Day 3

Today was a blast.

We started out with a guided tour that was part bus tour and part walking. Our tour guide was really funny, very personable, and extremely smart. First we went to Windsor Castle, the official residence and weekend getaway for the Royal Family. Our tour guide brought us in and it is actually like a small town within the walls with many shops and, of course, a Mac Donald's as they pronounce it. It was really awesome in every sense of the word. We were literally in awe when we went in the rooms that they would reside in. There were many statues, swords, gold, paintings, and crimson everywhere. It's hard to describe how amazing it was and unfortunately pictures were not allowed. Also at Windsor Castle was what I would call the Royal Church. In the tradition, the monarchs are buried there and some even have above-ground tombs. We saw the tomb and stood a tomb's wall width away from a King George (the one who passes in The King's Speech). We also stood above the grave of the famous Henry the VIII. Also in that church was the area where the Queen has her meeting of the Garters, those who have been knighted, such as Paul McCartney, Bono, and Prince William. We even saw and took pictures with one of the marching soldiers who never flinch.

Then we had lunch.

We then visited some interesting stops and shops such as The Beatles Store, The "Official" office of Sherlock Holmes on the address that is mentioned in the books about him, and the place of Paul McCartney's wedding. Our next big stop however was Buckingham Palace, another residence of Royalty and also the site where Prince William and Kate were first seen by the public as man and wife. This is a historic place that many many people would recognize. Our tour guide was actually privileged enough to have close to a front row view of the William And Kate event.

The big event we had was going to dinner where we were served a three-course meal with the main dish being Chicken Cordon Bleu. I don't know if this is a traditional English meal but it was delicious and the venue seemed very high class.

We then went to a downtown London Musical that is very popular called "Blood Brothers." Some of you might have heard about it but it was a really, really good musical that's about two twins who were separated at birth and does a really effective job at criticizing social class separation. I was very impressed.

Generally in London I've noticed a few differences. Obviously they drive on the left side of the road. They can't understand our "American accents." They use toilets and not restrooms. They have a yellow before the green lights also. Everything is old and historic. The buildings and architecture is just incredible. Historic buildings and impressive statues can be found around almost every corner in London. There is a lot of American influence in Europe (Dr. Martin Luther King, Abraham Lincoln, Roosevelts, Eisenhouwer, John Adams etc.).

Right now we are relaxing at one of the... eating establishments... by our hotel right around midnight. Tomorrow we are starting out by going to the Tower of London which I don't know what it is but that's why I'm here, to find out. Then we're doing a "Beatles Walking Tour" that include walking across the famous Abbey Road at about 2pm local, 8am in the Midwest, there is a live feed on www.abbeyroad.com/crossing if you wanna keep an eye out for us. Thanks for reading and check in again at about the same time. I'll try to keep up.

See Ya!