We have arrived! LONDON

Our descent into London (29th May 2011)

We have finally began our journey here in London. Our plane landed around 07:00 and Jill and I had our first experience in the tube(London speak for train) system. From the train conductors to the quaint scenery, everything I ever imagined England to be has proven true. It is a charming and beautiful place. Our hotel is fantastic and couldn't be in a better location. 

After a brief nap and cappuccino, Jill and myself embarked on a journey to find a lunch spot.  On our walk we turned onto the most beautiful cobblestone street (Bathurst Muws) complete with quaint home-fronts, potted English gardens, and surprisingly horse stables (IN THE MIDDLE OF LONDON!).  

   

We arrived at 'Spice of India' in the Lancaster district and dinned on the best Indian food I have ever sampled. We ate a curried prawn and spinach dish along with chana and garam masalas. We also ordered peshwari naan, a sweet and nutty flatbread, to devour the curries with. The food was incredible and gave me a completely new outlook on Indian cuisine. Never before have I had such fresh and vibrant Indian fare. 

Following lunch, we explored several shops in a Middle Eastern district of London and then returned to our hotel to ready ourselves for our dinner on the Thames. Departing early from our hotel, we headed to the Thames River to explore a bit before dinner. We stumbled upon an open-mic event taking place in a back alley. The group consisted of 15 middle-age Brits who all seemed to be stuck in the 60's. They took turns reading poetry, singing songs, and playing their guitars as if the war in Vietnam had never ceased. Entertained and confused, we pushed further through the streets and entered a local pub. We ordered a pint of ale (Samuel Smith's Old Brewery Bitter) and struck up some friendly conversation with a pleasant bartender who had just moved to London from Australia. 

 

Post ale, Jill and I boarded the Yacht London where we partook in a three course meal on the Thames River. It was the epitome of English cuisine. For my first course, I enjoyed the chicken liver pate which was served with buttered crustinis and a red onion marmalade. I chose the roast beef and yorkshire pudding for my main entree which was paired with minted peas, white wine braised parsnips, and mustard mash. For dessert I ordered a delicious chocolate mousse pastry. This was my first time eating typical British fare and hopefully will not be my last. We will see what tomorrow holds in store.