As promised, here are my pictures!

Friends-Family shots

Tower of London

Still organizing shots, should have them up soon.  Here's some more teaser

Photos coming soon

Arrived safely back at home around 11pm Wednesday night.  I'll sort through my photos this evening and will have them up for viewing tomorrow.  

Some teasers to make sure you come back for a look:

Me next to my buddy Julius Cesaer...

A post-1/2 marathon photo...

My best attempt at a Bill Murray impression...

Photos of Anna, and Gabriel & Sibylle,

And much more!

Andrew Hellman's European Adventures

The blog has been commandeered by Andrew Hellman in the comments section! However, I've recently traveled to Italy, home of Machiavelli, and I am prepared to contest ownership with all my wit and cunning.

A meager posting rate is in direct and inverse relation to the enjoyment and busyness that I've been experiencing here in Europe. There has been little slow time (and even less access to internet), so I've been saving the memories for capture here at a later time. Also, my camera seems to have a tough time accepting the fact that I'd like to unplug from the USB port after uploading a photo or two, and I've lost a couple of pictures during the process. So, once I can get the camera home and upload the whole lot to my hard drive, I'll share some gems with you all.

A small story to share before signing off on this Tuesday evening: In Switzerland, they have built a literal tree-house at the top of of the mountains that divide the Zurich and Zog Sea. The tower is called Albis tower, and it allows a 360 degree view as far as the eye can see. It starts getting unnerving about halfway up the spiral staircase, and it is flat out uncomfortably high from the top. My friend Gabriel had the idea to start shaking the railing like a kid jumping in an elevator from the 80th floor. The Swiss are crazy to have built such a tower, so I guess that shaking it comes with the package. I took a video of the full panoramic view, and if I can figure out how to link videos, I'll share it. Check back on Friday this week.

Congrats to Julianna and company for solving the book puzzle. It is The Yiddish Policemen's Union by Michael Chabon. I'm halfway through and would already highly recommend it.

Tomorrow is my travel day back home, and I'll be back late. 'Til then, I turn the mic over to Andrew to provide the entertainment.

Ciao!

Ben, meet Ben

Day 2: Big Ben and the London Blitz.

Got this off my sight-seeing checklist on day 2. It was quite impressive in person. Also saw the theatre district, China town, the Queen's Walk, and had some great Chinese food at a place called The Phoenix.

One of the highlights of the day was the party Anna had at her flat in the evening. We made Spring rolls and chili sauce from scratch.

After sleeping like a log, I feel much better. Will keep the updates coming.

Ciao!

Hello Nurse! (I mean London)

I touched down @ 8am London time. Managed to sleep for the entire plane ride, but I still feel like jet lag has caught up to me. Breakfast was Weetabix Mini Chocolate Crisps, a nectarine, cup-o-yogurt, a plain plane croissant, OJ, and hot tea.

Here's a quick shot of the view from Anna's apartment. Hello London! We're off to do a walking tour, so more shots to come soon.

Rick Steves, plus the Great Fast begins

That's right, I'm headed for the back door.  Finally got all my stuff packed.  It took a few Big Belly Slams on the bag to get the zipper closed.  Yes, that's TP you see on the left hand side.  You can thank my buddy Rick for that suggestion.  Bonus European gift to the first commenter who can name the hidden book tucked under the travel guide.  

In about five hours starts the Great Fast.  While it pains me to give up the complimentary airline-rehydraded Swiss Steak, this is supposedly a great way to circumvent jet lag.  It's an experiment in the power of food -- sixteen hours of starvation will purportedly prime my biological clock for a reboot upon my next big meal.  I'll be dreaming of scones and tea from 30,000 feet!