London - Wearing my Tourist Hat

The theme of my first week in London was by and large work - perhaps that and jet lag. I was mostly concerned with staying awake in the office and also, trying hard to not despise the tube. Funny that masses seem to be an 'issue' at this point since I've been to Asia and was born in Manila - but I'm usually on vacation over there. That said, it's Monday morning and I've committed myself to walking into this office this week (:

Fortunately, I was able to squeeze in a few runs in Hyde Park, which is just up the street from where I'm staying and this weekend, I got out and put my tourist hat on!

On Saturday morning, I walked through Mayfair to Oxford street. My plan was to get a few items for AFJ and ZMW and was actually pretty excited about a little alone time shopping. Despite the quiet, calm nature of the Mayfair neighborhood on my walk to the shops, I was surprised - SHOCKED even to see the madness on Oxford street. Everyone else decided to go shopping on Saturday morning as well. Oops.

Grosvener Square

Shocked by the no ball game sign!

Madness on Oxford Street - the street got closed because of a protest earlier.

In the afternoon, I met up with ACT at Leicester Square to grab a bite to eat and hopefully catch a local show. First, it was a hilarious choice to meet because there are thousands of people at this place at any given point - especially on the weekends. Luckily, we found each other and quickly headed the ticket booth of 39 Steps.

Saw a panda along the way to the theatre

Yep, found him hanging around in Chinatown

And then I met this frog at the Rainforest Cafe along the way as well. Lots of wild animals in London...

The show is about the archetypal man, Richard Hannay, who 'knew too much'. The story was written by John Buchan and Alfred Hitchcock made it a film in 1935. It was a 4 person cast and replete with hilarious physical comedy and British humour. The theatre was beautiful, I was thrilled to have had ice cream during intermission and horrified to have paid 3 pounds for a program.

Quick tourist shots in the theatre before the show started...

ACT hides from the camera...but not very well.

Right before the show, we grabbed a quick bite back in Chinatown and afterwards managed to catch a few of the tourist sights before I requested that we check out a yummy Scottish bar. All in all, it was nice day and I had to prep up for the following day planned in Cambridge :)

Can you see the Queen? She lives down the street...

In front of the National Museum cloaked in a randomly bought sweatshirt because I didn't dress too warmly.

Albannach Bar in Trafalgar Square