England Part I: Fish & Chips

Ya'll- rite...

Mich and I have 35 days in England. What trouble can we both get into!?! England is the polar opposite in every way compared to SE Asia, but it has been one of the most memorable parts of the trip. In fact, we both have fallen in love with London and would not hesitate at the chance to move here! Michelle's parents are of English decent and the majority of their relatives reside in this country. We were both looking forward to meeting them all.

After 5 months of constant backpacking, we came to the decision that we would strictly stay within in England's borders and plan a Euro-Trip in the future. We were anxious to visit some friends abroad, but we wanted to make sure that we saw as much of England as possible. We have already seen (and eaten) so much already. Take a glimpse into Part I of our England trip...Cheers!!!

Tradition English Telephone Booth: Shortly after this photo was taken, I purchased some pants. It was freezing cold out there.

A Holy Grail of Fish & Chips Eateries

We are staying at Nana's (Michelle's grandma) house, which is located in Little Venice. This posh part of town is a prime location to see London as everything is in walking distance. It is one of the most decorated real estates in London. While her flat was busting at the seams with all the additional house guests, Nana was extremely hospitable and genuinely enjoyed our presence. In this picture both Michelle and Christopher are hovering above Nana and Baby Liam. Liam is the son of both Aunt Gillian and Uncle James, which are on Michelle's fathers side of the family.

As a birthday gift, Michelle received 2 tickets to Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty's Theater in Leicester Square. She was nice enough to invite me along :)

She loves the Phantom of the Opera, maybe even more than me?!

Bravo, Bravo

The city is full of Barclay's Bikes Cycle Centers which allow you to transport around London all day for as cheap as £1. The only catch is that you have to make it from one stop to another in less than 30 minutes or you have to pay additional money. They are very economical but the machines can be extremely faulty. Christopher was wrongly charged £150 and had to call their customer service to get the charges rescinded.   

At Hyde Park giving Michelle a swimming lesson

Mich and I outside Buckingham Palace

Looks like the Queen is home

"Get a room you two."

If you go to London, you gotta mess with Royal Guards. Just remember NO TOUCHING. 

Double Decker Bus

There is a franchise called Wetherspoon, very similar to McMenamins in Oregon, that serve up hearty meals that usually include a pint of beer or cider. I am about to enjoy a steak dinner and a Guinness. One of my main objectives in visiting this country was to enjoy the traditional foods. At times I had to peek away from the nutritional facts. Michelle reminded me that it is not every day you get to visit England and it's inevitable that your waistline will expand while you are here so don't even try to fight it. 

Big Ben is seriously a lot smaller than I imagined, but still pretty sweet!

England's Parliament Building

Even the Wax David Beckham had enough charm to steal my girlfriend. I can't compete with that! 

Street performers on the river walk adjacent to the Thames River

Christopher had the impulse to climb this building moments earlier. He was stopped by undercover policemen and told to stop immediately or else he could be jailed as a potential terrorist. This building is the London's Anti-Terror Police Building. Still that didn't stop him from posing for this picture!

Fish & Chips soaked in Malt Vinegar with a side of tartar sauce, BOOMSHAKALAKA 

Aunt Gillian took us to a greasy spoon restaurant which serves traditional English foods. In fact, several years ago Nana owned a greasy spoon restaurant known as the Gammon Rasher which translated means the German Sausage. It was a working man's cafe where one could get his/her fill before or after a hard day's work. This English Breakfast consists of baked beans, 2 English Bacons, Sausage, 2 eggs, Toast, and a grilled tomato.

Portobello Market is a famous street that specializes in selling vintage clothing, knick knacks, and fresh produce.We are getting lucky with the sunny weather!

The majority of Britain's museums are free of charge. Which makes it very convenient for the budget conscious globetrotter. The first museum we visited was the British Museum.

The Egyptian Mummy Exhibit

The Olympics have come to London three times. The first in 1908, then in 1948, and finally this summer in 2012. The city is geared up for this summer's events and London is sure to be flooded with spectators.

Welcome to the Tate Modern Art Museum  

Modern art is very interpretive. Most of it, Michelle and I find ridiculous or hardly even understand it. This is a piece of cloth that is hanging from the ceiling that resembles an English flat. Some artwork was as simple as string hanging by 2x4s. People even pay 100s of thousands of dollars for the art that could be replicated by a toddler.

A Picasso

We had a chance to ride on the London Eye. It is a huge close caged ferris wheel overlooking the entire city. While it was quite spendy it was a chance for us to spend time with Nana's sister, Iris.

 

Bird's eye view

Looks like the height has got Baby Liam all tuckered out!

Ooh- La La

The London Eye from a distance

Another meal from Wetherspoons. In England families come together on Sundays to enjoy a roast. While the tradition is slightly fading in modern society, it still has a place in restaurants.

The Underground Railway - The public transportation while dated is a large network of buses, underground trains, and speed trains. People who drive in the city are taxed to drive their own vehicles so many rely on public transport. We are on our way to Romsey to spend a few days with Uncle Steve.

Windsor Castle

Romsey is a quaint town where Uncle Steve's business is located. It is just outside Portsmouth on the south coast of England. Michelle is posted outside this abbey (church). The entire city is old and has a very unique feel to it. It was good to escape the hustle of the city and just relax.

Monty's Restaurant - It was built in1677 which pre-dates the United States of America.

 The Best Bangers and Mash I have ever tasted. Kel's Irish Pub can't hold a candle to this restaurant.

Donkeys walking down the street, just another day in the New Forest/ Romsey area!

The Mayfly pub was the most traditional restaurant we have visited. There was a wood burning fireplace, hand pumped beer taps, low ceilings and local ales. It was beautiful place that has only gotten better with age.

Mind your head!

Uncle Steve treated us to lunch at Jamie Oliver's Italian restaurant in Portsmouth.

We visited the Royal Naval Museum when we were in Portsmouth. It the last place the Titanic set sail from before it sank to the bottom of the ocean.

It was also home to the HMS Victory which was Lord Nelson's flagship and set sail in 1765. It is the oldest ship still in operation. Many phrases like "Son of a gun" (Source -http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_a_gun) and "Shake a leg" (Source - http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/shake-a-leg.html) originate from the storied past of this boat.

If that got your mouth watering just you wait for England Part II: Bangers and Mash. Michelle and I will travel to Ipswich where we plan to meet Michelle's mothers side of the family at an resort town dubbed Center Parcs... Cheerio ol' mates.