On Friday night, some of Erin's coworkers took us out in Reading. We all met up at a microbrewery called Zero Degrees for pizza and a few pints. Erin and I both tried roast duck for the first time and LOVED it! After, we made the rounds through some traditional pubs that we had never even seen in the area. We went from Allied Arms, to Nag's Head, to Horse and Jockey, which is actually right next door to our flat. All were fantastic and we had a great time seeing Reading alive on a Friday night. We learned early on in the night that some of our group knew how to play Pig's, a game that I assume many of you do not know. We were very surprised that other people loved this game as much as us and somehow throughout the night the game ended up in our hands and we got to play with other Pig's lovers!

On Sunday we went to London for the first time. We woke up nice and early to catch the train, only to be delayed. It was such a beautiful day that we did not mind. Some hot chocolate also eased the burden. Once in London, we took the Underground (Tube, Subway), to Tower Bridge. This is the big beautiful bridge that you see on most postcards. It truly was a sight to see. The Large Fortress guarding the royal jewels was also pretty cool. We did not pay to go inside, but it was fun walking around it. Once across the bridge we started heading to our next destinations: the London Bridge and Millennium Bridge. Along the way our focus was caught by two red phone booths. Of course we needed a touristy picture with them! On a J-Term trip with her class several years back, Erin had seen many of the same sights, so the memories were just flooding back to her.

Near Millennium Bridge we were blasted with the sweet smell of freshly roasted peanuts as we made our way to St. Paul's Cathedral. This building was probably one of the most magnificently constructed buildings. The pictures do not even begin to capture its beauty. Unfortunately we were unable to tour the cathedral, because service was in session. Fortunately for us though, service was in session, because right when we walked into the cathedral the enormous chorus began singing. The beauty consumed us.

After St. Paul's Cathedral, we got back on the tube and headed for Big Ben. This was definitely my favorite sight to see. Once again the pictures do not express how cool it was to see it! Though we were saving the London Eye for a return visit, we did get to snap a few pics. Just around the corner we ran into Westminster Abby. The bells started chiming right as we walked to the front and continued for the twenty or so minutes that we were outside. Onward we walked through St. James Park, and over to Buckingham Palace. No, we did not see the Queen, but we did get some pictures of her humble abode. It was not at all what I expected it to be, but it was pretty none the less. Also, in the movies when the people try to distract the guards and make them laugh, that cannot be real, because they are tucked way back there away from the front gates. Erin did see one move though!

Trafalgar Square was next, where we had some pub grub at the Silver Cross. It was delicious! Erin had bangers and mash and I had a chicken and mushroom pie that was to die for! Naturally we washed them down with traditional ale and cider.

After walking around Trafalgar Square, we were on to Covent Gardens. Here was a huge market filled with street performers, handmade crafts, and musicians. It was really cool to take in! Our day was cut short by the sun setting, so we were back on the tube heading back to Paddington Station. We made it back to our platform with two minutes to spare! The train was packed; we actually had to stand in the back the whole ride home. We were so tired and our feet hurt so much that being squished in the back of the train car was a great alternative to waiting another forty-five minutes for the next train. 30,000 steps later, and we were home!

Cheers,

John & Erin