Cheerio London and Bienvenue au Paris e France

The ride frome Edinburgh was long, uncomfortable, and sleepless so I arrived in London tired. It is a grand city with a lot going on... Upon arrival and after finding a hostel, I set off to see the West end of the city. I saw Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery (Jan Van Eyck's "Arnolfini Portrait" was a highlight thanks to Prof. Orr); Buckingham Palace where i stumbled in to the middle of the Changing of the Guard which was interesting to see again. I strolled through Saint James and Hyde Parks and explored the Underground some too. I was getting grumpy due to lack of sleep and so i called it quits for the day and got some much needed rest.

The next day was much better and the weather was the best it has been since i started my journey; almost hot and no rain for once (the next day it was back to overcast and rain). I walked along the river Thames and saw London Bridge; Tate Modern; the Globe Theatre of Shakespeare fame, the iconic Tower Bridge; the Tower of London, St. Paul's Cathedral, The houses of Parliament and Big Ben, and finally Westminster Abbey. I also took another Free Tour like i did in Edinburgh; Two full days with lots of ground covered.

From London I travled by bus to Portsmouth where the following day I arrived in Cherbourg, France by ferry... I spent two days and nights (in a neat hostel) in Bayeux, France, a beautiful small town with a ton of charm that remains much the same as it did in June 1944 when the allied armies rolled through after D Day. I visited the American Cemetery and memorial at Colleville sul Mer, better known as Omaha Beach. It was a powerful and moving experience. The weather was the same as during the landing day; wind, rain, and overcast. The American soldiers paid gave ultimate sacrifice for people they didn't even know...

From Bayeux I travelled to Paris. Wow, what a city! It is big with a lot going on. The city is beautiful and the people lack the typical hustle and bustle attitude of other cities like London; the pace is more relaxed. I travled for some time with a Spaniard and thus got to use my Spanish language skills, or lack thereof, from high school and college. I did a lot of translating for him. Everyday i would remember more and got better speaking. I stayed in a tiny appartment in Paris with a person I roomed with in a hostel in Clifden ,Ireland, so i had some free lodging for a few nights... In Paris I saw the Bastille monument, Notre Dame, The Louvre gardens, I strolled down the Champs Elysees, marveled at the Arc d'Triomphe, rested at Tocadero and witnessed the tower that is called Eiffel; I think i covered it all! I also explored and learned the Paris Metro system which reminds me of being in an ant colony...

I write to you from Strasbourg, France which is right on the German border. The town is a mix of French and German style and architecture. The European Council is located here too.

I realize that this is a long post but it has been some time since the last post. From Strasbourg I will venture into Germany within the upcoming few days. Check back in a few days for plans regarding Germany and going forward...

Finally, it is wierd to be out of the US during the most important segment of the Presidential Elections. Whilst i was in the UK i got the British news and slant but now i can't understand the news on the radio or in the headlines in France; anyway, being a government major and being interested in politics, it feels as if everything back in the states is a fantasy or sometimes it feels like it doesn't exist at all... All of Europe is in favor of Obama but it doesn't matter what they think because they can't vote. Just some observations/thoughts for you.

To the loyal readers who use my blog to avoid work and/or school, I salute you and bid you adieu!
NPL