Went out separate ways

Today I went to Kensington Palace.   The palace was not as large as I had expected. ... guess that's why only the princes live there,  in apartments.   Prince William and Harry must not have gotten my invitation for High Tea,  I'm sure it's lost in the post or the neighboring apartment received it by mistake.   I got lost on the tube going there then got lost in the gardens going to the Palace.   I walked past it twice because I was expecting something grander.   It was a self guided tour and the rooms were beautiful.  The Kings and Queens had massive yards back then. .... Damn.   Afterwards I explored Kensington High Street and checked out the shops.  For a late lunch I tried a Cheddar and Pickle sandwich,  which I really enjoyed.   I walked probably about 5 miles today so went back for a nap until Kris and Danielle returned from Stonehenge so we can have dinner.

Kris and Danielles trip,  written in the words of Willis. .....

Short and sweet: Danielle and I took a formal tour on a coach with a dapper old English gentleman to Stonehenge and to the city of Bath. Stonehenge was more involved than I had previously thought - more than just a pile of rocks. The city of Bath was beautiful!  So quaint! We visited the Roman baths - England's only natual hot springs. Very delicious lunch then we made a dent in our wallets by shopping at the local shops and a super cute Christmas market. It was a long bus ride back because of a traffic jam on the M4, but now we're ready to hit the cold streets of London in search of some dinner!

Park where you want

Apparently in England, one can park their car whatever direction they want.   Seriously,  it's weird and confuses me on which side of the street to look down while crossing the street (with or without the walk symbol -read previous post)  also Eggs come in cartons of 10 and you can buy Cider in a 2 liter bottle at the grocery store.   Every is in a huge hurry and the Wool Coat manufactures must make a killing here.   I have heard the word "Sorry" more times than I have in my entire life. .. even if it's my fault by getting in the way.   All these things are not a negative to me,  it just makes England unique in our eyes.   I just found the differences a little bit strange.
We went to the London Bridge Tour this morning. .... it was very informative and also had a haunted attraction in the basement.   By far,  the scariest thing u have ever gone through. ... scarier than any haunted house I have ever been in.
Also went to the London Zoo.   Thank you Grant for the amazing behind the scenes tours today.   It's greatly appreciated.
Ventured into "White Chapel" today. .... this was the only bad part of the city that I've seen so far.   This is where Jack the Ripper murdered his victims.   So Ya,  probably won't be going there.   After that,  one last night at the Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park,  this time Danielle joined us.
I have the day to myself tomorrow,  Kris and Danielle are going to Stonehenge and Bath. .... I'm venturing out in London on my own.

Mind the gap

Today we went to the Tower of London and the Tower Bridge Tour.   At the Tower of London,  I sat right next to the Crypt of Henry the VIII in the Queens private Chapel.   We are practically besties now. Got to see the Ravens and learned that this is where the"Zoo" was before the London Zoo was started.   I also saw the chopping block where many members of Royalty were beheaded. ... kinda creepy. Didn't realize that it is still one of the Queens working palaces.   The Crown Jewels were pretty amazing. ... but couldn't stand to stare at them too long because you view them from a moving walkway.   The collection of Armor was pretty extensive.  
The Tower Bridge was pretty cool. ...I even worked up the nerve to walk across the glass floor hundreds of yards above the street and Thames River below.  
I'm pretty much an expert navigating the London Underground. ...."Mind the Gap".  I cooked dinner for everyone tonight. ...I didn't do a very good job on the Indian Food because Danielle ended up with a sour stomach and spent the rest of the night at the flat.   Kris and I went to Hyde Park to check out the "Winter Wonderland" festivities.   It was like a carnival on Santa Steroids.   So much to do and see.   Tomorrow. ..... the London Zoo.

Day 2

We did some sightseeing today. ... and learned a few things.   The red "do not walk" sign means nothing to the Brits.  Mushy peas (it's exactly what it sounds like) is absolutely disgusting.   And fresh eggs at the grocery stores are not refrigerated. ... they are left on the shelves with the bread.
Our first stop was to Westminster Abbey....I was surprised that so many past kings and queens are buried in tombs that you can walk up to,  they are everywhere in the church.   Also Charles Darwin and Sir Isaac Newton are also buried there along with countless others beneath our feet.   We also saw Big Ben and Parliament
.... next we visited Buckingham Palace,  alas the queen missed my invitation and was not at home.   The changing of the guard is tomorrow (it's every other day during the winter) so we will stop back by tomorrow.  
Next we visited Churchills War Room.  It was too much information to absorb,  but enjoyable.
Then we went to Piccadilly Circus.   Reminds me of a small Times Square.   Very cool old buildings and windy streets where we found a Pub for some Fish & Chips.
We then went to Trafalgar Square to see the Christmas Tree from Norway.   Very disappointing,  want even lit up yet and no ornaments.   We are going to Hyde Park tonight for a Christmas Festival. ...hopefully this one is better.
We finally visited St Martin in the Fields Church and made our own artwork. ... brass rubbings.
I think we are finally navigating the tube like a pro. ..it's so easy to get around this city by train.   I only wish Los Angeles was as easy.

First day in England

A long flight with only 1 free glass of wine. ... but don't worry,  Kris and I stopped at the Hotel W for some old fashions.  The trains were easy to follow but getting to the right tracks was confusing at times.   Everyone was tired but we are forcing our selves to stay awake to avoid jetlag.   We found a grocery store near the apartment. ... which our apartment is awesome.   Cooked fish cakes and stuffed baked potatoes then managed to fight the cold temps to find an authentic English Pub.   Beer was £2.75 so we scored on that but the place was obviously a locals hangout.  Kris loved it,  Danielle liked it, and I probably won't be going back. .... well maybe,  the beer is cheap.   More tomorrow.

Home

Thanks everyone for making my trip a reality.   I'll sort thru the notes,  photos,  and memories to put together my presentation. ... actually might be a few presentations because I had time to learn about koalas,  dingoes, devils,  echidnas, and wallabies.  It's been only a week since I left and I already miss the land down under.   I will return some day,  but for now I have some new ideas and techniques for training and handling Murray,  the wombat.  I also have first hand experience about the troubles wombats face in the wild and seen studies being done by Dr Elisa Sparrow that will conserve them and mend the rift between farmers and animal.   Thank you everyone.

Last day at the zoo

Today was the last day at the Perth zoo for me. .. they are very interested in a keeper exchange.   Fingers crossed that I can go back for a few months.   Some of the best keepers I had the pleasure of meeting.   Their echidna set up is amazing and would take many months to learn all the accomplishments they have made.   The wombats are great. .. the male is too aggressive to go in with.   There is a good possibility that Murray could change too when a female is in the picture.   I have a back up plan now to condition him in protected contact if that day comes.   I hope it doesn't come down to that but it's good to train him in different ways even if he stays as sweet as he is now.   I also learned some innovative ways to exhibit nocturnal animals so hopefully our night house will be more active and it will finally be opened to the public.   I know I'll see this city again in the future,  just don't know when.   In the mean time,  I have grown my list of contacts of Australian animals keepers to help me along my new journey.  Maybe a few of them will take me up on my offer to visit los Angeles.