London, Episode IV: Walking the Walk, Umbrella-less.

Short update, because I need sleep more than ever.

Today I once again conquered London. I didn't do everything as planned, but it was fantastic nonetheless. The British Museum was my first stop — it was CRAZY crowded (anyone who knows me well can tell you how I feel about excessive amounts of people / screaming children), and I had the most massive headache I've had in…a long time. So I kept that short, saw plenty of ancient Assyrian and Egyptian artifacts, decoded the Rosetta Stone (it's whatever) and called it good. Off to lunch.

Made my way to Covent Garden for a sandwich, then beat around the many narrow streets lined with shops I can hardly afford to look into the window of. Nice, nonetheless. Rain came around, and I made the really awesome decision of leaving my umbrella at home ("too bulky" I said). I was sorry. It was fortunate, however, that another museum was on my agenda: the striking Tate Modern. I was excited that not only did I once more get to see the glory of nearby St. Paul's Cathedral, but also I ventured to the Tate via the snazzy space age Millenium Bridge.

The Tate was staggering, located in an old warehouse-turned-super hip modern art museum. I still had a headache, but managed to see and enjoy the likeness of many Picasso's, Monet's, Pollock's, Matisse's, Rothko's, Warhol's, etc. I was even more ecstatic to see a room exhibiting contact sheets and works of photographer Robert Frank, as well as a ton of amusing sculpture.

From there, it was Abbey Road. I've had this on the top of my London 'must-sees' since I arrived, and being that it's one of the last times I'll be visiting the city, I figured I'd better catch it. It was surprisingly easy to find (note: just ask the cute boy working the Beatles memorabilia stand at the Underground station). A few blocks walk from the station and BAM! Epic crosswalk. Of course there are many fanatics trying to take the all-too-cliché/totally cool/CLASSIC walk across Abbey Road. I am pleased to say that I am one of these fools! As I was solo, I conned several other fanatics into taking a snap of me making the cross. I'm famous!

I caught a glimpse of Abbey Road Studios (looks like a house to me), walked across the crosswalk about eight more times (seriously) then took to finding dinner. I forgot that it is Friday. I ended up going to a really hip restaurant on the South Bank near the London Eye, called Ping Pong, that served up awesome Chinese. Awkward eating by myself, but fantastic nonetheless. Two thumbs up for that.

Then there was Westminster at night, a sight I had yet to behold. Ben and Parliament look lovely in the evening.

I'd say it was a pretty swell day. Tomorrow I am taking to the shores of Portsmouth, to see the Royal Naval Dockyard, historic ships, etc. The traveling never ceases! I don't hate it.

Love to all, and take good care!
jc