London

I was able to go to London a few weeks ago for work, and I promised to talk about it; even though I wasn't able to make it around to see much it was a pretty amazing trip.

I travelled there to speak, and that was a great experience in itself, but I have to share one of the other highlights.

I got to spend Wednesday evening in an English pub, watching Man U (that's Manchester United) trouncing Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League final. It was an amazing game. In case you're not familiar, a football (soccer) game consists of two 45-minute halves and both teams spend the entire time running up and down the field. When there's a tie, as there was this game (both teams scored once), there are two more 15-minute halves. When the game is still tied, it goes into penalty kicks. I couldn't find a good, succinct highlight reel from the game so I made one. (Watch through the finale - the penalty kicks are more exciting than you might think.) Enjoy! (Update - note how the cannons are synched up toward the end!)



Here's a pic from inside the pub where I watched the game.



Here are a couple bobbies across the street making sure the crowd doesn't get too rowdy.



And here's one of the outside of the pub - I can't remember the name.



Here are a few more pics. The first couple are at the Hurlingham Club, where I spoke, which is the first place polo was ever played. It's a beautiful area.





The Tube (Mind the Gap!)

And on the way home, I was able to snag a smoked salmon bagel (on a bed of Philadelphia cream cheese, with dill, black pepper, and lemon) in Heathrow airport. Mmmmm... (Ok, I'm not sure why I put this picture in here.)



And you know, I can't fathom what it's like for servicemen to come home after being overseas. I hadn't been gone long, and it was a good trip, but when the customs officer stamped my passport and said, "Welcome home," I nearly teared up...

It's good to be home.