Episode 25: I Must Stop Buying Books!

I finally rode the London Eye today. And I actually think it was a good thing that I waited so long in my trip to ride it. Because I was able to look out over the vista and be like "Ooo, I've been there! Been there too!" And it was pretty cool to be able to look out over London. It made me realize just how little I've done in comparison. I've actually never been further west than the Eye. We always end up going east on trips and such. I find this odd.

Now, that was the good part about the trip. The bad part was I hate tourists condensed in one space. It's like they've decided at that point that common courtesy does not exist. I was bumped into several times in the line to get tickets and had the back of my sandal stepped on. But no one said, "Oh I'm sorry," or even acknowledged that it happened! I actually had to move away from the boy who bumped into me (middle schooler with his mom who did not chastise her son for bumping me) or he still would have been in my space!

And there was a woman behind me in line who kept hitting me with her purse. And she stood really really close. The entire thirty or so minute wait! I kept wanting to turn around and say "Ma'am could you please back off. It was extremely aggravating. So yay, go ride the Eye, but then run fast and run hard to escape the tourists. Because they have no respect for personal space.

I also had one of the security guys make me feel like an idiot. They check bags to make sure you don't have knives or bombs or anything. So I come up and his accent is a little thick so I say "What?" He's like "What country are you from?" And so I replied America. Then he was like "No knives or scissors." Just like that, no inflection or raise in pitch at the end to signify a question. So I'm like "Okay." And he sighed like I was just trying his patience on purpose and said "Do you have any knives or scissors in your bag?" Which of course I didn't, but this guy made me feel stupid for not understanding him. And he was a bit of a lower talker.

Although there were a couple of very nice people riding in my pod. There was a man with his son (I think they were French or something like that) who saw I was taking pictures alone and offered to take a few of me. There was also an Australian guy and his girlfriend/wife who took a picture for me. They sort of redeemed part of my faith in humanity.

The Eye itself was pretty cool, although I was ready to get off by the end. Before getting in line for the Eye, you go to this 4D experience thing that is included in your ticket. You get 3D glasses and sort of soar over the landmarks in London as well as get a look at some of the just cultural things around the Eye. The only bad part was the 4D, which meant I got sprayed at least 3 times with water!

To get onto the Eye was a bit of an adventure as well. You see, it doesn't stop for you to get on. It moves slowly, but you have to hop into the pod while it's still moving. And the same thing happens when you get off again. Luckily, I didn't fall getting in or out, but it was a little jarring. Like coming off a moving sidewalk you've been walking down.

After the ride in the Eye, I walked back towards Waterloo, going along the South Bank. Apparently it was Disney day with the buskers since I saw Mickey and Minnie, along with Winnie the Pooh and Donald Duck. Actually, I saw Donald Duck talking with Charlie Chaplain and Jack Sparrow. Does that sound like the set up for a joke? I don't know what the punchline is, but I'm sure it's hilarious.

I decided that I wanted to ride the carousel and so I paid 2 pounds and hopped on. Let me tell you, the carousels in London are speedy. My hair was blowing in the wind created and I slid a little on my horse. But it was fun to feel like a fool and child and totally not care. Besides, I rode a carousel in London. Booyah!

I walked back to Waterloo, got on the tube and headed toward Picadilly Circus, since I wanted to be able to say, yes, I've been there. I was also starving since all I'd had for lunch was a granola bar. So I stopped at a Starbucks since I knew they had some gluten free options and would have something that wasn't a brownie. I got a caramel cream frappechino (omg, yum. It was delicious!) and a granola bar square thing. I don't know what was in the granola square and I don't want to know since I'm pretty sure there were raisins, apricots, and flaxseeds in there. But it was one of the best things I've tasted. It was freakin' delicious.

Walking a little ways from the tube station after buying my snack, I spot what I am sure is simply a figment of my imagination. But I check again and it is most definitely real. A five story bookshop looms in front of me and beckons me to enter. Which of course I cannot resist even though I've told myself I can't buy any more books. I mean, come on. It's a five story bookshop. Stronger bibliophiles than I could not have resisted.

And I did end up buying a book, but I only bought one. And it's by an author I would have bought anyway. So really, I was just saving myself the trouble of an arduous search later on. I like this argument. I can find no fault with it. :D

Headed back to the dorm (on the slowest train possible that stopped at every single station. But I did find a carry-on for all my souvenirs when I was in Waterloo!) and checked Facebook really quick (Antony finally found me and friended me! Yay for cute English boys, although it would have been nice if I'd met him a little sooner. Not right when I have to go home) before unplugging my internet for two hours to get some work done. I was mostly successful. I completed my reader diary, finished my sestina, and updated my author's note. Yes, there is still much to do, but it's a start.

My feet are abused from walking around in sandals all day instead of tennis shoes. But I am still going to the Tower of London tomorrow. It must be done and I will have a good time dang it. :) Even if I do have to go alone. But at least Montana is going into London with me. Yay!

Today's lesson: None can resist the Siren's song of the mega bookstore. Not even Meg Ryan. Ciao.