Part of travelling to a new country is the excitement of new experiences. Last night I had Nando’s at Chalk Farm Road, which was delicious and somewhat expensive. You know what else is expensive in England? Everything. A lot of things here cost almost as much in pounds as they do in Australian dollars at home, and a pound costs $2.45. Thankfully, being that I am seeing London by myself, I can generally avoid the expensive tourist magnets (both literal and figurative) on offer.

London today turned on some of that weather I’d heard about. The day was spent checking out the vicinity of Westminster Bridge, including the Palace of Westminster (comprising Big Ben and the houses of Parliament), the walkway along the south bank of the Thames which goes past the Eye and the National Theatre, and a fair amount of time in Westminster Abbey. I’m a big fan of the tube, and I’d like to see Can-Do get one up in Brisbane as soon as he can. Ta.

Westminster Abbey is definitely one of those ‘must see’ paid-admission attractions (adults £10.00) and it is quite doable on one’s own, if not more so. The history and magnitude of the place is just awe-inspiring, and it almost seems like a shame to have to install signs, barricades, and other fixtures (however temporary they be) to deal with the constant flow of visitors; the Abbey is self-supporting, with no financial assistance from church, Crown, or state, and the money they get from tourism manages to keep the place in tip top shape.

I’d like to try and see Question Time at the House of Commons, but priority is given to UK citizens, so it’s probably not gonna happen. I didn’t go on the Eye—definitely a group activity.

Headed to the BK Lounge at Leicester Square, and to a Häagen-Dazs restaurant—yes, an ice cream restaurant with waiters who come to your table. Très bien.

I’ve noticed some Skype action from some of the wireless laptopers here in the hotel lobby. Whether checking on family and friends, conducting business from across the globe, or just getting advice on how to unstick a stuck zipper—Skype lets the whole world talk for free.

L