It's ALL London Baby... Here we go!

I'm just going to say it: London makes me think of that episode of "Friends". You know: The One When Ross Gets Married. I'm not embarrassed.

And speaking of "Friends," I had no idea that the Brits are obsessed with our 90s sitcoms. While waiting in line to get into a bar, this guy in front of me (who just turned 18 and had to get in with his LEARNER'S PERMIT) (ugh, I'm old) (not really)(but still) started talking about how the UK is obsessed with American culture. But it feels like they're about 7 years behind. Here's a few things he asked me if I like:

1) "Friends"

2) "Everybody loves Raymond"

3) "Seinfeld"

4) Mixing all of my drinks with Monster energy drink

5) "2 and a Half Men"

6) Kentucky

He also said that British people never backwash in their drinks. It's apparently an American thing. I call Shenanigans! That just sounds untrue. 

When I was asked what sort of British TV shows or movies we watch I could only come up with

1) Love Actually

2) Pride and Prejudice

Then I mentioned that "The Office: UK version" is on TV sometimes. My American friend next to me blurted out, "OH! You guys have The Office, too!?" And then the British boy narrowed his eyes and flames flew out of his ears á la Dr. Kelso on Scrubs.

 God, where was I? And how is it possible that I could have such a long digression about T.V. shows? Oh that's right. T.V. is half my life.

So, London. I did a LOT of nerdly sightseeing, so I think I'll just leave out a list of some of the things I accomplished. 

1) Buckingham Palace

Pretty cool, lots of gold everywhere, very crowded. I didn't end up seeing the changing of the guard (Because I would have had to get up at 8a.m. Priorities.). While we were there, the Queen was out in Scotland enjoying her holiday. Much like the rest of Europe. 

Our tour guide did a dynamite impression of the Queen, by the by. 

2) St. James Park

Very pretty, lots of war memorials. The best one was England's tribute to Canada's effort in WWII. It literally looked like a wedge of cheese sitting on the ground. And children were sliding up and down on it. The grass was growing up to your knees because the lawn maintenance people are all on holiday. Damn you Europeans and your "anything goes" holiday schedules!!

3) Big Ben

Actually much smaller than you'd think. But tons of really cool intricate design. 

4) Westminster Abby

Caused me to quote "Friends" to anyone and everyone in the vicinity. "Man, YOU are Westminster crabby." No one else knew the quote. 

5) Portobello Road Market

The street market from "Notting Hill!" It was really cool, and super crowded. I tried searching for the "travel book" shop from the movie but I got distracted by the cool stuff and I couldn't find it. I tried authentic fish & chips here. I'm not such a fish fan, but I was told if you like fish, it was really good.

6) Visited a gay club in Soho

Soho is a very posh area of London with a lot of shopping, clubbing, and gay people. You'd be amazed at how many times those three things go together. We shared our hostel with two Brazilians and my traveling buddy (who speaks fluent portuguese) convinced them to take us out. We spent the night at Soho's coolest gay bar and it was awesome.

7) Visited Clarence House

This is one of the homes of Princes Harry, William, and Charles. William has obvi moved out with his new lady into their new Kensington palace. According to our Irish tour guide (my go-to expert on all things British) Harry is ready to settle down, and goes out to Soho to troll for ladies. No, I didn't spot him. Sadly. 

8) Ministry of Sound

I had no idea that this was such a hopping place. I saw Benny Bonassi (apparently a very popular DJ). I'm not hip and jiggy enough to know these things. I also didn't particularly like the place, I guess I'm not that into techno club scenes. Now we know. But it was really cool to experience and I definitely understand why other people like it. 

9) Hyde Park

Gorgeous. Wonderful. Mostly because the weather was PERFECT for us the entire weekend. We ate lunch on the deck of a cafe place and just walked around. 

There was more, but I need to get cracking on a research paper. Oof. Toodles!