London Calling

As someone who has always loved English history, I was naturally thrilled when I got the chance to go to the UK in the summer of 2009. Growing up American, our country is practically entwined with our European sister, but their culture seemed so much more interesting. I’m what you would call an Anglophile, someone who appreciates English culture and it’s people – their accents are to die for. I’m ashamed to admit this but most of American history bores me to tears. I especially hate Louisiana history. When I had to study it as a kid it was Dullsville, population:1. The UK is is a lot older than America for starters. It also has a monarchy which always makes for a good story, especially if you are a Tudor fan like me. On another note, London alone has the most spine-tingling tales you would ever want to hear if that’s what you’re after, which I always am. I love to explore London’s dark underbelly, where Jack the Ripper roamed the cobblestone streets looking for his prey. I live for the dark, creepy stuff. London’s calling me back as it often does. I especially love the castles, something the US does not have enough of – so unfair. Though not overly impressed with The Tower of London for various reasons, I did love Hampton Court Palace where Henry the 8th roamed the halls with his magnificent girth. While not overly impressed with the outside, I found the inside very interesting with all the dark paneling, portraits and tapestries, it’s past lingering just out of reach.  Also being a Princess Diana lover, I went to Kensington to see where both she and Queen Victoria had both resided. Along with Di’s gowns, there was an exhibit on debutantes on the day I went – not my thing but still interesting. I found an interesting article on what they are required to do here. Speaking of interesting, I went to Westminster Abbey to see the grave of Queen Elizabeth I and the people that went before her. That really is a gem. 1000 years of history in one building. I enjoyed it despite  the mass of people. On thing I wasn’t prepared for was the food. I’d always heard about it but I never really believed it. To be honest, it had no taste. I found the breakfast strange. I’m not a big breakfast eater but when I am in the mood for it I prefer something like pancakes. The British standard seems to be eggs, sausage or ham, stewed tomatoes, mushrooms, beans and toast. Since the only thing I found to my liking was the toast, I just ate that every morning. It’s telling when the best thing about a meal is the toast. To be fair, their fish and chips are great so I stuck to that and Jaffa cakes. While there, I usually dined in ethnic restaurants like Italian, Indian and Chinese. London tends to have any sort of food you could want so there is no need to stay with British. I think the food and the people on top of each other are the only things I didn’t enjoy. I’m a people person but there were just way too many people for even me to feel comfortable there. I couldn’t live there for that reason alone but I’ll be back, there’s no doubt about it. Cheerio to ya