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!