The cold weather in southern Italy during March just isn't ideal for boat living. We figure after this two year adventure is over, we'll be stateside for a while, so this is our chance to see Europe. Visiting London, Paris and our friend Anke in Germany bubbled up as our top places to go w/out the boat.

We arrived in London after flying through Frankfurt and Rome (obviously frequent flyer mile travel.) Hopping on the the metro after being so tired was a challenge, but somehow we made it to our little rental apartment in West Kensington. Here's a quick summary of the week in London:

Day 1 - Rode the double decker bus tour so we would have a clue about the basics of London. Growling stomaches gave us the excuse to stop near the London Eye for our first taste of pub fish and chips. We took a ride on the London Eye and relaxed on the slow moving, space age ferris wheel while scanning the fabulous views of London.

Day 2 - Succumbed to Madame Tasauds Wax museum (touristy and schmultzy, but entertaining). We then strolled Oxford/Regent Street - good news - the economy must be booming - we could barely make our way through the throngs of people shopping.

Day 3- Missed our Beatles tour after challenges navigating the tube. Decided to go the movies - saw Rango - in assigned theatre seats. Wandered through Hyde Park - RJ and I rented bikes while Leo and Rodney playeda at the Princess Diana memorial playground. Discovering the Peter Pan statue at twilight was magical. Hyde park is huge and would be a great place to run everyday.

Day 4- Tower of London tour - torture chambers, crown jewels, cafe and a gift shop. Lots of ghosts around there - Henry the VIII wives and poor Queen Jane. During the evening we saw Wicked - fabulous. We stood in line in the morning to get the "front row stalls" at half price and it was worth it!

Day 5- British Museum highlights - Rosetta Stone, Egypt mummies and Greek sculptures (we're all excited to go Greece - but looks like the Brits have all the "stuff" from the Parthenon.) That evening - Rodney and I had a date - dinner in Chelsea.

Day 6 - Beatles Walking Tour - very entertaining - saw Paul McCartney's office (he was there, we saw his light - ooh) the rooftop concert site, Abbey Road, etc. "London Walks" is a great outfit and they have a variety of walking tours.

We absolutely loved hanging out in London. Everyone is friendly and some speak English!

Photos Here