Skip to main content

The European Chronicles - 6/9/14

Day Fourteen. 

London, England.

We slept passed 7:00am for the first time in two weeks today and it felt tremendous. Who knew sleeping until 8:45am would feel like such a luxury? Regardless, on our final full day in Europe, why not sleep a little bit? We've been focused on attempting to maximize our time ever since we crossed the pond so much that it becomes very easy to overlook allowing ourselves some rest and relaxation before the grind of reality returns. 

After a big breakfast, probably the best we've had on this journey, we ventured again around London with our maps looking to take in parts of the downtown area. First, we made our way over to the Natural History Museum where we took in the cool building, because after all, this trip has turned me into an architecture and art expert. Also, we were able to see dinosaurs! Yes, I meant that exclamation point because what is cooler to see in a museum than dinosaurs? 

We then made our way via the tube to take in other wonderful sites of London including the London Bridge (which is so disappointing), the Millennium Bridge (very cool), the London Tower (very iconic, and I see why), and other parks, areas, buildings, and stretches in downtown London. 

This was followed up with a walk over to Regent Street to take in some more of London's famed shopping area, more of the culture, the people, and of course, we found more gelato. Yup, gelato. Man, I miss the stuff. I'm not sure what I am going to do when I get back to the States. Again, I can't eat ice cream ever again. 

There were plans to see some of the Premier League Soccer stadiums, yes, more sports business and management geekiness stuff, but they are all spread out too far across parts of London. However, I could see Stamford Bridge, home of Chelsea FC, from my hotel view. Maybe when we return we'll take a tour - possibly, when the EPL is in season. 

Here are some photos from today's adventure. Click to enlarge.


















All in all, London is fantastic. 

And well, Italy was outstanding. 

This two week journey in Europe has been amazing and memorable. We head back to the States tomorrow where I plan to wrap up this series for good. 

For now, I am off to enjoy our last night here in London as we hit the local pubs for some brews and dinner. 

Recently Read

Quick Ponder: Future Self

We always think,  what would we say  to our  younger self? However,  what would  our younger self say  if they met us, today?

Turning 40 - Grateful and Renewed

I became a forty-year-old individual yesterday.  The milestone is very significant for many and has its societal measures and benchmarks that carry some fear for those approaching its gates. Regardless of approach, turning 40 is filled with reflection, pondering (of course), and preparation for what should be a "new" stage of life. A life stage centered around "transitioning" into a stage seen as the "pre-senior" years.  Sure. Whatever.  I won't disagree that the new "4" digit that sits in front of your age feels encompassing even without understanding completely. Yet, as I stated last year when I turned 39 (going into my 40th year on this earth), I was ready for it. Ready for 40. Today, oddly enough, I am not filled with profound life lessons, ponderings, or reflections.  I sit here, punching the keys, filled with gratitude. I am 40, and I love it.   I carry my baggage of life and bear scars from it at 40. I am grateful for so many experien...

Knicks Trauma - Ugh Not Again

Well, that was a kick in the stomach.  Coming off a week where the word "catharsis" was used as the description for the euphoria and release of joy from two and a half decades of suffering, Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers brought about another word - trauma.  Watching the Knicks collapse was the kind of moments that come with these deep runs and moments. NBA Playoff basketball will do that. Yet, this loss - this one - feels about as bad as the 2004 ALCS when the Yankees collapsed in the series to the Boston Red Sox.  That one carries some serious trauma. Luckily, the series isn't over.  Some other quick thoughts from this awful, awful night, New York Knicks Basketball.  - Not to conjure up hyperbole, or even contribute to "hot take" sports reaction culture - but this might have been the worst loss in Knicks franchise history. I cannot think of another in my lifetime, or historically.  - Tyrese Haliburton's "choke"...