MONEY

I found this quote in my tour book that perfectly describes the story of my life here in London. I thought it was hilarious, so here it is:

"Our primary cultural activity in London was changing money. We had to do this a lot because the dollar is very weak. Europeans use the dollar primarily to apply shoe polish. So every day we'd go to one of the money-changing places...and then we'd look for something to eat that had been invented in this century, such as pizza, and we'd buy three slices for what we later realized was $247.50, and then we'd change some money again. Meanwhile, the Japanese tourists were exchanging their money for items such as Westminster Abbey." --Dave Barry

The Globe, and The Houses of Parliament

Windows in Westminster Hall.
Big Ben Clock Tower (Big Ben only refers to the bell inside the clock tower).
Here we are in Westminster Hall of The Houses of Parliament. I loved, really loved this tour. It is so amazing to see history staring you in the face. This building will take your breath away, every inch of it, and anyone who has ever been inside would surely agree with me.
This was a little protest going on across the street from the Houses of Parliament. I love the heart-shaped chair.
This one was taken when we stood as "groundlings" at Shakespeare's Merry Wives of Windsor. It was really fun and quite amazing to be groundlings, standing right in front of the stage, practically resting our chins right there where the actors were singing and dancing. It was even fun when it started raining on us in this open air theater.
This was just a cute picture of me. Those are so rare, I had to document it. haha.

Hello my Lookers

hey guys, i just discovered the comments you left for me. I just wanted to thank you. I wasnt sure anyone was interested in the blog and was considering abandoning it when i found the comments. I hope you all enjoy the posts and stories I leave. It is quite interesting here. Everyday presents new experiences, all worth sharing. I hope all is well with everyone. Keep checking and I will keep posting. Love, Dani

this old man was singing at Portobello Market. the market was completely amazing. it went on for several blocks and sold everything from antique spoons to classic original print novels to furs to records to fresh fruits and pastries to boots and pots. it was so crowded i almost didnt like it until it started to rain, and then pour, and all the tourists ran for cover. we just strolled along happily soaked, enjoying ourselves and the walk.
this was a cupcake shop in Notting Hill. We just stood and drooled for a bit here.
i thought this was awesome. quite proper hamburgers, daddio!

Imperial War Museum

It was completely amazing. I was not extremely excited when I went (though I really really love museums) because it was mostly about WWI and WWII and I already know so much about that. However, what I learned and saw today changed everything I could have imagined. It gave new insight into old knowledge. I loved it!

Some pictures

The Dog Toilet was in Holland Park. The sky picture was taken at Kensington Library where I ate lunch today. The buildings are the houses on my street, Lexham Gardens.

Ice

I miss ice and sleep.

view from my window

this is me sitting on my bed. outside my window is a little park where we can read or relax, etc. lovely.

First Days Here

Finally here and it still doesn't seem real. I love the taxi cabs and the double decker buses. And I love the streets and buildings. It is almost too lovely. Londoners are very much more quiet than Americans and even walking on busy streets you have to strain your ear to hear an accent. It is also much more diverse than America. We have been trying to take it slow to shake off the jet lag, so we have only just been exploring nearby streets. The food is not good. Also, there are Starbucks everywhere which seems like a bit of home. Nice for when I may feel homesick. My bed is right next to a window that looks out on a rainy little park and I plan on taking full advantage of the perfect reading space as soon as things dry up (if ever). Not that I am complaining at all. I love the rain. My neck and shoulders are in agony from the damage I did to them with all the luggage lugging. One more thing: on the plane I got to watch a show called Flight of the Conchords (a t.v. show about one of my favorite bands). If anyone wants a good GOOD laugh ever, download the episode "Bowie" from iTunes. I can't stop thinking about it, it's so genius.