The Lion, the Walk, and the Waffle

     I was about to say that today was an amazing day, but I feel that that is almost a given at this point.  So let's just assume that unless I say otherwise, that these days are going to be amazon.  Today we were given more free reign than EVER, after we had yet another London walk.  We took a tube to another part of town so that we could walk across the London Bridge (THE London Bridge, not be confused with the six other bridges that also cross the Thames).  On the other side of the bridge we went to the Borough Market.  It's this amazing market that is only open on the weekends, and it sells amazing food.  It is underneath a bridge and goes on forever.  All the vendors are very American-like in that they are very forward and are beckoning you to come to their store.  Here, employees at stores do not typically approach you when you come to their store.  It's culture thing to leave you to your business unless you ask for help.  So going to a market where everyone was very excited to see you and offering many samples was nice.  Now to the samples, they were amazing.  It felt like a very cool version of Costco or Sam's Club because everyone was giving samples of their products.  I got to try turkish delight, smoothies, various kinds of chocolates, various types of pies, candies (sweets), spices, breads and anything else you think you could shove in your mouth.  It was amazing.  Professor Frank told us we had to get some grilled cheeses, so I obeyed.  It was the best grilled cheese I have ever had.  Filled with onions, potatoes and love.  Also, I got a smoothie.  I think that the grilled cheese cancelled that out really fast.

     After the market we walked around town some more to look at more of the architecture.  This city is amazing.  Really, sometimes I catch myself just staring at all the buildings around me.  The mix of old and new is brilliant.  I've probably said that many times, but that's because it's that awesome.  Our little tour also took us to the Tate museum of modern art.  Sometimes modern art scares me.  We walked around that for a while exploring art, and then made our way down to South Bank.  South Bank feels like an ocean side village.  It had street performers, guys that were making big art sculptures in the sand, many stands selling food, beach-like people, outdoor book shops (so cool), and an atmosphere of goodness.  Except it was a river side place instead of an oceanside place, so there were no surfers.  Which is good, because the Thames looks gross sometimes.  Beautiful, but brown and gross.

     Our walk ended and then we broke up into groups to go and do whatever we wanted for the day.  I explored the fair going on at South Bank for a little while and collected many pamphlets.  My group then crossed yet another bridge to ride the tube back to home.  However, once we got to the other side of the bridge we so the theater where they were playing the Lion King, and we were there just thirty minutes before the matinee showing!  We went into the Box Office and found out that they were selling tickets for £35, as opposed to the usual £65.  I was so stoked because they usually don't offer student passes.  However, my group decided that they didn't want to go.  I was a bit bummed and we started making our way to the tube again when I decided that I would be seeing the show by myself.  So there.  I went back and got my ticket and enjoyed an amazing production of the Lion King.  The cast was great, and I really enjoyed that Simba pronounced with a British accent sounds like "Simbar." I was very pleased, and managed to find my way back to the center all by myself.  I am becoming a pro at navigating London.  I sit on the tube and smile at those people who are new and don't know what they are doing.  "I used to be like you!" I say in my head.  Then I play Bejeweled on my iPhone.  

    Back at the center I decided to sit down to do my laundry and get some homework done, and did pretty well except for the part where I was distracted and went to Waffle Palace with some people.  It should be renamed Chocolate Palace with a side of Waffle.  Though that's not a bad thing.  I swear, all the food we have had here has been fantastic, especially the chocolate.  I have heard people complain for years about American chocolate and I never believed them, but it is so true.  And now I want to go and buy a Galaxy bar.  And thus concludes another day of my adventures. So many good things to eat and fun things to see.  I shall do some homework tonight methinks, though we may be going to a carnival later tonight.  I'll let you know if that happens.  

 Eating the super grilled cheese at the market.  So. Much. Oily. Goodness.

 Borough Market!  EAT ALL THE THINGS!

 Outside the Tate Museum.  Modern art continues to baffle me.  Art=Anatomy?

 The nice view from South Bank.  I especially like how the clouds look almost fake-like.  

The quick shot of a poster as I left the theater.  Bwahaha.  Such a good show.  

Waffle palace! I promise there is actually a waffle under there.  Also, salted caramel shake. YUM!