After the long 6 hour flight from JFK, we landed at Heathrow. The flight was not cramped, but we sat behind some idiot, that had to let her seat and her kids seats back, to sleep. The kids wouldn't even go to sleep, they fought most of the night. She wanted the seats reclined so that they would go to sleep, but of course, that meant I couldn't watch a movie on my notebook. When I want to recline, I at least ask the people behind me if they mind. And they say, Americans are rude. HA!

The distance travelled was approximately 3,445 miles. I'm glad I'd worn a jacket, could have used a coat. The outside tempratures over Newfoundland reached -56 degrees. Now that's cold. I even had one of the blankets wrapped around my head, like a turban.

Walking through customs, we (Bernice and I) struck up a conversation with a lady from Australia, who was bringing her husbands ashes home. Hmmmmmmm. There was also a guy in front of her, that Bernice and I thought, may be contagious. The guy looked sick and wore a mask, picked his nose and figeted around. I told Bernice not to touch the railings or anything, as this guy was touching everything. The woman stated that he had to be cleared by a doctor to take the trip into London. She thought he was Malaysian. I know one thing, I was trying hard not to breathe the same air that he was exhaling.

After clearing customs, our driver was awaiting. Very friendly fellow. When we exited the airport, all I was thinking was, "wow, this is a real melting pot." I probably couldn't count all the nationalities on both my fingers and toes. On to the hotel.

Park Lane's Grosvenor House recently completed a major renovation of its 494 rooms, but the Hyde Park views and historical feel are unchanged. Appropriately located in luxurious Mayfair, rooms are done in dark wood furnishings and rich colorful fabrics with gleaming marble bathrooms. Extra touches include plush bathrobes, dual voltage electrical sockets, and a dedicated theater desk in the lobby. When the hotel opened in 1929, the sprawling Great Room was originally an indoor ice rink (the Queen learned to skate here!) and today the ballroom hosts regular events. At night enjoy a drink in the Red Bar next to tuxedo and gown-clad Londoners, and in the morning, a small lobby cafe is a great value as a breakfast buffet alternative. It's a bit of a walk to any tube stations, but who needs public transportation when your doorman is ready with a traditional black taxicab? Room rates start at £229 (about $337) and suites are also available. This is the bomb-ass hotel. The rooms are absolutely gorgeous. The breakfast we has yesterday was awful, but the rooms make up for it. The halls remind me of the one's in the movie, "The Shining." The amenities are out of this world. Almost like the hotels we stayed at in China but more British. I guess because I'm in London.

Yesterday after breakfast, I was worth absolutely nothing. Couldn't do a thing. I showered and washed my hair. I love those rainshowers. I wasn't sure what time it was (didn't discover the clock on the television until about 10 P.M.), but I couldn't do a thing as I hadn't had any sleep. Ellen (my roommate) and the other ladies (by the way, there are 8 of us on this trip-don't know why I thought it was more), decided to tour. I got my butt in the bed after the housekeeper came to separate the beds.

I really can't say how long I slept, but Ellen came in to change clothes, so I figured it was at least evening. I turned back over.

I awoke feeling a bit better, but still sluggish. I tried to hook up to some free internet, but was unsucessful. I turned on my music and worked on getting everything I needed, together, for my touring today. After a while, that sleep came down on me and I couldn't stand it. I laid down, but put a movie into my notebook. Watched that until I fell off again. I was like, "oh my goodness, I am so lazy," but realized I was on vacation.

I awoke again and the housekeeper came to turn down the beds, but I explained that I'd already made mess of my bed. She gave me two extra bottles of water and I asked for an extra set of towels.

Ellen and the other night owls had wondered in and Ellen and I talked about their adventures. They'd even gone to the pub that the Obama's had visited while here. I'm telling you, these ladies get around, whilst the youngest of the group wants to sleep. We talked about an hour or so. Around 11, I was on my way to la-la land again.

I'd called the concierge to tell what bus number I'd be taking in the morning and asked for a 6 A.M. wake-up call.

6 A.M. beckoned me from the wake-up call. The city was calling me now. I got dressed, grabbed my backpack and was out. I didn't want to get on the Hop-On Hop-Off bus, just yet. I walked down to Picadilly Circus and made a couple of phone calls.

Strolled over to The Apsley House which stands at Hyde Park Corner in the centre of London and is often referred to as Number 1 London due to the fact that it was the first house past the tollgates at Knightsbridge. It was the home of the first Duke of Wellington and shows much of his history and his excellent art collection, including an enormous naked statue of Napoleon. Part of it still accommodates the current Duke of Wellington and it is run by English Heritage as a museum and art gallery. It is a grade 1 listed building with rooms being kept in the original style and decor where possible.

Poised at Hyde Park Corner in London, Wellington Arch is one of the many "must see" landmarks. From the viewing platform, you can have spectacular views of the city and watch the Horse Guards pass beneath its columns. Also, there are exhibitions that discuss the Arch's history. Though there were no horses passing through, there were millions of bikers.

After all that walking, I headed back to Picadilly Circus, I stopped by the Queen's Gate to snap a few photos and was almost run over by a bicyclist, but he did ring his bell. Then I headed over to the bus stop to catch the #74 bus down Park Lane to the Hop On Hop Off Bus depot. Bought a ticket for all 3 lines and I did use 2 of them. Boarded the bus for my full day of touring. I needed a copy of my tour reservation, in order to purchase my ticket for the London Eye. There was a restaurant called "Cafe Arizona" next door. After a fish and chips lunch, I actually started my touring. I visited the following sites:

The Tower of London is mainly perceived as a medieval place of imprisonment and execution. Nine hundred years of history are embraced within its thick, turreted walls. Even though the Tower's violent years are long gone, an aura of death and medieval torture remains. Today, guided tours are available. The main attraction for most visitors is the breathtaking Crown Jewels. It is also a chance to see the legendary ravens who live within the walls. Folklore has it that if they ever leave, Britain will again fall to foreign invasion. Interestingly enough, orders have been received to clip their wings!

Designed by Sir Horace Jones and opened in 1894, Tower Bridge is famous the world over. Due to the volume of river traffic at the time, Tower Bridge was designed to have twin bascules that could be raised. This famous landmark also has fabulous views over the Tower of London and of river life on the Thames. Visitors can ascend by the North Tower and traverse the river protected from the erratic English elements in an enclosed walkway before descending by the South Tower. Also on offer is The Tower Bridge Experience , a fascinating exhibition situated inside the towers and engine rooms.

Trafalgar Square was built following the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The man responsible for this famous naval victory, which finally destroyed French naval power and secured Britain from invasion, was Admiral Horatio Nelson. A column, with an 18ft statue of Nelson at the summit is the centerpiece of the Square. At the base of the column are the renowned Landseer lions. Renovations in 2003 removed traffic lanes to make room for a sizable staircase, connecting the National Portrait Gallery to the square. The National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery border one side of the Square, and it's a good place to sit and soak up the atmosphere on a sunny day. The Square is also famous for the large number of pigeons that congregate there. It's one of the main places that visitors come to take pictures.

The massive White Tower of London is a typical example of Norman military architecture, whose influence was felt throughout the kingdom. It was built on the Thames by William the Conqueror to protect London and assert his power. The Tower of London - an imposing fortress with many layers of history, which has become one of the symbols of royalty - was built around the White Tower.

Took lots of pictures and walked through "The Green Park." The walk had dedication markers to Princess Di. The park was very beautiful. You can really tell a tourist. I walked and walked and walked and ended up at Buckingham Palace. Queenie told me to tell you, "what up homies?" I told her, "everythang is everythang Lizzie." She also told me to give Obama some dap.

I'd taken a look at my pre-paid touring tickets and noticed that the London Eye closed at 8 P.M. I'd just boarded the sightseeing cruise down the river Thames. The riverboat didn't depart for at least another 30-45 minutes. Couldn't really be precise as I didn't have a watch, so I just told myself, "enjoy the cruise, if I miss "The Eye," I have my whole life ahead of me to see it on another trip." The cruise (by the way with the sun going down, it was cold.), took us near famous sights and under the London Bridge. Straddling the River Thames, London Bridge has long been a popular architectural attraction, despite continued warnings from children over the years who claim that London Bridge is falling down. In fact, in 1962 the bridge nearly collapsed. Fortunately, Robert McCulloch, founder of Lake Havasu City, AZ and great American hero, purchased the sinking bridge and re-assembled it in the idyllic waters of Lake Havasu, Arizona. In London, fearless locals and adventure-seeking tourists risk the journey across the new bridge on a daily basis, ignoring the children who, to this day, maintain that London Bridge is still falling down. The self proclaimed "Dutchess" of pop, Fergie, payed homage to the brave souls that have successfully crossed London Bridge with her socially-aware hit single, "London Bridge."

We also cruised under the Southwark Bridge, the Millineum Footbridge, Blackfriar's Bridge, Waterloo Bridge and the Hungerford Bridge on to the Westminster Pier. I wished I'd taken my pedometer because I know I have walked MILES today, nor can I tell you the number of steps I have climbed today. Anyway, we alighted and there were millions of stairs to climb to get up to the Westminster Bridge. I made it over to "The Eye," only to be told that I had to turn my pre-paid voucher into the ticket office, to redeem it for a ticket. I was relieved that I had plenty of time to ride. I also noticed that I saved $1 by booking over the internet. I waited to be coralled to the next cashier. After I received my ticket, I was directed to the "London Eye's 4-D Experience." I had to take a pair of 4-D glasses, line-up and enter when the door's opened. So by going through this first, I relaxed to enjoy it. As I touched the railing in front of me, I said, "yuk" because it felt sticky. After the show I found out why. The show seemed to be just 3-D, but when the film (actual famous sights of London) started, there was a scene of fireworks and confetti streamed from the ceiling. Then I swear the birds flew right up to me from the film. Then there was a scene of a child, and bubbles came from the ceiling. I think they should have warned a sista, you know we don't like stuff in our hair. The show lasted just 5 minutes and as we left the room, it filled with fog. These were pretty neat special effects. We were then directed over to "The Eye." It was dark by now and the city was filled with lights. They looked in my backpack. I also saw someone having a wand passed over them, prior to entering the ride. Maybe I didn't fit that profile. This didn't compare to any ferris wheel I've ever ridden. The capsules are eye-shaped and the entire ride lasts 37 minutes. The city was just beautiful. Eleanor, thank you so much for this suggestion. I'm so happy I made it.

I hopped off and strolled down the pier to buy some souvenirs. Couldn't come home without Donna's shot glass and magnet. Bought a few souvenirs for myself and the lady even threw in a keychain. I must say purchasing my foreign currency before my trip makes things a lot easier. I came out and thought I'd address my postcards, buuuuuut not a chance, there were rats scurring around the pier. While a few tourists thought it amusing, I got the heck outta there. Hopped on the #148 bus, which wuld bring me back near the hotel. Got there, but realized I was starving. I walked through the "Marble Arch," with my gameface on, as there was no lighting. Crossed the street to buy myself a T-Shirt. Headed out and across the street, looking for a restaurant. There was a Mickey D's and a Kenny King's, but you all know, I wasn't about to buy that.

I came across a dimly lit alley. I know, I know. Everyone keeps telling me to stay out of those alleys, but it was 10 P.M. and I was hungry. And after that awful $45 breakfast from the hotel yesterday, I wasn't having it. Anyway, I wandered down the alley to this pub. There were two guys standing at a table in front. The sign listed sandwiches and soem other things, they had as specials. As I was about to grab the door handle, some guy just bumped into me and knocked me out of the way. He stumbled his way in through the first door and then opened the second door for me. I walked in and walked straight to the back-to the end of the bar. There was an old guy ayt the end who seemed to take a step away from me. I waited just a couple of seconds for either of the bartenders to come down and take my order. But, as I looked down the bar, I saw not one woman. So, I slowwwwwwwwwwwly turned head around to take a look behind me and couldn't believe, there was not a woman in the place. There were men cuddled up in booths with other men. You know I hauled ass trying to get outta there. When I got outside, the two guys that were at the table outside, were busting up laughing at my ass. I can hear you all saying, "we told you to stay out of those damned alleys, didn't we?"

So, I dropped into the grocery store. This was a very nice one. The selections of prepared foods were extensive. I purchased my sodas for my cruise, a Thai noodle salad, fruit salad a couple of danish. All of which were delicious. I was a bit short for the bus and had to exchange a few dollars. Made my way back to the hotel by 11 P.M. I'd spent well over 12 hours out and about. I had to tell Ellen about my adventures as we prepared our luggage for departure tomorrow.

After a 3 hour drive to Harwick, our boarding of the ship (Royal Caribbean's Jewel of the Seas) was pratically effortless. We really don't touch our luggage too much, so I absolutely love that. Of Course I'm still dead tired and I feel a nasty little cold coming on.

Check y'all later. PEACE!