They're Here!!

First off – apologies for not posting for so long. However, most of the preceding week I was anxiously awaiting the arrival of Mich and the kids, who arrived with my mom on Friday about noon, and until today, I haven’t had access to the internet (still no internet access at the house). I think everyone was fairly tired, as after we went home, Mich promptly fell asleep on the couch. Unfortunately, I had to wake her up, and we went traipsing into Redhill on the bus to buy things like groceries and pots and pans.

On Saturday, Debbie was gracious enough to allow us to ride in with her to Redhill to do some more grocery shopping, and so we went in again and bought some more groceries and some other miscellaneous necessities.

Sunday was a bit dreary and Mich was feeling under the weather, so my mom and I took the kids to church. I’ve been going to a little church about half a mile or so from the house – Merstham Baptist Church. It’s a fairly small congregation, and are undergoing some struggles at the moment, but they are believers and the Bible is preached – so that has been good. While I’m still not certain that we’ll end up going there on a full time basis, for the time being, it is the best alternative I’ve found.

After not doing much on Saturday and Sunday, I really wanted everyone to see something of London before I started work, so I dragged everyone out to London on Monday. That may have been a mistake. It was cold and rainy all day. It may very well have been the coldest day I’ve experienced since I arrived. We got on the Big Bus Tour, which I was hesitant to do at first, but now I would highly recommend it. It’s not cheap – probably about £20 per person or so, but it’s effectively your transportation for the day to just about any downtown London attraction. Plus, you get some running commentary about the different buildings, sights, etc., and our tour guide was quite enjoyable, despite the cold and rain. Take it on a reasonably warm/sunny day – if you have the chance. I think the only thing we actually stopped for was Hamley’s – London’s largest toy store. Dalton, of course, nosed in on the Transformers from the second we got there. Still, by the time we made it home, we were a tired and worn group of people, and if looks could have killed, I think I would have been dead a couple of times over. Still, I think Michelle got a couple of good pictures, which I’ll probably post in a few days. I’m hoping to get the internet hooked up this week.

And yesterday, the sun rose up and the day was mostly sunny. Still a bit cool at times, but that’s London. It was really somewhat disturbing after the cold and wet of the day before. My mom agreed to watch the kids, and so Mich and I went into London to go to Madame Tussaud’s. We stopped off at Covent Gardens first, as Mich wanted to get some fish and chips, and one of the guidebooks recommended Rock & Sole Place as central London’s best fish and chips shop – so we went there. The fish and chips were good, but we also ordered some hummus – which was the best hummus ever – period. The chips were nice and thick, not crispy, and just the perfect texture. I had the plaice (flounder), which was good, while Michelle had the haddock. We then wandered through Covent Garden for a bit – and then headed to Madame Tussaud’s.

Okay – here’s the down-low on Madame Tussaud’s. It is definitely pricy – the stated price outside is £25 per person. However, there are various specials, discounted tickets, and the like floating around if you look, so as a practical matter, you shouldn’t spend more than £16 or so per person (prices as of this writing, and will not be updated.) Looking around on the internet I can find a ticket for £13 as I write – and tickets are also discounted after 5 pm. (If you can, get a fast track ticket, as we stood in the queue for about an hour or so – but we live here and have the time to kill – you may not.) However, once you get your discounted ticket, it is definitely fun. Cheesy, but fun. I guarantee that you’ll take several shots once you’re inside. I’d skip the Chamber Live if you’re short on time or if it is offered as an add-on – I wasn’t impressed at any rate. I’ll add pictures of Madame Tussaud’s here shortly, as well.

After Tussaud’s, Mich and I headed back to Hamley’s to pick up a birthday present for Dalton, and then headed home. Even though I know her feet were worn out from the standing and walking, I do think Mich had a good day, and I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised by the Tussaud’s experience as well. Cheers!