Winston and Westminster

I checked into my hostel yesterday, it is called Palmers Lodge. It is in what I'm told is a 'posh area' called Swiss Cottage. It's quite nice, it is a converted mansion - former home of Samuel Palmer of the Huntley and Palmers Biscuit Empire (they make Jaffa Cakes which are popular here). There are chandeliers in the common areas, and an huge old staircase leading up to my dorm with six beds, in which there is only me and one other girl. My roommate is from Hong Kong and her name is Minnie. She is sweet, and is here for four days over Chinese New Year. 

Last night I noticed a tall scruffy haired man at the bar. He was ordering the same meal as me. I decided he looked French, and is probably named Jean-Pierre, or Luc (even though I never heard him speak). This morning I sat down to eat my croissant with jam, my apple juice and my black coffee (they don't have soy milk anywhere here). I sat down to start eating, and noticed Jean-Pierre, about two tables away. He happened to have in front of him a croissant, jam, an apple juice and a black coffee. We raised our glasses to each other from afar. About fifteen minutes later I was in the bathroom brushing my teeth. In wanders Jean-Pierre, and begins brushing his teeth too. We both tried very hard not to laugh.

I was exhausted yesterday, and fell asleep by 8pm. I woke up a couple of times during the night, but overall my bed is quite comfortable and my doona is warm. At 6.30am I couldn't sleep any longer and decided to get up and start exploring again. It was raining today, but considering I am in London, and today was the first proper bit of rain so far, I think I am lucky.

The first place I went was to the Churchill War Cabinet Rooms. Unexpectedly, when I got off the tube at Westminster station, I was immediately standing right in front of Big Ben. "well there you go" I thought.. followed closely by "it's not that big really"...

Very pretty though

I looked up at not-so-big ben for a while, took a couple of photos, and then wandered around the corner to see the houses of parliament, Westminster Abbey and some other buildings which looked significant (it's hard to know here, everything is so pretty and old). I had to use Google Maps to find the War Rooms though, because I was totally lost and nobody would stop to answer my questions (people are more cranky in the rain, and also in this business area I think).

The Churchill War Cabinet Rooms were just incredible. I knew they would be, the recommendations I had heard and read had put my expectations at head height, and I wasn't disappointed. I spent about two and a half hours wandering the halls of the underground bunker, map rooms and shelter from where Winston Churchill and his staff spent much of their time during the Blitz in WWII.

Some rooms and areas have been left untouched since the end of the war in 1945, and some reconstructed to look the same as they did in wartime. I always find the addition of mannequins and soundscapes a bit strange, but I suppose it adds to the atmosphere. I listened to ever bit of the audio tour, and also explored the Churchill Museum, which details Churchill's life, shows footage of some of his speeches (just incredible) and also of his funeral. I got held up by a keen young museum volunteer who talked my ear off about Churchill's various hats, and was very excited to have my try to use a typewriter. The typewriter was not that thrilling, but it seemed to make the volunteer very happy to see me use it.  The hats were very stylish I must admit, Churchill was quite a stylish gentleman.

A gentleman and a scholar.

After admiring Winston Churchill, my feet were sore and I thought I would probably head back to my lodge. It was only 11.45am but I had been awake for nearly 7 hours and I was cold. On my way to the tube I wandered past Westminster Abbey, and couldn't resist paying the £16 to go in and look around. 

How could I not go in?

I wasn't allowed to take photos inside the Abbey. But let me assure you, it is one of the most beautiful buildings I have ever seen. Just stunning. The ceilings are so detailed and intricate, I could hardly believe that they were real. The tombs and shrines are ancient and so numerous, you would struggle to count them all. The names inscribed in these shrines are impressive. Not just Kings and Queens, Dukes and Duchesses. But names like William Shakespeare, John Keats, Martin Luther King Jr, Lewis Carroll, Isaac Newton, Oscar Wilde.. I could go on and on... It was wonderful. Even Charles Darwin is there. Figure that one out.

I stayed for about two hours at the Abbey. I lit a candle, but didn't say a prayer.

After this, I was completely exhausted, and ready for a nap (or a full body massage). So, in the rain, I made my way on the tube (which I am so amazing at navigating now) back to my lodge, and slept for three hours. I've now been awake for about two hours. It's 9pm and I'm about to heat up my microwave dinner and go back to bed with my book. I am getting sick I think. I am trying to ward it off with echinacea and vitamin C, but the cold wind in my ears is making me sniffly and sore.

I'm getting very excited about going to Dublin on Thursday, even though it is even colder there! It's quite easy to layer up in clothing, though I do need to get some good gloves. I can't wait to see my Ellie, and meet her new friends and her new lady. I have been looking at things I might like to do in Ireland/Dublin, but I am quite sure Ellie has a list as long as my arm to keep my going for at least a week!

I am missing people at home, but keeping up to date by Facebook stalking. I have sent a few postcards so let me know as you get them so I know :) Love to you all xxxxx