Day One: Baker's Street, Harrod's, and the TUBE!

After my last post we left for 221 b Baker's street, home of the infamous Sherlock Holmes. The museum was incredible! Everything was so real that it looked as though time had stopped in Sherlock Holmes' era. Lots of things that Sherlock fans would appreciate! Here's his study.

We got there, of course, by way of the London underground, or, as the locals call it, the "tube." (said with a thick British accent, of course, so it sounds more like a sneeze.)

We decided that this, our first day hitting the streets, would be the practice round for all the tube rides we'd be taking throughout our trip. We started with buying an oystercard, a handy little card that you load with as much money as you'd like to use for your transportation and you simply scan the card before getting on your route and then scan again upon departure. No confusing tickets or carrying around money!

The Tube is convenient, on time, inexpensive, safe, and just plain fun to ride. I have yet to feel Ill at ease whilst riding one. It's also a great cultural experience, as the underground is the local's daily route to and from work.

Another pleasant surprise is how genuinely kind people are here. Of all the comings and goings we did today and of all the Londoners we dealt with or questioned on one thing or another, they were genuinely kind a helpful. From the underground officer who kindly steered us in the right direction regarding our route to the Scottish lady we met while riding the tube who helped us get around, everyone has been so nice. It's such a blessing! Of course, it doesn't help that they all have awesome accents to boot.

We also went to Harrod's, which is pretty much the world's biggest and ritziest department store. We just walked around and enjoyed looking, though Victoria was able to find a few things that wouldn't break the bank. :)

Now, on to some funny cultural things. When we were at a stoplight today, I noticed an old man was looking at us from what I perceived to be the driver side of his vehicle. When the light changed, I expressed my surprise that he was still looking out the window at us, even as he drove away down the street remarkably straight for someone not paying any attention. It was at that point that I realized it was because he WASN'T driving at all. Gotta love European driving!

It's also interesting working with a whole new currency. It's kind of thrilling when the lady rings up your lunch and rattles off some cryptic total like "that'll be four pounds & threpence, love" and you smile as you fumble around to make change best you know how.

Now it's off to get some rest. I have had about 2 minutes of sleep in the past 24 hours, which may or may not be a factor in my accidentally deleting the first draft of this post and having to re-write. :)