stop I made was the Crown Jewels.  I had read that long lines will eventually form, so it is best to go there early and see it first. And what great advice, as there was no line. The crowns were so impressive...the jewels were beautiful. Unfortunately, photos were not allowed. In addition to the crowns, there were swords, dinnerplates, orbs (which I don't actually know what their purpose is).  One piece stood out to me - a gold punch bowl, made in 1829, measuring 3ft wide.

Line for the Crown Jewels

Every half hour, a tour with a beefeater is offered, so I joined the 10am one after my crown jewels visit.  It was a huge group, maybe 80 people.  The beefeater spoke very loudly though.

My homies

 I spent a lot of time in the White Tower, which houses artillery, weapons, armor. The canons were huge.

The Royal Beasts exhibit had some interesting info as well.  The exotic animals that were brought to the Tower suffered so much due to the lack of knowledge of care. Apparently for the ostrich, people thought the bird was supposed to be fed pieces of metal. The ostrich died after eating some nails.

I had spent over four hours here. As I was leaving, I walked along the Thames side, and the view of Tower Bridge was great.  Unobstructed, so unique.

I was really starting to feel under the weather, walking around in the rain and cold had finally taken a toll on me.

My original plan was to take the last, guided tour of St. Paul's Cathedral.  However, I spent so much time at the tower that this was not possible.  Still, visiting the cathedral was a must.  The dome, moldings, paintings on the wall...everything was so grand and impressive. I wish I could have taken pictures.  I climbed up the first set of stairs to the whispering gallery, and rested my feet here.  In this area, you can whisper at on end of the dome, and the sound waves bounce to the other side of the dome and your message is delivered to someone at that end.  

View from top of St Paul's.  Overcast!

I climbed up the additional steps, to both outdoor areas.  The views were stunning.  It was a bit cloudy, but could still make out iconic buildings and places I had visited.  It was very cold and windy up here, and it was not helping with my runny nose.  Must get indoors!  I barely spent any time in the crypt, as they were closing.

 

Across the street is a shopping center called One New Change.  I walked around there and window shopped.  Stopped by M&S grocery store, which has a lot of ready-to-eat food items. Bought some snacks for my train tomorrow.

View from One New Change

I love Percy Pig.

Later on, I needed to get back into the city center for dinner, as I was meeting some colleagues from the London office.  Wow.  Riding the tube during peak time...I have not experienced anything like it.  I only needed to go one stop over to Bank, but had to skip three subway trains because they were packed.  You squeeze yourself in when you see the smallest opening.  And must be aggressive about it.  If you take too long and hesitate, someone else has just taken that spot.

 Eventually I took a quick walk around Bank station area.  Such a fast paced area.  Seattle does not compare.  Everyone here is dressed very sharply, and walking around in a rush it seems.  I left and headed back to Tower Hill station, as our company's office is literally next door to the tower.

Headed to a popular pizza place near Liverpool station.  Even on a Wednesday night, we waited around 45 minutes.  

Got back late..hope it doesn't make me feel worse...tomorrow is an early day with a 8:30am train to York.

Europe 2013 Day 4: England - Changing of the Guard, Waterloo, Chinatown, Piccadilly Theatre

I took my time this morning, since the changing of the guards was not until 11.  And for the first day since I've been here...rain!   

Instead of the traditional crowding around Buckingham Palace,  fighting to get somewhat of a view, I watched the guards march as they went towards the palace.  A little after 11, I saw them leaving Marlborough & The Mall, and then I crossed St James Park to see a different group of guards leaving the barracks.  Much better than dealing with the hoards of people.

It really started pouring, and I wasn't feeling great.  I'm convinced my immune system is working especially harder this week so that I don't succumb to a cold.  My throat has not been great, but nothing completely full blown.

I aimlessly walked around the palace area.  Accidentally jabbed a man and his child's face with my wet umbrella.  Oops.  Finally, stumbled upon a small restaurant called Pronto A Mangia.  Breakfast foods available all hours of the day is great.   I sat next to some Italians who asked me if I spoke Spanish,  because I obviously give the impression that I do.  I said "un poco" and they proceeded to speak to me in either Italian or Spanish,  I really couldn't tell as they were speaking fast and I kept saying "un poco".  Too bad I couldn't remember all those years of Spanish on the spot.

I decided to give another walk a try.  I figured that since it was pouring, turnout would be small.  Which it was, only eight people.  This tour was the "Somewhere Else" London tour.  As we were walking across Waterloo bridge, the guide told us that when it was built,  it was mostly done by women.

We also went to a residential area on Rowpell steet.  Cute townhomes.  Absurd prices.  They go for 900K GBP.  Some of the homes have a little plaque above the door,  which signifies that the home has fire insurance. 

We went up the Oxo.  Great view up there.  And free!  The last stop we made was in front of a theatre called the Old Vic, which apparently Kevin Spacey directs.  

The tour concluded, and the guide mentioned that the Lambeth Marsh Market was just down the street.  But..I never found it, and got completely lost after I gave up and tried to get back to the hotel to blow dry my wet shoes.  Where is the entrance to Waterloo station?!  I made two entire circles around the building.  I hate that station.  Ended up walking for 20 minutes until I came across Lambeth North instead.

Later on I checked out Chinatown. It might be similar in size to Seattle's, so not very big.  But, it is soo lively, even on a Tuesday night!  Everyone walking around, tourists and non tourists.  They were filming some movie here, featuring an Asian woman walking up the street.

For dinner, I was looking for a place with the most Asians.  Better chances of it being good.  I saw a large group in front of a restaurant callled Four Seasons (don't know if it is related to the Seattle one), but there was a line and I did not want to wait.  

After roaming about, I saw a smaller alley with shops and restaurants.  Then I saw and overheard some Cantonese girls walking towards that area talking about dinner.  So of course I followed them.  Yes, I literally followed them without their knowledge.  And what a great surprise,  a Malaysian restaurant called C&R!  Had Hokkien Mein and sweet Kopi!  Was good.

The Viva Forever musical (Spice Girls!) was at 7:30pm, and was right near Chinatown.   Actually, many theatres were along this stretch of road.  Very busy.  I loved the performances of the songs!  I wanted to sing along, but refrained from doing so.  At the end of the show though, there was a sing along portion.  While the songs were great to see and hear, the plot itself wasn't that impressive.   It was okay, but it did not stand out too much.  I would have been happy if it was all singing of their songs.  

Chinatown

Piccadilly area.  Theatres and lots going on!

Afterwards...I gave in and got a foot massage.  I was in Chinatown after all!  Except the place I went to was called "Thai Massage".

Tomorrow is my last day in London..went by way too fast.  I'll be off to York!

Europe 2013 Day 3: England - Harry Potter studio tour, Oxford St, Westminster

This morning started off with a stroll through the north part of Hyde Park, going east until I reached Marble Arch.  It is surprising how few people enjoy the park when it is sunny out.

Oxford St

After taking a peak at a couple stores on Oxford St, it was time to start the journey to the Warner Brother Studios!  It was a long process, but easy.  Took a tube one way, then another to Euston train station, then a train to Watford Junction.

Journeying to HP Studios!

Europe 2013 Day 2: England - Natural History Museum, Covent Garden, Peacock theatre, South Bank

A very good day today!  Although, it got off to bad start when I couldn't find a bus stop, and when I finally did, the bus was leaving and not coming again for 20 min...and, I got woken up in the middle of the night by stupid loud guys yelling for someone in front of my room. They yelled and sang.  And then apparently one guy just slept in the hall in front of my room, because I got woken up by someone scolding him. This is a very basic room, so insulation is not a priority.   I hear when people stomp past, and the people directly upstairs from me.

Anyways..I was originally planning on getting to the Natural History Museum when they opened at 10am, to avoid the most crowds, and to get a chance to look at the dinosaur exhibit first.  But...by the time I first took the tube to get to the bus, missing it, and just walking all the way there, it was a good 45 min.

When I arrived at the front of the museum, I saw there was a line of at least 100 people. Luckily, I am an avid user of tripadvisor, and users had given the tip to use the side entrance.  Absolutely no one in that line!  Also, I love that the museum is free.

Natural History Museum.  Impressive!

Everything was so interesting! Upon entering the museum, I tried going to the dinosaurs, but somehow got lost and ended up back where I started from.  The dinos were all so neat to see!  Also, I'm pretty sure I was the only adult without a child in there.  

The museum had hundreds of animals on display that were stuffed.  It wasn't clear how these animals died..but the museum had signs everywhere that said they will no longer be displaying newer specimens,  even though the current animals were slightly discolored due to time.

The bird exhibit was incredible.  I would never be able to see the enormity of emus and dodos anywhere else.  Other prehistoric bones were displayed, and all were so great to stand in front of.  Like giant sloths..that are the size of a tiger.  

Lots of animal exhibits.  Ahh bear!

It was getting very crowded by afternoon, and I had spent a good three hours there already.  So, I needed to get lunch.  But before, I stopped by Leicester Square to purchase a discount ticket to a musical on Wednesday.  Leicester Square area was busy, lots restaurants with outdoor seating. 

Next, I walked a good 10-15min to Covent Garden. Another cute, popular area.  Big name brands and too expensive though.  I ate a sandwich at Andronicas, just sitting outside and enjoying people-watching.  

At 4pm was the show "Some Like it Hip Hop" at the Peacock Theatre.   I can't believe I've never seen anything like this back in Seattle. I loved it so much.  Essentially, it was a musical, but all the dancing was hip hop, and the songs had good beats to dance to.  Beatboxing was featured as well.

The story depicted a governor who turned evil and cold hearted after his wife passed away.  He then shunned some women to outside the city limits, and decried that only men are important and will be able to get jobs.  So, of course the women come back, and things are fine and equal in the end. 

I sat next to another solo traveler, from Indonesia.  I was looking at my itinerary I planned, and that is when she said she had one too.  Coincidence!

After the show, it was 6:30pm and still had plenty of time to explore.  I took the tube to the London eye.  Not to ride, but just to see.  I stumbled upon a festival that was going on in South Bank.  And, a food festival as well.  I could not resist mac & cheese, and ice cream. 

South Bank

I guess if you have a pier and tons of passerbys, you will have street performers.  The few I saw were more talented than the ones at home.  However, there is a general disliking of Americans.  Two different times, performers said "any Americans here?  Good, my magic has prevented them from coming" and "UK people please donate 5 pounds, Americans please donate 50".

At one time during the street acts, a bboy group was dancing, and a cute little Asian baby stepped into their circle and danced around with them too. So cute.

After taking my time here, I walked towards Westminster, approaching Big Ben and Westminster Abbey.  Beautiful as the sun was still hitting it.  

Long full day today!  I hope the weather stays this sunny the next couple days.  Tomorrow is my HP studio visit!  Excitement I feel.

Europe 2013 Day 1: England - Portobello Market, Hyde Park, Harrods

Finally, my Europe trip has come!  Left Seattle at 4:30pm on Friday, and arrived in London the next day at 11:30am.  I did not appreciate the person who sat behind me and kicked most of the time.

This first day was not entirely remembered.  I only slept four hours beforehand, so I felt like I was sleepwalking around this whole day. 

Timing was perfect to take the Heathrow Conect to Paddington.  Paddington station is so big!  Everything was well labeled and easy to follow.

Portobello Market

After checking into the hotel, took the tube for the first time.  So convenient!  I headed over to the Portobello Market. It is a long street of booths, selling antiques,  clothing, foods, jewelry.   It was crowded, but not at all like Chatuchak in Bangkok.  

After the market, I strolled around Hyde Park, and only one portion of the park.  It is home to many bird species.   There were 20+ swans sitting near each other at one point.  So lovely.  I didn't see many dogs out, which was a surprise.  By this point, I felt even more disconnected with my environment, but knew I had to resist the urge to take a nap.

Birds of Hyde Park

Harrods

I checked out Harrods...wow.  Multiple parts of the store were designated to a genre,  like confections,  meat, fruits, perfume.  I didn't bother looking at the retail items there.  Just wanted to try some food and see the grandness of it all. A long time ago, Harrods used to have, and sell, exotic animals. Such an interesting tidbit!

Confections?  Yes please.

Super sleepy now, but so glad the weather was sunny so that I could stay awake in it!  Tomorrow will be a other fun day, one I can actually experience after a full night's rest.

Fountains at Hyde Park