We're in London

Well we arrived in London - very tired after a long trip. The flight went o.k. Saw some good movies. If you like the one's that I like you should look for The Painted Veil and the Freedom Writers at the cinema. Fascinating and thought provoking. Miss Potter was a bit disappointing.
We didn't get much sleep at all but the food wasn't too bad. We learnt how to raid the kitchen between meals and went for the shapes and shortbread.

We had an interesting time in LA. Got off the plane and stood for 60 odd minutes in a queue waiting to be fingerprinted and our retina's taken. After that we sat for 15 minutes in a small room and went back on the plane. Air New Zealand circulated water, biscuits and apples to keep their tired customers from wilting. The customs form asked us if we had been convicted for moral turpitude - we hadn't been convicted for anything so answered 'no'. Those standing in the queue didn't know what it meant either so I can show my ignorance to you all!! If you get to a dictionary before I do or know what it is it would be good to know. Sharon, Michael, Becks and Aaron gave me a little soft toy at the airport. We have decided to call him Caramello after the chocolate cos he is lots of different browns. Harry suggested Triple Deck but that name didn't appeal. Anyway, we took photos of him on the airplane and in the LA transit lounge and will post them as soon as we get to an internet cafe where we can download photos. He is very special already and walked around London today with us.

Today, we went and got our bank accounts. It was easy after setting them up in Wellington. No problems and they even ordered us a credit card. We then went to the medical insurance place and found it is hugely expensive to insure us - like £200 a month!!! Cell phones have also been bought and I insisted on a Nokia. I've sent Michael and Sharon a text to check it works in NZ and also Michelle hoping that we can see her before we leave.

Our back packers is clean, but small rooms and the kitchen has pots but no plates or cutlery. We met a guy who lives there and works there also and noticed that he cooked in the pots, using one fork that has crooked prongs. To get to our room you have to go up some stairs, down some stairs across an outside area that has been roofed, up some stairs and along a corridor. Breakfast was cornflakes, UHF milk, white toast and nutella or raspberry jam. we have bought some bananas and yoghurt for tomorrows breakfast as well. For tea we have had filled bread rolls so we don't have to cook. We have also bought our own cups so we can have a cup of tea.

We have noticed the incredible number of accents in our first day. Met our first New Zealander who recognised our accent and works on the underground. Also got a bit confused with the roads, as the lights don't make a noise when we are allowed to cross and we are day dreaming and sight seeing so often miss the lights.

We are staying in Westminster. Had a lovely walk along the canals, seen heaps of canal boats, and walked through little Venice. Very pretty area - expensive to live - lots of trees and pleasant to walk around.

Thank you for all your replies to our blog. It is a new experience but we will enjoy keeping in touch this way.