My First England Trip (Day Three Continued...) Wednesday (May 1, 2013)

   I ducked back into St. Paul's Cathedral, finding a moment of relief from how big the city was. The moment was short lived as my old friend, metal staircase, was there to greet me. By this time, my legs were like jelly. Keeping up with the line proved difficult, which was moving fast at this point. With the grand total of 1056 steps (255 ft.) of climbing and descending, I reached the ground floor. I sat in one of the provided chairs, resting and acknowledging my accomplishment. I silently reflected as a church service started. While pride swelled in my chest, my abs were contracting in fear, the cold grip squeezing me tight. I was in over my head. How could someone like me think they could handle such a place? London was now more than I had anticipated. Was I worthy?
​        My reprieve was over and I got up to walk down to the basement. Ominously named, The Crypt of St. Paul's Cathedral, was a burial place just like Westminster was. Oddly enough, that's where the gift shop was and I completed one of my objectives of buying something for my girlfriend (Princess Di related). I bid adieu to St. Paul's and left.

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     I reached another destination from Rick Steve's guide: The British Library. It was 5:27pm and the Treasure Room was going to close soon. I hurried into the dimly lit room where glass cases held some of the worlds greatest known treasures.
    That's the original manuscript of Beowulf! And that's one of the copies of the Magna Carta! And so many bibles from history! And *gasp!* is that...oh, no wait, that's just the security guards chair.
    As I continued down the displays, one caught my eye the most. It was a case embedded in the wall filled with Beatles memorabilia. There was a jukebox panel next to it with headphones attached and different songs listed:

- The Beatles Introduce Themselves (1964)
- I Want To Hold Your Hand (parlophone R 5084 from 1963)
- Ticket To Ride (5265 from 1965)
- Michelle (PCS3075 from 1965)
- Strawberry Fields Forever (R5570 from 1967)
- And more!

I listened to the music until they announced that it was time for closing. I left the library and went to King's Cross Station nearby. Wait! That King's Cross Station? Yes, that King's Cross Station! Being the Harry Potter fan I am, I decided to pop in to find Platform 9 3/4. A large crowd was gathered around and a cart was halfway through the wall. While I wanted to take a picture as well, I didn't have anyone to take it for me and I didn't want to disturb anyone. Just being there was enough for me, plus I was starting to feel hungry again and when it comes to food or fandom, I will choose food. My stomach was growling audibly and my snack of carrots and an apple weren't holding me anymore.

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      After stepping off at a random stop of the Tube at 6:50pm, I arrived at Zonzo at Maida Vale. The word pizza got my attention and I walked in thirsty and hungry. The server poured water from a bottle into a wine glass (Is this what the people of Bel-nah, I won't sing it). My pizza and sorbette was delicious and I realized how great food tasted when you were extremely hungry. No matter how hungry I was though, I promised myself I would enjoy the meal in moderation.
       During my dinner, I took time to write in my journal and draw some characters of people I had met along the way. My server, "The Deer", noticed and asked what I was doing. While prying into another's business might seem rude, I was happy to speak with someone. I didn't know much about David from the night before, nor could I have asked him to grab a bite to eat. I let The Deer know that I was a writer and a traveler, on my first trip alone ever. Since the place was empty, we were able to chat for a while and I was able to discover new things.

       I learned that my server was from Romania and had moved to London about a year before with some friends. She had the urge to explore outside her hometown, the same way I had been before this trip. She also introduced me to the bartender and the head server. The bartender only spoke Italian and while she tried to teach me, I knew by her laughter I was failing. It didn't make me feel bad though, more like a part of the group.
      The head server recommended some places I should try to go to next, such as Chinatown, Leicester Square, and Piccadilly.

      It was 9:20pm by the time I left for my hotel. I went to the Tube at Paddington to Glouscester. As I entered, my Oyster card alerted me to low funds. Luckily, there was a ticket master who swiped me through. I took the 87 emergency stairs for the last time that night and got to my hotel. I sat in the lobby in one of the chairs, catching my mind before heading to my room.
     I collapsed onto the bed. As my mind settled down, I realized I had woken in bed this morning with an excited attitude. The positivity diminished as I looked upon the large city I was temporarily inhabiting, but speaking to those at Zonzo brought my happiness back. I took what last strength I had to email my girlfriend to let her know that she would be getting a gift from England. By midnight, I called it a night and turned off my lights. Crawling into bed, I made sure to keep the positive thoughts as I fell asleep. This was an exciting time for me and I needed to make sure to enjoy every moment of it.

To be continued...

 Music for the Journey Pt. 7:

Back in St. Paul's: Puwappuwari by Elements Garden (My Little Monster Original Soundtrack)

Reflecting: Kaisou by Kawada Ruka (Hello!! Kiniro Mosaic Sound Book: Mata, Aeta ne.)

The Crypt of St. Paul's Cathedral: Creeping Up by Kajiura Yuki (Sword Art Online II Original Soundtrack Vol. 1)

The British Library/Treasure Room: Marble by Elements Garden (My Little Monster Original Soundtrack)
                                                                    - Beatles Greetings (Spoken Word) [Live at the BBC For "The Public Ear" 3rd November, 1963] (The Beatles Live at the BBC)
                                                                    - Michelle by The Beatles (Rubber Soul)
                                                                    - Yellow Submarine by The Beatles (Yellow Submarine)
                                                              - Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds by The Beatles (Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band)                         

King's Cross Station: Platform Nine-And-Three Quarters and The Journey to Hogwarts by John Williams (Harry Potter and The Philosopher's Stone: Music From and Inspired by The Motion Picture)

Zonzo Pizzeria: Friendly Feelings by Kajiura Yuki (Sword Art Online Original Soundtrack Vol. 2)

Back at the Hotel: At Nightfall by Kajiura Yuki (Sword Art Online Original Soundtrack Vol. 1)

Time for Bed/Renewed Sense of Comfort: Yui no Ketsui by Kurosu Katsuhiko (Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Come wa Machigatteiru. Zoku Original Soundtrack)

End Pt. 7: I Feel Better by Gotye (Making Mirrors)