After exploring the general area around my hotel and visiting a bookstore, I was fading fast. But a latte and a shower (once I was able to check into my hotel room around 3pm) helped me feel refreshed and I struck out on the town again. I was likely tapping into my normal wakeful rhythm as well by that time. Hopefully I will sleep well tonight and manage the new timezone okay. I explored a 15-block radius around my hotel which includes quaint parks, the largest bookstore in London (5 stories!), the Thames, and Big Ben.
Coincidentally, I happened on an event called Trooping the Colour, also known as The Queen’s Birthday Parade. The infantry marched along St. James Park to Buckingham Palace.
After the procession, I strolled through the nearby parks.
Then I continued my wanderings around the Thames River and Trafalgar Square.
To my surprise, there are red double-decker buses and red telephone booths everywhere! I am definitely in a strange place. So many accents, so many languages and so many smokers!
I’m now relaxing in the bar of my hotel with a glass of Shiraz. It’s after 9 in the evening and I’m very pleased with myself for staying up all day! Except for a couple short naps I haven’t been to sleep since yesterday. Tomorrow I think I will hit up the library in search of information on GM conferences, protests and public opinion. Then I might go for a boat cruise along the Thames and a ride in the London Eye for broader views of the city. Best wishes from London.
Glad you made it!!!
You’ll be drinking and smoking like the natives in no time at all.
Right Then, off you go!!!
Funny thing was that when I honed in on your energy I “felt” that you were in the hotel bar having a drink, but didn’t get Shiraz! Then again, didn’t try to get it either. Was just checking in to “see” that you were alright. To Dave’s comment…Anne has great will-power, then again, she is drinking, hmmmm?!
Actually the drink was to insure I went to sleep, but it was a very nice Shiraz. Vanette, you would have loved it. I’ll get the name and maybe we can get a hold of one. Thanks for your thoughts. It’s nice to connect with you guys. I feel a teensy weentsy bit of homesickness :o) Love you all!
Morning coffee, morning envy–and Anne B’s journal. Perfect!
It’s fun to enjoy it through your eyes.
Miss you too!
Love,
Susanne
I was informed that the wine was a SAAM Shiraz, 2008. I checked online and it looks pretty obscure.
Btw… this is fun! Thanks for the notes my wonderful friends!!!