Changing of the Guards

Bright and early, despite our 5 hours of sleep, we woke up at 9am and made our way to Buckingham Palace for the changing of the guards. This was a sight to see. We didn't stay the whole time, for it is very long and you get the point after the first 10 minutes. So many people were there and it was a lot of fun. The changing of the guards happens every day at 11:30am, the guards have a 24-hour shift. As we were watching, we tried guessing what the current guards were thinking...we came up with, "I love hearing this song because it means I'm almost done"..."It has been 24 hours of standing here, I need a shower and to head to the pub"...stuff like that :) It is wonderful that London has kept so many traditions regarding royalty. I can't wait to see how the wedding turns out! I wish we could get a tour of Buckingham Palace, however it is only open to the public in August and September. When we were outside the fence at the palace, we saw a guard walking. This boy tried to touch him and the guard pretty much swatted him off as if he were a fly. These guards are very well trained to be able to stand for 24 hours straight, as well as not being able to talk or look at anyone.

Last night we went out for Indian food at Earl's Court. It wasn't as good as the restaurant back in Kensington but it was still good, however the man next to us didn't agree. When he left, he yelled at his waiter and said "You should be ashamed of yourself. This food is shit and your beer is expensive." We couldn't believe someone could be so rude. After dinner we went to a pub and talked for a few hours. This 40 year old guy from New Zealand started talking to us and let me tell ya, it is interesting the people you meet in England! He went to Oxford and is now a boxing coach for them. He told us a good chunk of his life story, but he was really nice. He told us he was glad he met "genuine Americans" for when he served in the army he only met the 6'5" buff American soldiers who only cared about themselves and America. It is always interesting to hear the different opinions of those in different countries.

Today will be a day of homework and starvation. We don't get served food on the weekends so we try not to spend a lot of money on food. I just made myself some peanut butter, banana, and pita...it should hold for a few hours. Tonight we're going to watch the BEARS WIN at Sports Cafe down in Piccadilly. I can't wait! GO BEARS :)

-cheerio!