Half the man I used to be
30 Sep 2007 by Tom in England
It always surprises me how expensive London is. Most of it can be blamed on our weak, measly dollar (1 pound = $2) but still, it’s almost laughable how much it costs to do stuff here. Just the other night we paid $16 US to take the subway two stops. $16! That’s just nutty. Pints of beer are pretty ‘cheap’, though. They end up being around the same price as a pint in NYC. But often they’re warm. If you want a cold one, you need to specifically order one of the ‘extra cold’ brews.
London is pretty much the polar opposite of Cornwall, so it’s been tough adjusting to the busy and expensive lifestyle here. We’ve spent most of our time here exploring neighborhoods, taking photos and stopping in at pubs and cafes. We bought London Underground travel cards yesterday with Rich and Jenny and used the heck out of them. We took about six or eight tube rides and hit all corners of the city. The weather’s been real nice so we also spent a bit of time sitting outside at Hyde Park. The four of us found a good people-watching spot and sat down and smoked Cuban cigars we bought for 50p each ($1). Well, Rich and I did. Jamie and Jenny watched and made fun of us.
Anyway, Rich and Jenny just left for Heathrow so Jamie and I plan to spend the day relaxing in the park (it’s nice out again) and reading the paper. We also plan on catching a little football this afternoon (Everton-Middlesborough) and enjoying a traditional Sunday roast dinner at a pub somewhere. Laters.
30 Sep 2007 at 8:29 am
Sigh… Sunday roast dinner sounds absolutely cozy. I hope this day was nice and relaxing for you two. Two miles an hour so everybody sees you.
30 Sep 2007 at 2:42 pm
We missed the roast! It was only served in the afternoon apparently. Oh well. We did still have a good meal and some amazing candy bars. They don’t mess around with candy over here.
30 Sep 2007 at 3:39 pm
So glad you met up w/ Rich and Jenny and spent some money!! It was weird to think of all of my family on another continent!!
The pictures are great, really enjoying them. Although the one of Tom and Rich smoking those ugly little cigars is sick. Rich looks like one of Michael Corleone’s bodyguards when he is in Sicily! Tom - it just looks wrong!
Sorry you missed the Sunday roast — just don’t eat the meat pies — even though you love meat — don’t!
Hugs-
mom
01 Oct 2007 at 5:21 am
According to Mercer, London is the second most expensive city in Europe and ranks in 5th position worldwide. Seoul took 2nd place worldwide. subways here are still cheaper and cleaner here w/ no gap to mind
02 Oct 2007 at 7:09 am
more pictures of beer, please
03 Oct 2007 at 10:24 am
Cuban cigars? those looked like Cuban cigarettes!
04 Oct 2007 at 1:47 am
Yeah, they were pretty small. They only lasted like 5 minutes. What do you want for 50p?