Five days of London

My morning began on an interesting note. As I was leaving my room to use the facilities (Ferrero Rocher milkshake at night.. big mistake) a group of Australian guys wearing Dolphin jerseys walked through the hallway, talking to me all at once. Seeing that it was 2am and I was bleary-eyed from having just waken up, I could only respond with a confused, "Huh?" They were really insistent about me going to a party in their room and I got them to move on by telling them to start without me.  On my way back, a guy in a Kaepernick jersey passed by me, waving. The NFL is in town this week.)

Hostel living is great.. although the accommodations aren't luxurious, it's a hip atmosphere and I've been amply prepared by dorm life, summer camp, and church retreats.  A couple times the doorman randomly greeted me with, "Is it real?", which is an alarming enough question on its own, but not one I've ever been asked. He was referring to my smile, but that's still a weird thing to say, no? Also, poor Luca from Italy - our first introduction was when I walked in on him not wearing pants. I didn't check to see how pantsless he was, because I was surprised that there was even a dude in the room.

Moving on, since today was a weekday, I took advantage of fewer crowds and accomplished a lot.  First, I visited the Photographer's Gallery, which was kinda interesting.

I don't know what this is, but it was worth taking a picture of!

Then, I went to Liberty, which was awesome because they already have a beautiful Christmas store set up. (In case you're wondering, the answer is yes, I'll probably talk about Christmas in every post.)

I also visited Hamley's Toy Store, which is pretty cool, kinda like FAO, except I kept almost getting hit in the head by employees demonstrating toys. I promise, I wasn't walking into it (I think). Maybe I'm not helping my case, but I accidentally knocked over a Paddington Bear suitcase display and they all went down like dominos, while all eyes turned on me. Oops!

Walked around Soho and the rain came out for a bit, which was actually kinda nice.

A random flowery corner I liked.

Next was Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery. 

I'm coming for you tomorrow, Elizabeth Tower and Big Ben!

I don't get the blue rooster but I thought it was interesting.

Although I'm not really into arts, the history side of the museum appealed to me, as I got a lot of insight from reading the info boxes. It was a huge museum so I couldn't rea everything, but I was incredibly drawn into what I did read. Here's my favorite picture.. action shot!  

No guts, no glory!

This was followed by the National Portrait Gallery, which was surprisingly my favorite of the museums I've visited so far. I got caught up in the scandals of King George IV and Queen Caroline. Juicy stuff!

After taking a break at the hostel (and having the grossest nachos ever), Gabrielle and I went to Hyde Park, where the girl lost her poo over feeding squirrels. I told her that she was no longer welcome in the room if she contracted rabies.  

A swan! Honk, honk! (Do they say that or is it just ducks and bus drivers?)

It looks like an upside down tree! This passerby thought it was weird we were taking pics of it and turned his head upside down when we explained it. He replied, "I don't see it, but okay." Everyone's a critic!

A tree hut

Inside the hut

Man, I look really short. Sad life!

I teased her about her touristy umbrella. I was like the Chandler to her Joey. Remember that ep? Sadly, no Fergie around to prove me wrong.

I laughed my butt off when I saw that the squirrel was reaching

The sun came out later and it looked so pretty.

After that, we went to London's worst pub. Seriously, they have fish and chips on their menu but don't serve it and then, when I ordered and paid for soup, they didn't have that either! I have four days left but I feel like I've already been here forever.

Here's some signs I saw that I really liked. Keep inspiring me, London!