What a week!! London and Venice were a whirlwind.  I have to say I preferred Venice for its laid back atmosphere and warm weather.  London was a bit too much like the US for my taste, but it was still a great vacation.

     In London we saw the Olympic stadium (can't wait to watch it on television...very cool!), Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Platform 9 3/4 (yeah Harry Potter!), Tower Bridge, London Eye, and Hyde Park.  Our hostel was great.  Really clean and the staff were very friendly! (Astor Victoria Hostel)  I would definitely recommend it for any young people looking for a cheap stay in London.  It's only a 10 min walk from Buckingham Palace and really close to Victoria Station.
The first day in London, we went straight to the Buckingham Palace to see the changing of the guard...what a crowd!  Too many people for my liking.  The ceremony lasted over 30 min; we only stayed for about 20.  It was too hot to fight for a picture of marching guards.  Upside:  two marching bands led the guards into the Palace and they played American jazz music.  Interesting choice...
Westminster Abbey was beautiful!  We did not want to pay 13pounds (about $20) to see the inside, but the outside was magnificent.  I can see why the royals get married there...I wouldn't mind if I had to!  Right next to the Abbey is the British Parliament building.  It was probably my favorite London building. The architecture is simply amazing and intricate.  Very neat.
One afternoon we ventured to Covent Garden.  It's a kind of outdoor market filled with vintage odds and ends, but surrounded by designer boutiques.  An interesting mix of old and new.  I would definitely recommend this area if not for the shopping, for the street performers.  There is always something to watch!

Olympic Stadium 2012

     Venice was absolutely amazing.  The weather was perfect (mid-80s) and the people were so nice and helpful.  When Terra and I got to our hotel the first night (the group's apartment wasn't available til the second night), we asked where to find shampoo and razors.  The man (presumably the owner) brought us to a giant store closet and gave us free shampoo and cheap razors!  Talk about a great first impression.  The hotel was spotlessly clean and I would also recommend it for its private bathrooms and free wifi (a rare thing in Europe)! (Casa Gerotto Calderan)
     On our way to the apartment the next day, we got lost...about one hour off course.  The roads of Venice are such a labyrinth.  They end abruptly and are ridiculously winding and narrow...very easy to get lost without a map.  After that mildly-stressful situation, the rest of our time in Venice was peaceful.  We saw San Marco Basilica, the Bridge of Sighs, the Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge, went to a beach, and took a water taxi ride.

     I can truthfully say I never had a bad meal the entire trip!  British fish and chips are all they're cracked up to be.  And so is the hard cider!  The pasta and pizza in Italy were even better than expected.  The only bad experience was the famous Venetian drink, Spritz (recipe).  It was recommended by everyone we spoke to, but it was awful!  It has an incredibly bitter taste and is nothing I would like to taste again.

     Getting home today was a bit of a struggle.  Our plane from Venice left in Italian time...30 min after the printed ticket.  Our hour layover in London turned into 20 min.  If not for the kindness of two British security guards, we would not have been able to cut the security line and RUN to catch our flight.  Someone must have been looking out for me!