Conquering the Tube, the London Eye, and Eating British Fare!

Today we got a bit of a late start to the day, we're still trying to get used to the time difference.  I think by the time tomorrow rolls around we'll be fully adjusted.  Or at least that is the hope!

Today we conquered the Tube system.  At first we attempted to walk everywhere.  It soon became clear there was too much distance separating the locations we were most interested in.  The British version of the subway is called the Tube.  We bought a day pass for each of us.  Away we went from the Green Park area off to the Waterloo area, where we spent the majority of our day. 

Attractions we were most interested in were the London Eye, Imax, and the Aquarium.  The London Eye was hugely important to me.  I've had moments in my life where certain types of heights have freaked me out but I was determined to go on the London Eye.  Coming all the way to London and not going on the London Eye wasn't possible for us.  It was awesome!  I loved every minute of it.  While we were on the London Eye attraction I asked Brad if we could go a second time during our visit.  Next time at night. I would love to be able to see the lights of the city.  The London Aquarium was very nice too.  We've gone to a few Aquarium's together, we're both thinking the London Aquarium is pretty top notch!  One of the best attractions it has is at the entrance. People can walk over a see-thru shark tank.  We were standing on top of the shark tank clearly seeing the sharks swim just under our feet.  Brad loved it and so did I! I also loved the penguin exhibit.

We had our first taste of the supremely popular English fare....fish and chips.  It was good.  Brad is having trouble getting used to the coffee here.  It's too strong for him!  Tonight he tried a latte in hopes that it would be less strong.  All drinks that we are used to are quite different.  The sodas taste different and the lemonade is carbonated therefore it's considered a soda. For dinner we dined at a romantic Italian restaurant a block from our hotel.  Great meal!  I'm thinking Brad might want to repeat that meal at some point during this honeymoon!  I love how small intimate restaurants can survive here.  We've seen only a handful of large corporate chain restaurants.

Tomorrow should be fun.  We are going to try booking a table for a traditional "afternoon tea" session at a nice hotel.  When in Britain do as the Britain's do!  As soon as I'm done with this post I will be making that booking!

Our cell phones are with us but mine doesn't work at all.  It can't connect to a European server. We were told before arriving here that Brad's cell phone company has "sister" servers in Europe and should work but it hasn't been working so far either. We need to resort to getting a calling card in order to call home to the States, just haven't found any calling cards for purchase since we left the airport. 

Our first fish and chips meal in London!

 

 

 All pics taken on the London Eye attraction:

View of Buckingham Palace from the top of the London Eye!

Look how high up we got!

Pics in front of the London Aquarium with Big Ben in the background:

London Aquarium:

Very cool red and white starfish!