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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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