London

- Elise

London isn't as cold as either of us expected it to be. Probably because inside all the buildings the heaters are blaring so it's impossible to find a stable heat. Inside = hot. Outside = cold. Hot, cold, hot, cold; I feel like Katy Perry. Now feel my wrath from afar as that gets stuck in your head!

Due to the heat (and possibly the steet light outside our window...or the time difference) Justine and I woke up at an ungodly hour and were able to shower without waiting. There was just one catch. You know those taps you push in that eventually turn themselves off? The showers were like that. Very inconvenient...

However this allowed us to make the most of our only day in London before being shipped off to Europe. We spent a productive morning on the computers, before walking towards the Contiki Basement, and subsequently Russell Square. It was there that we found SQUIRREL! Yes, quite literally, there were squirrel's everywhere and I have decided that I want one. The only problem is customs...

We also managed to find several London icons such as the red bus and red phone booths, which both seemed to have semi-naked women on them. An interesting image for your city, but whatever floats your boat.

After this we organised our Sim cards at the Contiki Basement and headed to sample some famous Brittish cuisine...McDonalds. Then it was a trip to Kings Cross station, where the attendant was not at all surprised by us asking about Platform 9 3/4. Judging from the que, I believe he may have had that question before. Unfortunately Justine and my owls seem to have been lost in the weather, so we were not able to pass through for the second semester. My charms work will surely be affected.

We were after a few more things so we visited Tesco's and headed to Westfield London to do some shopping. Justine and I have come to the conclusion that Westfield is bigger than Chadstone, and judging from the existence of both a Lego and Disney store, highly superior as well. It was simply beautiful, but far too hot inside (I know, it's supposed to be winter right?) so we left earlier than expected to head off to Contiki to check in for tomorrow's tour.

We've walked over far too much of London without seeing a lot of the main attractions today, and my feet are starting to disagree with me. No snow yet, but we've entertained ourselves with a couple of choice signs found on the streets of London. We hope you enjoy them too.