Wow this trip has been a whirlwind so far! I'll try to be as descriptive and brief as possible!

The awesomeness started with our flight. We upgraded to business class and had seats that faced each other, and could lay down flat. However, when we loaded onto the plane we saw a pair of seats next to each other that were open. We asked the flight attendant if we could move there and in true British accommodating fashion they allowed it! So we got to sit side by side the whole flight. This was great for chatting, not so great when I was trying to sleep through turbulence and couldn't, only to look over and see Tony sleeping like the dead during our bouncy flight. Finally my exhaustion gave in and I slept for a few hours. It was REALLY weird to wake up at what normally would have been 2:30 am Seattle time to see daylight outside the airplane windows!

I will say that business class with British Airways is pretty darn cool! The amenities are endless. If you ever have the opportunity, go for it!

The first day here we were incredibly jet lagged. We strolled around Harrod's and, for dinner, went to a local gastropub called Thomas Cubitt, that was fabulous. But we were both SO tired, and so confused on time that we just wanted to sleep, so we hit the hay at 8:30 pm London time....and sleep we did.....until 11:30 pm London time. Agh! Only two hours! Jet lag and time differences are incredibly disorienting!

Luckily today we feel that we finally got on track for the most part.

Today, Thursday, we went to the Harry Potter sets at Warner Bothers studios here in London. It was REALLY cool. We walked through the actual Great Hall used during filming and got to see a lot of the costumes and other props used during the Harry Potter films. I had my first taste of "butter beer" which tastes like a caramel cream soda with some sort of whipped cream topping. It was delicious. This was an amazing experience for a Harry Potter nerd like me. Even got my picture on a broom playing Quidditch. ;)

We then headed to the British Museum and saw many ancient artifacts but the most amazing of all was seeing the Roseatta Stone up close and personal. It was incredible.

After that I went shopping and Tony took a nap. Yes I navigated a half mile of London on my own!

It's weird using foreign money when you aren't used to it! Lets just say that British Pounds can make something seem relatively inexpensive...but converted to dollars it's not! Whoopsie daisy! Oh well, the dress is really cute. ;)

Then we headed to a martini bar that we had seen on a travel show back home. The bar is called Callooh Callay, and it is really cool. Awesome atmosphere with very cool servers. We just chilled out, had some fun cocktails, and Tony taught me how to play Blackjack with the random deck of cards on the table. It was really nice to just sit and relax after jetting all over the place!

The weather here in London gives Seattle a run for its money. It's been cloudy and rainy, and while I am enjoying the sights and sounds of a place I have never been, I am indeed looking forward to the warm weather awaiting us in Paris and Italy!

We are staying at a lovely B&B called The Limetree Hotel. It's convienlty located next to a pink cake/cupcake shop so I'm very happy. ;)

So far London is a great place. A lot like Seatle as far as weather goes, but not so much the same when it comes to the side of the car they drive on, AND the side of the road they drive on. Yanks like us have to be quite careful when crossing the road! You look the way you THINK cars would be coming and then woah! They are coming from the other way! Hard to get used to. Overall the people of London are very friendly and accommodating.

Tomorrow we will see Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London and the Crown Jewels, as well as other sights of London. Not sure if I'll have time for tea with Wills, Kate and baby George but we'll see. ;)

In the evening we will hit up a venue called Shepherds Bush for a show by an up and coming band called The 1975.

Then Saturday morning it will be off to Paris!

More fun things to come, more calories to consume!

Cheers!