Victoria is absolutely brilliant, once you start navigating the streets and finding the patches of British culture. I have to say that I wish I could have a good English breakfast every day of my life, fried tomatoes and mushrooms and all.
The first day wasn't too bad given my body was functioning six hours in the past. The Park Plaza Hotel is beautiful, and because my plane ticket was booked on the cheap, and the hotel reservation was made months in advance, I've been sleeping in a twin (or do they call it a queen?) bed in an Executive room. The room itself is quaint, with two beds, a large flat screen TV, a desk, and an espresso maker.
The most odd thing about it though, the sink and counter top in the bathroom are completely clear. I hope to get a picture up on FB of the sink so you know what I mean. Just in case I don't:
The most odd thing about it though, the sink and counter top in the bathroom are completely clear. I hope to get a picture up on FB of the sink so you know what I mean. Just in case I don't:
The first night we adventured out into Victoria eating a chicken dinner with mash and garlic bread. The charge was about 18.00 Pounds, but tax had already been worked into the final price (something they should really do in America), and we ordered a meal sized for 2 and split it 3 ways, it filled us up pretty good. Not to mention the atmosphere was jovial and the service (and waiters) was darn fine!
After we filled up, we took a walk to Buckingham Palace. On the way we passed by Westminster Cathedral, which is beautiful with a large tower you are allowed to go up in. I haven't done that yet, and am hoping to do so with S.D., H^2. and a few others who will be joining me this coming Thursday, Sept. 1. We walked on, finally reaching the end of the road and the wall surrounding the palace. This was all around 9 PM.
We were amused to see the palace guard standing inside the closed gate (you aren't allowed in unless you have at ticket). They were completely still and severe looking.
The gates of the palace are stunning, with gold decorative crests. The fountain (although it was off- due to construction) was breathtaking. The Chicago recreation doesn't hold its own against the original, although it's pretty darn close and a whole lot larger. I was fascinated by the amount of statues around the fountain, as well as the spire topped with golden angel and several genuflecting statues sitting beneath her.
The gates of the palace are stunning, with gold decorative crests. The fountain (although it was off- due to construction) was breathtaking. The Chicago recreation doesn't hold its own against the original, although it's pretty darn close and a whole lot larger. I was fascinated by the amount of statues around the fountain, as well as the spire topped with golden angel and several genuflecting statues sitting beneath her.
The best part of the fountain was the few of the street on either side. All around the spire and cetnre of the fountain are different statues, including a fallen face (of what looks like an angry god) and on the other side a clear representation of Athena's shield with the Gorgon head on it. Across from the fountain is the entrance to Princess Diana's Memorial Park (see next entry for more details).
The night was topped off with a Pint and breaded kalamari rings at the Phoenix, one of three pubs on the avenue that leads to the Palace. Also accessible from the avenue (or street, I have no idea why I'm calling it an avenue) are the Roof Top gardens, which I am hoping to see with the above mentioned girls, S.D. and H^2.
I have to say, despite my getting up and then taking five hour naps around 12 PM, give me a break that's 4 AM American time, I have had a wonderful first day in London. (Might I add I've been super busy exploring and having a great time in London and Brussels, which is why this came a week late.)
Cheers for now,
Haha. I love how you call us SD and HH. I'm flattered to be mentioned in your blog. :) The Roof Top Gardens sound really cool! I can't wait!
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