Sunday, January 23, 2011

London!

Hello Benjaminions

My first time in London was brilliant. I didn't really know what to expect.

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The Thursday evening flight leaving LAX is about half full and I have five seats in a row to my self. I stretch horizontally and fall asleep after my bloody mary and I will not wake up until I reach Heathrow. Lucky me.

It's Friday night now and I'm ignoring my jet lag. Heathrow is about a 40 min taxi ride away from Central London, where I am staying. The Saint Martins Lane Hotel on 45th street is my new home for the weekend and a hot shower is overdue. I'm immediately noticing the swanky feel of my room. Also, the service is amazing. The hotel service is excellent! The staff is attentive and polite.

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Now it's Saturday and I want to explore the city. I am using the Eye of London as a landmark to keep my bearings.
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I can see the St. Paul Cathedral and there are young skateboarders jumping down the stair sets. If I was capable of crying I would shed a tear of joy. It's so cool to witness the juxtaposition of an ancient historical structure crawling with modern day skateboarding punks. As I cross the bridge going over the river I discover a Paul Gauguin exhibit. I'm excited because Gauguin is one of my favorite french artists.

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Next to the Gauguin Exhibit is a famous London skate spot called the "South Banks". This area is covered with graffiti and the ground is moist and uneven. I feel like a hamster in a cage hundreds of tourists scuttle by while taking snapshots and quick videos on their phones. I might as well put on a good show.



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I had an amazing time in London it's one of my favorite adventures thus far!

Cheers,

BG