Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is...*

So I went into London on Wednesday, saw Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, #10 Downing St. (Tony Blair's pad), St. Paul's Cathedral and the Westminster Abbey. In the process I got soaked to the skin because I wouldn't pay £5 for an umbrella. I wore my raincoat, but didn't have a hood, so my jeans, shoes and head were drenched. It's been BEAUTIFUL weather the whole time we've been here... except Wednesday. Anyway... to begin the day, the train that was supposed to take us to Liverpool Street in London couldn't get us there (due to "signaling problems") so we had to get off at Stratford instead. Then we had to pay MORE money to get a day pass for the "tubes" (subway).

Anyway... the day started great as the sun was shining and the weather was nice when we got there, so it was fun walking to St. Paul's Cathedral. Unfortunately the day started downhill then as we wanted to go in the cathedral but it was closed! So then we walked a little ways past Big Ben and "The Eye" (a great big Ferris wheel) and as we were passing it, it started to rain... and rain.. and rain.

By the time we got to McDonald's (yep.. even in merry old McEngland!) it was a downpour. Everyone wanted to keep walking though, so we walked past Buckingham Palace, TB's house, Westminster Abbey (were going to go in, but of course it was closed...) and some old barracks.

I wasn't really impressed with any of it, but that was probably since I was feeling like a drowned rat. But then again, I never was much of a history buff, and don't really get off on old buildings. Anyhow, the best part of the whole trip was when we went to the pub and I had 2 pints of Guiness.

Biggest waste of $50 I've ever had... but I guess I only get to waste $50 in London once in my life, right?? Anyway.. I just thought I'd post one more time before I'm back in the States.

We leave out tomorrow afternoon at 2pm for Wellingborough. We'll play there Friday night, then head to Fort San Antone which is between Preston and Lytham/St. Annes. We play FSA Saturday night, and then drive to Wales for our final show. After the show Sunday night, we get back in the van and drive directly to Gatwick airport.

Then I've got about an hour or two before we get on the plane to come back to the States. I've enjoyed England, I've met some wonderful people and made some great friends, but I can't wait to get back home.

Lauren and I have some R&R planned for the weekend and then on Monday I fly home to Iowa for a week. I hope all is well with everyone and I'll post as soon as I'm awake enough to let you all know I've made it safe and sound.

Cheers!
* for the uninformed, the title is in reference to the Chicago song of the same name.