What a day. Took the train all the way to Hampton Court which is 35 minutes out of central London. It was literally end of the line. There was no rail beyond the station. And just as advertised, train conductors whistle when the doors are about to close.
Hampton Court is a palace that was first inhabited by a Cardinal Wolsey who did all of Henry VIII's affairs of state because Henry was too lazy to. Then at some point, Henry VIII decided that he wanted the cardinal's palace and took it to himself. Later on, the palace was ruled by other kings until King William II. There is an interesting contrast of styles in all the rooms reflecting everyone who lived there.
There were actors portraying themselves as Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and other lesser known people from that era. The actors played a game of lawn bowling and all observers were given a coin to wager on who would be closest to the "jack" or golden ball. I won my bet so I got to keep the coin.
Then I went on to the Tower of London which was quite interesting. Saw the crown jewels.. quite breathtaking I must say. The tower is an example of English multi-tasking. The tower has been used for coronations, as a prison, as an execution spot, as burial ground (for Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard and Lady Jane Grey and others) and as a place where the crown jewels are stored. Quite the many uses.
Finished up the day in Piccadilly Circus where I made a few Brazilian friends and went into a club with them.
So in summary I say this...
London the good:
1. A wide range of transportation options making it impossible to get lost and to get to your destination in quite rapid time.
2. A rich sense of history. Many museums to visit along with the usual big spots.
London the bad:
1. The hotel was terrible. Europe's sense of budget lodging is roughly 1-star by our standards.
2. People at the club were rude and it was 10 pounds to get in.
I will talk about Amsterdam soon....
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Hey Globe Trekker! I am thrilled you are having so much fun and also becoming quite the smarty navigating London. Amsterdam is a lot of fun. If you haven't already been there here are some tips: there is an awesome Portuguese restraunt that is to die for. A must go. Beware of taxi drivers who want to take you to "Jamaica". The museums are a must see as well. If you can swing it, go to the Heinekin plant. And... Amsterdam is a city of socialization. They eat together, drink together, etc. and no one is rarely alone. My best piece of advice is do not go to dinner/bars/etc unless you have someone to go with or you make some friends. You will seriously be the only one in the room sitting by yourself. And trust me, it feels like you miss out a lot. :) The shul there is awesome and the outdoor market is cool too. There is so much to do and see in a city that is packed in, but take it all in and enjoy. OH! And totally understand how you feel about the hotel. I stayed at the "best hotel" and casino in Krakow and it was one maybe half star to our standards. I was freaked out that I would get bedbugs, crabs or something... yuck! All is well here, Rashe is still going through her psych exam and he told me something very interesting: Rashe is too BRILLIANT to use language and that is why she doesn't talk like a normal person and only comunicates using real words to express her needs, however she just feels she does not need to come down to "our" level. Wouldn't you know it??? ;) Take care, I think about you every day!
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