(Not) Singing in the Rain

(Originally published May 26th, 2008)

Ok, we didn’t go to the spa today. The plan had been to get up early and take a train to the city of Bath and go to a spa build over a hot spring used by the ancient Romans.

Two problems: 1.) We didn’t get up early. 2) It was pouring rain.

So, we decided to hang around London. We took a train down to Tower Bridge and pondered going to the Tower of London. But much of the Tower is outside so we stopped at a cute pub for lunch and hoped the rain would pass. It didn’t.

Then, we headed over to the British Museum of Natural History. Amy typically hates museums, but I convinced her to try it. Unfortunately, it was an England bank holiday, so the museum was hot and packed. We did get a quick look at the life-sized blue whale model I remembered seeing as a child before bolting back into the rain.

Next, Amy, of course, needed new, more sensible shoes. First, we went to the world’s largest department stores, Harrods. (Which just happens to be owned by Mohammed Al-Fayad, who also owns the renowned Fulham Football Club!) The shoes there were all a small fortune. So, we stopped at a few more stores and got her some new stylish black and pink Adidas sneakers. We also picked up a better umbrella – a tougher one, better suited to the wind and rain of the British Isles.

We headed back to our little flat, rested for a bit and then grabbed a late bite at an Asian/Indonesian fusion restaurant. Delicious but pricey. Amy was thrilled because the food tasted like something her grandmother used to make. (In fact, we are burning through money in England! The exchange rate is killing us.)

Now, we are waiting for the Stanley Cup Game 2 to begin. Good news: It’s on nationwide TV tonight in Britain so we can watch from our room. Bad news: It’s on at 1 a.m. We’ve stocked up on Red Bull and Absolut and are prepping for a late night.

Tomorrow, I’ve got a difficult decision to make. I was planning to play in a soccer game that England and U.S. soccer fans had set up on Tuesday night. But U.S. soccer has also schedule a party at some swanky bar AT EXACTLY the same time. Aaargh! What should I do??????

Go Wings!