I left my heart in London...

Cheers!  Well, after having some time to recover and squash any traces of remaining jet lag, it's time to update about our Europe trip.  To start, I'd just like to say how incredibly blessed I feel to have had the chance to travel.  Thanks for all the advice and support from our friends and family - this trip was truly a dream come true.  We came, we saw, we stood in awe.

London Highlights

That makes it sound like foiled blonde wisps of hair.  Oh well.

Upon entering the International arrivals terminal at Heathrow Airport, we heard:  Any unclaimed baggage found will be taken and destroyed.  Welcome to London!

British Breakfast is a master of the morning with baked beans, fried tomatoes, sausage, eggs, and toast.  This was our first real meal in London while we waited for our hotel room to be ready.  A local hole-in-the-wall place named Aussie's.  The waiter was about 6'5 and grinning at us over the register.  After further research around the neighborhood, I realized he was feeling lucky just to have customers.  There was quite a spread in the Marylebone district of eateries, cafes, and pubs.  Needless to say, we never went hungry in London.

Feeling like a country girl in the London Underground while staring at locals and trying to jog through the maze of tunnels.  After two days, we collapsed in our seats with proud smiles.  It's a simple system of course, but SO rewarding to never get lost or hop on the wrong train.  Mastering this leg, made Paris a breeze.  However, we were warned to carry water on the train in case people took "train sickness".  Ick!  It was warm, but some ventilation helped, along with my trusty bottle of mineral water.  

Running down a London street at twilight (which lasts for hours in Europe, not dark till well after 10 pm) in unforgivable heels trying to locate The Royal Ballet.  Of course, after asking six locals, we assumed Londoners do not often frequent the ballet.  I am laughing and trying to convince Matt that we should chalk it up, eat the cost, and step into the next pub.  But, my linear-minded husband eventually fell on the right street (huffing the whole way in his favorite tie) and we caught the majority of the ballet.  Here are our gleeful faces after our success.  

I never expected to find sight-seeing so thrilling and exhausting.  Witnessing these monuments, sights, and scenes that you've only read about in books is very "Come to Jesus".  I wanted to dance with Big Ben, swim in the fountain in front of Buckingham Palace, and do cartwheels down Portabello Road.  Never have I felt so small, so young, or so insignificant and important all at the same time.  I wish there were visible handprints (Chinese Theatre, LA style) in Europe, where I could feel connected to Will Shakespeare or the greats Kings and Queens of the past.  Instead, we are left with an array of sculpture, art, and magnificence.  Our quote for the entire trip was, majestic.  We would whisper it to one another in a deep, James Earl Jones voice, and try not to look too unworldly or unworthy.  Here is a little bit of Majestic for you.

Answer me in one word.

Do you not know I am a woman? When I think, I must speak.

In thy youth thou wast as true a lover

As ever sighed upon a midnight pillow.

For ever and a day.

The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool.

Can one desire too much of a good thing?

The Bard's words were never spoken so beautiful then at the production of As You Like It at The Globe.  At least, the words never fell on me so well.  I was a puddle by the end of it (emotionally, but, it was rather hot that day).  After an exhibit, tour, lunch, and show, the 12-year-old Erin smiled and hugged me 'round the neck.  From lugging my mother's complete works of William Shakespeare around the house, to directing students this past Fall, to actually seeing it for myself - I was speechless.  The sun was setting quick after intermission through the open, thatched roof, but our seats were perfectly tucked away under the second level.  We were dead center stage, and I was relieved not to be a penny-stinker baking in the sun.  The few quids we spent for a slingback and cushion were well worth it.  My mouth was puckering from the hard candy drops, as Matt sipped a beer beside me.  Thanks Will, I can't wait to come back.

More highlights to come...