London Day 1 & 2!!

Today Sami and I got up dark and early at 4 am! Of course we didn't get out of bed until 4:15, but we did get ready and ate breakfast with time to spare so we headed off to Gare du Nord at 5:45. We took the metro to the train station and got in line to go through check-in and customs. We got our passports stamped twice, which we were really excited about! The train ride was a little more than an hour and was interesting. In our cabin of four sets of quad seats there was one obnoxious family. They had a toddler and a nine year old who were constantly talking, whining, and making noise the entire ride. Fortunately Sami and I had our iPods so we slept and listened to music the majority of the time, but that family definitely didn't make the ride enjoyable. Inside the train got really cold when we went under the Chanel, but we were able to get sweaters out of our bag. When we got off the train we went to a currency exchange and exchanged some of our euros to pounds. It is so nice to be in a country where they speak English! Sure, the French experience is an exciting a good one, but it is nice to speak in english once again. We got a cab with no trouble and our driver was a cute, older man whose accent we loved. The drivers in London are crazy and we have already learned that pedestrians do not get the right away. Just as we were driving down Ryan and Delanie's road we saw Delanie walking home with Layton! The driver let us out and we walked down hill for a block with Delanie to their house. The Hamstead area is so charming! All the houses are made of brick and have elegant gardens. Private drive ways that lead to beautiful brick homes are closed with ivy covered gates and the streets are quaint. Their home is absolutely beautiful! Layton, their youngest son at the age of two, is adorable. He is loving the attention from Sami and I and was showing off to us. Sami and I are so thankful to be here in Ryan and Delanie's wonderful home! This afternoon Sami and I went with Delanie to pick up Hudson from school. He is four years old and adorable. He even has a little British accent! Then we walked to the Heath, a huge park where there were lots of ponds and grassy fields. We were able to see out over London on the top of a hill. It was a bit hazy, but the view was still great. Then we went to a little Italian restaurant for dinner. It was delicious. Then Delanie took the boys home and Sami and I wound through the streets of Hampstead. We are just hanging out tonight and may watch a movie later. Tomorrow Sami and I are going to get up early and take the tub to one of the tour bus' stops. There, we are going to ride around and hit up all the big tourist spots we have on our list of things to do. The bus will be so nice because you can get on and off at the stops as you please and we will be able to see everything the city has to offer! We are very excited for our stay here :) Just wanted to let you all know we made it here safe and sound! We miss and love you all!

Sami and Emily :)