Tourist in my hometown

It's weird being a tourist in my hometown. I guess its no similar than me taking people around London. But, its weird mainly because I don't live here anymore, and coming back and visiting, and being a tourist, even though I use to live here... if that makes any sense. =)

In any case, we were at the Cubs game on Saturday when they clinched the division. Unforgettable experience. Bleachers too. I just hope they don't break my heart, again.

But its nice being back, and we've been blessed with such awesome weather! I think this week I'll get more sun than I did in all of the London summer! And when I mean sun, I mean, "biting your skin" sun. The sun where you say.. "wow, its hot." Not the, "wow its bright, but its still kind of mild" sun like we do in London.

In any case, I'm in enjoying the summer that never was, now.

3 years later...

Time travels fast. In a blink of an eye, another year has passed. Out of curiosity, as I always do, I read a blogpost from a year ago.

I think its funny because I mentioned a tube strike. Ironically, I despise the tube. I've discovered London's bus system. As much as possible I take a bus to work, and in fact, almost anywhere I go. Most of the buses I take are the "double-decker" type and I love sitting on the top. The good things about taking the bus?

• Its relaxing. It takes you from point A to B without an armpit in your face. Instead I can read a magazine or book in peace.
  

• I'd say I get a seat 99% of the time and don't have to stand. (with an armpit in my face)
• Cleaner air!
• Its not sweaty and hot.
  
• Slower pace. You're not surrounded by other people that are always such in a hurry getting on and off the tube, and running up the escalators.

I love the bus! Funny what a difference a year makes.

As for travel, I did hit 30% of that list I posted from last year. Notably, Florence, Istanbul, and fulfilling my Scandinavian requirement, Stockholm, Sweden. Speaking of which....

Sweden trip summary:

• Food was amazing. I did have "Elk" meat and tried "Reindeer". I also had Swedish meatballs with lingonberries!

• The archipelago was absolutely beautiful. A 7 hour boat ride took us pretty far east from Stockholm and witnessed really cool houses on small islands, wildlife, and an unforgettable sunset.
• The Vasa museum is a must see!
• Not as many blondes as I thought, but boy are people really tall!
• And no, I didn't visit Ikea. In fact, I didn't even see one. Although our hotel felt like a picture from their catalogue!

Overall an amazing trip, and the archipelago boat trip was unforgettable.