Well thank goodness I’m not in Italy right now, or my flight may not be able to return to the United States. If you haven’t heard, the temporary passenger information sharing between the US and EU has expired and EU nations are hesitant to renew or agree for longer terms. UK has issued a temporary waiver to airlines on legal privacy suit claims as things are worked out so I’m sure I’ll have no problem flying back.

I arrived yesterday (Saturday) and of course connected first, purchased a phone and prepaid minutes and loaded all my local contacts. I took a nap for a spell and then forced myself to stay awake to get used to UK hours. My old stomping ground was in the Westminster Borough (both north and south of Thames) so I learned the local bus routes to get me to Tottingham Court Road, walking distance to SOHO and Leceister Square. Here are a couple photos I took last night while wandering around, eating kebab and stopping for a pint of Guiness at my favorite Irish pub, Waxy O’ Conner.

Where I’m staying in relation to the city:

Where I’m staying. Cheesy but actually I’m posting this so when I don’t have Internet access, I can get my bearings. Thanks Google for the great map service. google.co.uk here.

Small single room at Thistle City Barbicon. The hotel I usually stay at was booked but rooms are much smaller in most European and Asian hotels. I’m still gaining my bearing on where I’m at for efficient travel, walking and taking bus to SOHO last night, then walking and taking “the tube” (London Underground) back.

Waxy O’ Conner is famous for its many rooms and levels, plus the tree in the middle. My first night ever in London (2002) I met with a colleague who took me here. It’s been my staple venue each visit and whenever showing people around.

There are always “hen parties” and “stag parties” (bachelor/bachelorette) on the weekends so you see people in crazy dress. Darin claims it boasts one of the best pints of Guiness he’s had (saying a lot when you hear how much he brags up Sean Kelly’s in Missoula).

Leiceister Square is a tourist trap and boasts theaters on every corner. It is very central to venture off to SOHO, Picadilly Circus and museums and Trafalgar Square (next pic). The Empire theater (on the left) is often where movie premiers occur in London. Back when I lived here it was not uncommon to see the red carpet rolled out and movie stars signing autographs for crazed fans.

Trafalgar Square London by night. I also walked along the Thames and saw my old flat near the London Eye. I jumped on Embankment tube station, connected at Monument and took the Northern Line to Old Street which was a few minutes’ walk from my hotel. I went in about every wrong direction upon exiting the station but finally figured out which direction I was heading.

I’m off to do some shopping today (Sunday) and get a little Goomzee and LeadsByCell work finished and prepare for my work tomorrow. I’ll be working at Audrey House on Ely Place:

Where I will be working this week while in London. I also have meetings in the area and of course, some dinner/drinks and spreading Montana cheer throughout England.

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