London

Sunday morning I left for London... which meant taking a bus to Frankfurt/Hahn airport then flying to London Stanstead and taking a bus into the city.  What I thought would be fairly quick turned into a long day of traveling.  I made it to the airport in London by 12:15 but by the time I made it through customs (b/c the UK is not part of the EU), took the bus, and FINALLY found my hotel it was nearly 5pm. Luckily, London being the large city that it is, there were plenty of things to do.  However, it was dark already which was kind of annoying. I took the tube (underground system) to Picadillly Circus! Kind of reminded me of Times Square.

(OK I really wanted to get this up tonight b/c I'm so excited to tell you all about it but it's just taking too long... I'm tired. I'll do it tomorrow as soon as possible)

As soon as possible. Ha. That would be now... at 9 pm. I usually get more breaks in the day but of course today would be the day that I get diarrhea all up my arm and have to clean it off of Alex's back and the day that Charlotte refuses to take a nap. Yeah that's been my day.

So back to London...

I walked around for awhile but I was getting tired. I headed back to my hotel on the tube, but first I stopped at the local pub for some food. Fish n' Chips, of course. It was really good!






It was right across the street from my hotel.  I went back and talked with my parents.  I had a king size bed to myself... no screaming children. It was heaven! I slept so well!

The next morning I was up early to make the most of my day.  I really wasn't looking forward to sightseeing by myself, but I was in London!  I left the hotel, a little later than I had planned.  However, God was certainly planning my day for me! I got on a sightseeing bus about 8:45 or so... and went up to the top level so I could take pictures. Sitting on the top deck was another lady sitting by herself.  We kind of exchanged glances... but neither one of us said anything. We both got off at the stop for the walking tour for the changing of the guards. We were about 45 minutes early and went separate directions to kill the time.  I bought some souvenirs and a English Kids Christmas CD for AnneMarie since they aren't available in Luxembourg. When I came back for the walking tour the "lady" was there as well.  This time we said hello and started talking. Her name is Jodie from California. She was supposed to leave London on Sunday but hadn't finished her sightseeing. Her husband was working so she was by herself for the day.  It couldn't have been more perfect.  She is a high school History teacher.  Our tour guide for the changing of the guards was great!

The changing of the guards was different than I expected... A much bigger production than I would have imagined. 

After getting to know each other a little better on the walking tour (and complaining about the cold) we decided to spend the rest of the day sightseeing together! We got some tea and a sandwich to warm up and then headed back to the tour bus.

We took the bus to the tower of London!  The tower of London is one of the first castles of the kings and queens, where the crown jewels are held, and where a bunch of people were put to death (including Anne Boleyn).

After the tower we took the boat tour (which was included with our bus ticket) from the Tower to the London Eye.

By this time it was about 5pm, cold and dark.  Jodie offered to buy me dinner (SO NICE) at the pub back by her hotel.  We walked back (checked to see if her husband was in yet) and then headed to the pub.  We shared some food and had some more great conversation. Her husband showed up as I was leaving. Jodie was truly a gift from God for my day.  It was amazing to have someone to share the London adventure with.  I said goodbye and headed to Harrods.  I couldn't leave without seeing the famous Harrods.  It was beautiful! And expensive. ha. After Harrods I made my way back to my hotel to enjoy another night in the wonderful bed and peace and quiet!

Tuesday morning I got up and checked out of my hotel.  I took the tube to the stop nearest the bus that was going to take me to the airport. I bought a few more souvenirs (London is an easy place to spend money) and had breakfast.  I finally located the bus stop.  There was about 6 other people waiting for the bus... and waiting... and waiting... and waiting. We had the time table and by this point about 4 buses were supposed to have come by... but nothing. It's now going on 10:45 and I'm panicking because my flight is at 12:55 and it takes 80 minutes to get to the airport... you do the math. Another shuttle to the airport pulls up and agrees to take us (for more money of course)... but cheaper than a taxi. I made it to the airport just an hour before my flight.  Everything worked out... back to Frankfurt Hahn and then the bus to Luxembourg.