Before I head to bed early in preparation of my 4:45 am cab pick up tomorrow morning, I figured it be best I provide an update on the last three days.
Saturday:
Saturday was probably the best "Olympic" experience I had. I met Kate (and Hannah) and her friend Paul at a tube stop near Paul's flat. We walked over to Paul's flat, had a beer, and cheered for the Team GB men's rowing match. Team GB grabbed a silver. It was nice to actually experience 'real life' in someone's flat as opposed to being at a pub or an event. Thank you Paul for the hospitality and the beer (I was accused of pouring the Grolsch beer incorrectly into a pint glass, as I created about two inches of head on it).
The four of us walked over to the Victoria entrance into Olympic Park. This was sort of a back entrance, with no crowds. Once we made it to the main park, I was slightly overwhelmed with the crowd. There were A LOT of people there, understandably so. We met up with Pat, and we walked quickly over to the basketball arena as tip off was in 15 minutes, and I did not want to miss it. While the park was crowded, I believe they built it big enough to handle the crowd as there was not any huge back ups of people trying to get from point A to point B.
The basketball game was fun... but a little nerve wrecking. Lithuania held there own, and USA had to fight hard for the win (99 to 94 I think). Deron Williams, my make-believe-boyfriend, scored 12 points (with 3 fouls). The Lithuania fans were yelling something that sounded like "Sis Coom Bah", but actually they were yelling "Lithuania" in the way they pronounced it. I really wanted to take the "boom sticks" (or whatever they are called) from some Lithuania girl and pop them. I was not a fan of the noise they made.
We stayed for the begining of the China vs. Brazil game, but not really caring about it, we decided to leave and head over to Olympic Stadium for the Athletics. It was nice to not be in a rush, and we met up with Pat again, had a couple of beers (the que was very long for drinks, so we each got two as to not have to go stand in the que again), and then headed in.
Athetics was awesome! The crowd was very into the events, as there were quite a few Team GB participants. It was easy to get caught up in the excitement. The end of the 10,000 m run was just amazing. A Brit won, and the crowd went bonkers. So. Very. Cool.
When it was time to leave, the announcement was that Stratford station was conjested, and it was better to go to West Ham to catch the underground. Well I didn't know any better and followed the crowd to West Ham. I mean, if there were 80,000 people in the Olympic stadium, I'm pretty sure 60,000 of them went to West Ham. 45 minute walk in a crowd, I once again got on the tube going the wrong way, and had to switch back at Stratford, which was EMPTY. Not listening to those announcers again.
Sunday:
Slept in a bit, then met Kate about 1 at her old neighborhood, Chiswick. Cute area. We had lunch at a gastropub called "The Swan", which I recommend if you are ever in the area. I ordered the "Sunday Roast", which is a tradition in England. I can imagine a cold Sunday afternoon, heading to the pub for a pint, and having a hearty, warm, comfort food to make you feel good. We actually ended up staying there for a few hours, as the Murray vs. Federer match was on, and we wanted to see what happened. Kate took me by her old flat, then we hopped the bus back into Central London.
We met Pat's cousin's in Covent Garden, a neat old market with shops and street performers. Keep your belongings close to you here... there are plenty of pick pock-its around. I had no issues, since I have bag made for travel. We had a lovely dinner at a place called "Henry's" (I think)... bangers and mash, and a few pint of "Brains"... I am super smart now. We walked over a pub called "Coal hole" and watched the men's 400 meter. Jamaca grabbed Gold and Silver, and the US grabbed the bronze. It was a bit weird how all the drunk men there were mesmerized by little Hannah. Yes, she is an adorable baby, but they way they were acting, you would think that every baby in London was hidious.
Monday (Today):
Buckingham Palace - most crowded tourist attraction I had been to since arriving in London. Luckily I was able to use my charm and be allowed in 2 hours before my pre-paid ticket had been scheduled for. The state rooms were pretty cool... had a nice self guided audio tour and they seemed to have a nice system of controlling the crowd. Would have been nice if pictures were allowed, as there were things I would have liked to have pictures of that are not in the ten pack of post cards I bought in the gift shop. I was also hoping to get some nice pictures of the front of the palace, however I guess it was the changing of the guards, and that was just a huge cluster f**k, so I went on my way to meet Kate.
Kate and I took the tube to Olympic Park, and went in the main entrance this time. Got some nice pictures of the main gate. When we were there on Saturday, we discovered the food there is crap, so we went to "MacDonalds" (known to the US as McDonalds) as it was something we were familiar with. Their large diet coke is the size of a small diet coke in the US.
Off to aquatic center for Synchronized Swimming. Now, if you had spoken to me before this trip, you know that I was excited for Synchronized Swimming. Well... I was wrong. It was a snoozer. Boring. I mean, the first few duets I was interested, then I realized it all looked the same. Plus, the music selections they used were just awful. 24 duets in 3 hours. And US wasn't until number 22. I perked up for that in support of my home team, but besides that, I pretty much was disinterested. I kept thinking of the Saturday Night Live sketch and how that would be more entertainin. I was also not a fan of the 100 million steps we had to take to get up to our seats. But hey, at least I know now that if anyone is considering to purchase synchronized swimming tickets, I can advise them not to.
I headed off on my own after saying my goodbyes to Kate and Pat and stopped at the shopping center next to the tube to get wine, a sandwich, sudafed (still fighting the Lurgie), and kleenex. I stopped and booked my 4:45 am cab, I've drank half of the wine, the Sudafed has kicked in nicely, and it is now time for bed. I will not be logging in tomorrow night as I will not be lugging my laptop to Paris.
Until Wednesday night, Cheers!
Monday, August 6, 2012
Friday, August 3, 2012
Wimbledon, Greenwich, Gymnastics, USA House, & Cambridge
Cheerio! I have not blogged in a few days as the past two nights I came in
late and had difficulties typing and was seeing a little cross-eyed. Apologies
if you were sitting there with bated breath waiting for my next blog update, as
I'm sure this is the most interesting thing you have ever read in your life.
Tonight I have come home early as I have caught a chest cold and sore throat
(or "The Crud", as my parents call it) and am not feeling very well.
I rarely get ill in the USA, however I have been exposed to icky germs from all
over the world this week, so I'm not surprised. Thankfully it isn't something
that will keep me bed-ridden and I won't miss too much fun. I picked up some
"Strong Bronchial Catarrh Pastilles" at the Superdrug... basically a
menthol gumdrop... and those seem to help.
So, I'm sitting here with my tea with milk (something I really enjoy and will probably continue to put milk in my tea when I return to the States), my tomato, brie, and basil baguette, looking out the window of my lovely view of the London City Airport runway.
Looking back on the week:
Wednesday:
I woke up bright and early at 6 AM... didn't care to, but my body was confused on what time it was. This was Wimbledon day, and I wanted to fit in Westminster Abby and the Churchill War Rooms prior to heading out to Wimbledon. Westminster Abby was pretty cool... I did not realize so many people were buried there. I especially liked the tomb of Queen Elizabeth and Poet's Corner were many literary and musical greats are buried. I lit a candle to say a special prayer for my family, then left. I don't tend to dilly-dally at historical points of interest and read every plaque or sign. I just like to enjoy the beauty. Off to a tour of The Churchill War Rooms. I found this interesting, and they pretty much have left quite a bit (or reconstructed quite a bit using pictures) as it was when the war ended. The most interesting thing to do in London and worth the 16 pounds? No.
I jumped on the tube and headed out to Wimbledon. It was a 20 minute walk from the tube to the stadium, and I was walking behind this family. Their pre-teen daughter was being a whiney brat, and the mom said, "If you ever ask me for any more treats, you ain't gonna get 'em". If you are familiar with the Pink Floyd song where the lady yells, "How can you have any pudding if you don't eat all of your meat", that is what it sounded like. Made me chuckle.
I made it in through security and got to my seat right before Serena William's match. Serena slaughtered her opponent in two sets, in only 51 minutes. Kate arrived before the next match, which was Djokovic v Hewitt. We went and grabbed a pasty and some pimm's for lunch, and headed back in for the match. Hewitt was the under dog, and really held his own. Unfortunately he could not keep up with the younger Djokovic. Quite a shame, as Hewitt is a hottie. I'm also a big fan of the "Aussie Aussie Aussie! Oye Oye Oye!" cheer. After this match, we decided to partake in Strawberries & Cream, and some Champagne. However you had to buy Champagne by the bottle - at 47 pound 50. Never mind, a glass of wine will do. Final match we stayed for was Andy Murray vs Baghdatis. Murray is part of Team GB, so the crowd was fun... doing the wave and really into the match. Murray won in three sets, losing only the first set.
Afterwards, Kate and I (and Hannah) met her friend Stephanie in a suburb I don't remember the name of. Ate a wonderful Spaghetti Carbonara at Stephanie's boyfriend's restaurant, Luce. I was exhausted by the end of the night, and actually had been all day. Was happy to get back to my room and crash.
Thursday:
Spent the morning and afternoon in Greenwich with Kate, avoided a downpour by perusing the marketplace, then enjoyed fish and chips and a pint at a local pub. Was a nice relaxing morning/afternoon. The Royal Observatory was closed due to the equestrian events being at Greenwich Park, so I was not able to stand on the Greenwich Mean Time line.
We headed off to the North Greenwich Arena (known as O2, formally known as something else) for gymnastics. This event truly was awesome to see. Sometimes you are not sure what to look at as 4 events are going on at once. I also was surprised how quickly it went by. Was so proud of the two American girls - Gabbie for getting the gold, and Ali for tying for bronze. Unfortunately in an event of a tie for bronze, the tie goes to the competitor with the most technical points. So very cool to be at a medal ceremony when they are playing your National Anthem. I felt pretty damn proud.
Afterwards we went to the USA House, where the USOC hosts athletes, sponsors, etc. for food and drink to celebrate and watch the US athletes compete on TV. Watched Phelps grab a gold and Lochte a Silver with a huge crowd of Americans - the place went nuts! Met Apollo Ono. I'm a huge dork and asked him if he was going to show off his dance moves later, and he said, "Um, no, we're leaving". Ok then.
Today - Friday:
Kate (and little Hannah) and I met at Kings Cross rail station to head out to Cambridge for the day. Kate attended Trinity Hall at Cambridge University for her Master's in Education and I was excited for my private tour. We took a punt boat tour on the River Cam, had a pint and a meal at a pub, then walked around visiting Queen's College, King's College, and her alma mater, Trinity Hall. The colleges are beautiful and the chapel at King's College is AMAZING.
Tomorrow I'm off to Basketball and Athletics. GO TEAM USA!!
So, I'm sitting here with my tea with milk (something I really enjoy and will probably continue to put milk in my tea when I return to the States), my tomato, brie, and basil baguette, looking out the window of my lovely view of the London City Airport runway.
Looking back on the week:
Wednesday:
I woke up bright and early at 6 AM... didn't care to, but my body was confused on what time it was. This was Wimbledon day, and I wanted to fit in Westminster Abby and the Churchill War Rooms prior to heading out to Wimbledon. Westminster Abby was pretty cool... I did not realize so many people were buried there. I especially liked the tomb of Queen Elizabeth and Poet's Corner were many literary and musical greats are buried. I lit a candle to say a special prayer for my family, then left. I don't tend to dilly-dally at historical points of interest and read every plaque or sign. I just like to enjoy the beauty. Off to a tour of The Churchill War Rooms. I found this interesting, and they pretty much have left quite a bit (or reconstructed quite a bit using pictures) as it was when the war ended. The most interesting thing to do in London and worth the 16 pounds? No.
I jumped on the tube and headed out to Wimbledon. It was a 20 minute walk from the tube to the stadium, and I was walking behind this family. Their pre-teen daughter was being a whiney brat, and the mom said, "If you ever ask me for any more treats, you ain't gonna get 'em". If you are familiar with the Pink Floyd song where the lady yells, "How can you have any pudding if you don't eat all of your meat", that is what it sounded like. Made me chuckle.
I made it in through security and got to my seat right before Serena William's match. Serena slaughtered her opponent in two sets, in only 51 minutes. Kate arrived before the next match, which was Djokovic v Hewitt. We went and grabbed a pasty and some pimm's for lunch, and headed back in for the match. Hewitt was the under dog, and really held his own. Unfortunately he could not keep up with the younger Djokovic. Quite a shame, as Hewitt is a hottie. I'm also a big fan of the "Aussie Aussie Aussie! Oye Oye Oye!" cheer. After this match, we decided to partake in Strawberries & Cream, and some Champagne. However you had to buy Champagne by the bottle - at 47 pound 50. Never mind, a glass of wine will do. Final match we stayed for was Andy Murray vs Baghdatis. Murray is part of Team GB, so the crowd was fun... doing the wave and really into the match. Murray won in three sets, losing only the first set.
Afterwards, Kate and I (and Hannah) met her friend Stephanie in a suburb I don't remember the name of. Ate a wonderful Spaghetti Carbonara at Stephanie's boyfriend's restaurant, Luce. I was exhausted by the end of the night, and actually had been all day. Was happy to get back to my room and crash.
Thursday:
Spent the morning and afternoon in Greenwich with Kate, avoided a downpour by perusing the marketplace, then enjoyed fish and chips and a pint at a local pub. Was a nice relaxing morning/afternoon. The Royal Observatory was closed due to the equestrian events being at Greenwich Park, so I was not able to stand on the Greenwich Mean Time line.
We headed off to the North Greenwich Arena (known as O2, formally known as something else) for gymnastics. This event truly was awesome to see. Sometimes you are not sure what to look at as 4 events are going on at once. I also was surprised how quickly it went by. Was so proud of the two American girls - Gabbie for getting the gold, and Ali for tying for bronze. Unfortunately in an event of a tie for bronze, the tie goes to the competitor with the most technical points. So very cool to be at a medal ceremony when they are playing your National Anthem. I felt pretty damn proud.
Afterwards we went to the USA House, where the USOC hosts athletes, sponsors, etc. for food and drink to celebrate and watch the US athletes compete on TV. Watched Phelps grab a gold and Lochte a Silver with a huge crowd of Americans - the place went nuts! Met Apollo Ono. I'm a huge dork and asked him if he was going to show off his dance moves later, and he said, "Um, no, we're leaving". Ok then.
Today - Friday:
Kate (and little Hannah) and I met at Kings Cross rail station to head out to Cambridge for the day. Kate attended Trinity Hall at Cambridge University for her Master's in Education and I was excited for my private tour. We took a punt boat tour on the River Cam, had a pint and a meal at a pub, then walked around visiting Queen's College, King's College, and her alma mater, Trinity Hall. The colleges are beautiful and the chapel at King's College is AMAZING.
Tomorrow I'm off to Basketball and Athletics. GO TEAM USA!!
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
What would you do on three hours of sleep?
So I opted not to take a nap and just get out and start seeing the city. I went to Tower of London, and started with the free tour, but got toured of that and walked around on my own for a bit. The Crown Jewels were pretty, but sort of made me sad that a monarchy has money just to have money, and what do they really do for their country? You tell me if you have an opinion on that.
I met some nice Americans that took my picture with my camera in front of tower bridge, I walked across the Thames on Tower Bridge, walked down a bit, walked across the Thames on London Bridge, walked up by St. Paul's Cathedral, walked across the Thames on Millenium Bridge, snapped a picture of the fake Globe Theatre, walked across the Thames again on a bridge that I don't remember the name, had a pint at Blackfriar's pub, hoped on the tube up to find Kate's hotel.
Then kate and her friend and I met Pat at a restaurant in Soho. Walked through West End, saw Chinatown, sawn Queen's Theatre where Les Mis is, and then hopped the tube back home.
Time for bed... Westminster Abby, Churchill War rooms, and Tennis tomorrow.
Cheers!
I met some nice Americans that took my picture with my camera in front of tower bridge, I walked across the Thames on Tower Bridge, walked down a bit, walked across the Thames on London Bridge, walked up by St. Paul's Cathedral, walked across the Thames on Millenium Bridge, snapped a picture of the fake Globe Theatre, walked across the Thames again on a bridge that I don't remember the name, had a pint at Blackfriar's pub, hoped on the tube up to find Kate's hotel.
Then kate and her friend and I met Pat at a restaurant in Soho. Walked through West End, saw Chinatown, sawn Queen's Theatre where Les Mis is, and then hopped the tube back home.
Time for bed... Westminster Abby, Churchill War rooms, and Tennis tomorrow.
Cheers!
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles... and steps.
It only took 14 hours, but I have made it to my dorm room at the University of East London. I'm exhausted. 8 hours on a plane, 3 hours of sleep. Once deboarded, I had to walk a very long way to the 'border'. Getting through the border was easy/peasey, but that was the last easy/peasy for the day.
Jen's First Adventure on the Tube:
Trying to be a frugal traveler, I decided to take the tube all the way from Heathrow to East London. First, I got on the Picadilly - going the wrong way. And off to Terminal 5 I go! Switch back going the right way. Ok, I got this. I felt like a big jerk with my luggage, especially because it was pretty much rush hour for Londoners. Switch to the District Line at South Kensington... oh crap, stairs. Wait for everyone to pass me by then lug down then lug up over 50 lbs of luggage to the District Line (mind the gap). Ok, not too bad. Switch to DLR at Tower Hill. More damn stairs. Walk a block, cross the street (look to your right!) and up the escalators (oh thank god escalators) to the DLR. Get off at Canning Town, wait 5 minutes for the Beckton line, then get off at Cyprus. Thank goodness for a ramp. I believe I did not swipe my Oyster Card though... hmmm...
Checked in and was walked down to the "Green Drum". AND, more damn stairs. I share a 'flat' with some strangers, however my room is private. I think I spied a 5th room that we share that has some sort of kitchenette. I have my own little bathroom/shower type of thing. I'll have to post pictures some other time, it certainly interesting. The place is affordable, free internet, and without the opportunity to stay here, I could have never afforded to come to the Olympics.
And while I would like to take a nap, the fact that I am staying directly across a river from a runway might hinder that. Think I'll shower up, and go hit the Tower of London, and find something to eat... starving.
Jen's First Adventure on the Tube:
Trying to be a frugal traveler, I decided to take the tube all the way from Heathrow to East London. First, I got on the Picadilly - going the wrong way. And off to Terminal 5 I go! Switch back going the right way. Ok, I got this. I felt like a big jerk with my luggage, especially because it was pretty much rush hour for Londoners. Switch to the District Line at South Kensington... oh crap, stairs. Wait for everyone to pass me by then lug down then lug up over 50 lbs of luggage to the District Line (mind the gap). Ok, not too bad. Switch to DLR at Tower Hill. More damn stairs. Walk a block, cross the street (look to your right!) and up the escalators (oh thank god escalators) to the DLR. Get off at Canning Town, wait 5 minutes for the Beckton line, then get off at Cyprus. Thank goodness for a ramp. I believe I did not swipe my Oyster Card though... hmmm...
Checked in and was walked down to the "Green Drum". AND, more damn stairs. I share a 'flat' with some strangers, however my room is private. I think I spied a 5th room that we share that has some sort of kitchenette. I have my own little bathroom/shower type of thing. I'll have to post pictures some other time, it certainly interesting. The place is affordable, free internet, and without the opportunity to stay here, I could have never afforded to come to the Olympics.
And while I would like to take a nap, the fact that I am staying directly across a river from a runway might hinder that. Think I'll shower up, and go hit the Tower of London, and find something to eat... starving.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Ready to go!!
10 hours from now I will be in the air on the way to London. I can't believe it's finally here! I'm just about packed, all important documents are scanned and/or printed, I have a fresh pedicure, and I've been watching Olympic events all weekend.
It's been pretty exciting so far! I'm currently watching gymnastics, but I think my favorite today was getting a preview of the USA Men's Basketball team that I'll be seeing on Saturday.
If you would like to watch the events I'm attending here are the dates and times (London is 6 hours ahead of CST):
Stay tuned for more later this week!
It's been pretty exciting so far! I'm currently watching gymnastics, but I think my favorite today was getting a preview of the USA Men's Basketball team that I'll be seeing on Saturday.
If you would like to watch the events I'm attending here are the dates and times (London is 6 hours ahead of CST):
- Tennis, Wednesday Aug 1st, Noon to 8:00 UK time
- Men's Volleyball, Thursday Aug 2nd, 2:45 UK time
- Mens Basketball (USA vs. Lithuania), Saturday Aug 3rd, 2:30 to 6:30 UK time
- Atheletics (Track & Field), Saturday Aug 3rd, 6:50 UK time
- Synchronized Swimming, Monday, August 6th, 3:00 to 5:00 UK time
Stay tuned for more later this week!
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Research and Preparation
Two months from today will be my last day in London. It is weird to think while I'm so looking forward to this trip, I'm also dreading the second I have to get on the tube back to Heathrow.
In preparation for the trip I have read Rick Steve's London 2012 (I admit I imagine his voice while reading it, like I'm watching one of his travel shows - I'm a nerd). I've also read TOP 10 London, Top 10 Paris, and purchased a French phrase & dictionary. Yes, we pulled the trigger on heading to Paris for 2 days. Hurray!! Kate is familiar enough with French when we need it, but I think it is important to at least TRY to speak some of the language when visiting a foreign speaking country. If you are planning a trip there as well, I recommend the same books.
I found the following articles on www.chicagotribune.com fairly helpful/interesting:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/travel/la-tr-london-20120527,0,6387829.story
http://www.chicagotribune.com/travel/virtualvacation/la-tr-eastlondon4-20111204,0,2157073.story
I have 'liked' London 2012 on facebook, so it has been helping build my excitement. This is their website, http://www.london2012.com/, if you want to follow the Olympic flame around England or keep up to date with the goings on as the games get closer.
In support of our American Athletes, I've been following Team USA on the USOC website (http://www.teamusa.org/). I've also bought a stitch in the flag the the US Olympic and Paralympic Teams will take to the games. If you would like to donate, go to https://raiseourflag.teamusa.org/Content/index.aspx?utm_source=teamusa.org&utm_medium=lightbox&utm_campaign=raiseourflag#!wall
$12 a stitch.
If you've been to London, tell me your favorite spot you visited!!
In preparation for the trip I have read Rick Steve's London 2012 (I admit I imagine his voice while reading it, like I'm watching one of his travel shows - I'm a nerd). I've also read TOP 10 London, Top 10 Paris, and purchased a French phrase & dictionary. Yes, we pulled the trigger on heading to Paris for 2 days. Hurray!! Kate is familiar enough with French when we need it, but I think it is important to at least TRY to speak some of the language when visiting a foreign speaking country. If you are planning a trip there as well, I recommend the same books.
I found the following articles on www.chicagotribune.com fairly helpful/interesting:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/travel/la-tr-london-20120527,0,6387829.story
http://www.chicagotribune.com/travel/virtualvacation/la-tr-eastlondon4-20111204,0,2157073.story
I have 'liked' London 2012 on facebook, so it has been helping build my excitement. This is their website, http://www.london2012.com/, if you want to follow the Olympic flame around England or keep up to date with the goings on as the games get closer.
In support of our American Athletes, I've been following Team USA on the USOC website (http://www.teamusa.org/). I've also bought a stitch in the flag the the US Olympic and Paralympic Teams will take to the games. If you would like to donate, go to https://raiseourflag.teamusa.org/Content/index.aspx?utm_source=teamusa.org&utm_medium=lightbox&utm_campaign=raiseourflag#!wall
$12 a stitch.
If you've been to London, tell me your favorite spot you visited!!
Monday, March 12, 2012
Should I extend my trip?
Found out that Wilco is playing at a festival in Oxfordshire on August 12th. My flight back to the US is Aug 11th? Should I extend my trip a couple of days?
Talked to Kate today, she and I are going to the events together... Tennis, Synchronized swimming, volleyball, basketball, and athletics (track and field). I have realized I will have to get the international service on my phone while I am there so that I can get in touch with her... 99 cents a minute and I think 50 cents a text... yikes! No one call or text me while I'm there!
I admit I'm getting nervous about being able to get around, but I've done fine in US cities on my own, so I should not be too worried about London... everything is in English.
I might go to Paris for a day or two via the 'Chunnel"... or should I fly over to Amsterdam? Thoughts?
So very excited!!!
Talked to Kate today, she and I are going to the events together... Tennis, Synchronized swimming, volleyball, basketball, and athletics (track and field). I have realized I will have to get the international service on my phone while I am there so that I can get in touch with her... 99 cents a minute and I think 50 cents a text... yikes! No one call or text me while I'm there!
I admit I'm getting nervous about being able to get around, but I've done fine in US cities on my own, so I should not be too worried about London... everything is in English.
I might go to Paris for a day or two via the 'Chunnel"... or should I fly over to Amsterdam? Thoughts?
So very excited!!!
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