July 4

 

7/4 - Holyhead

The fact that we made a new friend made the idea of sleeping in the ferry/train station a little less daunting.  We even welcomed another American, Katherine from Florida, to join our group because we overheard that she was traveling alone.  The four of us staked out our "bed" in the corner by laying out one of our sheets.  The floor was still freezing so that didn't last long, but it was cute while it lasted.

 

We didn't sleep much because of the cold, but it was an experience that we are glad we had.  We parted ways with Siobhan and Katherine at around 5 a.m. when they got on their train.  We waited another hour or so until the train ticket window opened.  We had in mind to purchase a 3-day pass, but the attendant insisted that we instead "play the game" and unknowingly use our Eurail pass that the railways in England don't even honor!  We got on the train and it worked!

 

Now on the way to London! Yeah! (Maryanne spells it "Yah," but I refuse.) While sleeping as we were, we were able to catch some beautiful country side sites.  These sites included lots of grazing sheep, grass, grass, and grass, beautiful homes, and even a castle that the train went through.  We really did sleep for most of the ride though.  Karen did overhear a conversation on the train where a local was asking the train attendant if we were backpacking, and how cool that must be!

7/4 - London/Rickmansworth

We arrived in London at about 10:40 a.m. and maneuvered our way around the metro to Rickmansworth where we will be staying with Ann.  

After a little hiccup we made it to her house.  Ann greeted us at the door and showed us a little of the house.  It is quiet, small, and beautiful.  We are travelers #53 and #54 to stay with her.  We know Ann through (Maryanne's) Aunt Mary who is good friends with her daughter Katie.  

After showering and doing some laundry we were ready to return to London's City Center.  Before we could get out the door, though, Ann asked us if she could treat us to dinner tomorrow, which is crazy because she is hosting us, but we gladly accepted.  We took a new route to the metro, which took us through the town of Rickmansworth.  

 

When we arrived in London, we walked around and even walked all the way around Buckingham Palace! 

After that, we found the Appollo Theater!  We needed to find the theater because we saw Wicked!!!!! (I'm not exaggerating the amount of exclamation points Maryanne used, but I can't say I wouldn't have used the same amount!)

 

It was stunning.  And the tickets were cheaper than they would have been in the U.S.  We had great seats that were right on the floor.  27.50 euro each we paid.  Maryanne forgot her student ID but was let in at the student rate anyway, probably because she is so charming. (Absolutely no comment.)

After booking to the metro, we worked the tube like bosses, and are now headed to Rickmansworth.  

I have to throw some editing in here because there seems to be a lapse in our journal entries.  First and foremost, we neglected to mention that this was the Fourth of July and it was extremely interesting to spend it in England! See the picture below.  Enough said. (Yes, they are locals.)

Celebrate freedom today! And keep the freedoms coming!