February 14, 2004

Valentines Day was much the same as the rest of the trip - leisurely getting up, and low key touristing. Got up a little earlier than normal because Tess was meeting up with a friend from home and we had to get back to the hotel by noon so she wouldn't miss him.

First stop - Notting Hill / Portobello Road

(above) Cute neighborhood houses on the way to the market from the Tube. Though cars can drive on the streets here, they're so choked with people it's almost impossible.

(above) Still not there yet, though we're seeing more and more people.

Didn't take any photos at the market - had enough to do with looking at all the stalls and keeping an eye on my wallet (had been warned about pickpockets). There was a ton of silver for sale, vintage purses, furs, knickknacks and at the end fresh fruits/vegetables and baked goods.

Went back to the Hotel, Tess went off with her friend and Jen and I headed out. We tried to get onto the London Eye but it was sold out, so we decided to walk over to Buckingham Palace instead. The walk was nice - good to get some exercise, great to have a chance to catch up with Jen.

(above) On the way to Buckingham Palace, a view down the street to Trafalgar Square

(above) After walking through the park, we came upon the Palace itself. Well, first we came upon the circle and statue of Queen Victoria in front of it.

(above) Jen and I posing, with cars zipping by in the background.

(above) Didn't see the changing of the guard but could see some guards behind all the signage.

We then took a cab to Bayswater for some shopping. While there Jen found the place she wanted us to go out to that night. So we headed back to the Hotel to meet up with Tess, have some dinner, get dressed and head out.

So we get to the bar, where they're having a Valentines Day "sextravaganza". There's all manner of sexual paraphernalia around the place, employees are dressed crazytrashy, the crowd is well on their way to getting drunk.

(above) Tess and Jen posing with the sign.

We got chatted up of course (Jen got the first bite, she said it was proximity while I credit the spangly earrings I leant her) but with two of our party married and me uninterested in starting something that ridiculous we mostly talked to each other. And to the cute server who we nicknamed Jamie.

(above) Jamie, looking hot as fucking napalm (according to a laughing Jen)

Jen was impressed with his gold medallions and asked if she could touch one. Being hospitable, Jamie hustled himself around the bar so she could.

(above) Close up of Jen's finger mid-touch

The cheap drinks weren't working their magic on Jen and since we decided not to go dancing in Soho with the Frenchman and his friends we decided to go back to the Hotel.

(above) Jen annoyed that she still wasn't feeling drunk.

(above) Jen and I on the way out. Apparently the sign was looking lean-worthy to me.