We have become a little museum-ed out despite excellent places to see here in the capital. Among my favourite museums are the Imperial War Museum, Science Museum, and Royal Maritime Museum. After seeing so many of these good ones, I think Jessie and I were a little tired of walking around looking at signs and exhibits so the Tate Modern art museum and British Museum were not well liked. I think the art museum would have been boring to me anyway, since I do not understand or appreciate it. It seems like much of it is arbitrarily designed and superflous in nature as if someone with zero talent or even computer design program set on random could create it. The War, Science and Maritime museums, on the other hand, fascinated me and I loved their displays.
One of my favourite things to do with Jessie is walk around the posher neighbourhoods in London. Chelsea, Notting Hill, Holland Park and Hyde Park are all great since I am able to admire the nice houses and cars and even see some cool car dealerships. My favoruite among which is the block of BMW stores on Park Lane including BMW motorrad (motorcycle), Mini and the BMW armoured car division. In the latter dealership there was a display of a bulletproof door that had been shot as well as a tire that can function even after a puncture. Hyde Park was also temporary home to Jessie's uncle and aunt with whom we enjoyed a great dinner, dessert and walk.
I took a day trip to Greenwich which is sort of part of London but feels like a separate village. I rode again on the Docklands Light Rail which is always fun for me. It is home of the Prime Meridian which was created there, rather arbitraily, by the Royal Observatory as part of a system to help ancient mariners navigate. There was a tiled line in the ground and a laser beam to denote this landmark, as well as an atomic clock to help Europe keep time. While in Greenwich, I also visit the Royal Martime Museum, Queen Anne's palace home, the painted chapel, painted hall and the Maritime College. The entire park, campus and compund that are part of the village are great to look at and a nice addition to the nearby market. On the way back I walked through a foot tunnel under the River Thames, past the launch site for the Leviathan ship and up the Isle of Dogs to the Canary Wharf and DLR. Greenwich turned out to be my second favourite London locales, second only the the nice wealthy and car heaven neighbourhoods listed above.
Also in Hyde Park we enjoyed a pedal boat rental on the Serpentine pond. It was hard work on our legs but a scenic part of the city. For our 6 month anniversary we splurged on a ride on the London Eye (the big ferris wheel). Apart from a couple making out in the 25-passenger capsule it was good times.
Quick shout-out to London Metro Police for using BMW sedans and station wagon (saloon and estate) marked and unmarked police cruisers. Good job.
Today we will head over to Camden Market (which we heard is weird but cool) and enjoy some drinks with some of our housemates.
Due to some changes with our Air India flight bookings, we are now going to be traveling to the southern part of Europe earlier than expected. We are flying Monday to Budapest and from there following the Mediterranean via Venice, Cinqueterra, Monaco, Nice, Barcelona, Madrid and Lisbon before heading north to Paris. Upon returning to London, we will fly to Helsinki for the Scandinavian, German and Dutch part of the trip. Sounds crazy, right? I doubt everything will work out without a hitch but it should be proper fun anyway. Wish us luck
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