London / Replaying The Tourist

One of the benefits of revisiting a known town is already knowing what's good and what's not, at least for a lot of general areas. We knew Bill's wouldn't disappoint when it comes to good, simple traditional food, so it was an easy choice when looking for some breakfast South of the Thames. 

After being disappointed to learn Borough Market was closed on Sunday, we were relieved to at least have our first order of proper British tea, English Breakfast of course. Along with some amazing bacon on eggs and toast, it was a good first meal for the trip. 

Gotta love the colorful, modern European architecture that sprinkles the city. 

The Tour of Britain was going on while we were walking around. Pretty cool seeing riders on bikes that are normally used in a velodrome pushing themselves on the streets. 

Soon we started to get better acquainted with our local neighborhood. Despite the months we stayed here before, we never really explored this area since it was on the opposite end of town. Certainly a lot prettier than East London. Love the greenery! 

Some exclusive British metal. Always loved classic Ranger Rovers, but these three-door models are just amazing IMO. Would consider one over a Defender. 

It's neat how every 4 or so blocks has a different look. The occasional Maserati doesn't hurt to improve things either. 

Small wonder why some locals consider Kensington to be the "Beverly Hills" of London. 

Back to SoHo.

Aw yeah! Gotta get some of that Chatime milk tea. 

Easily our favorite ramen place in London, Tonkotsu in SoHo is the spot. My recommended choice is the Tokyo Ramen which has some top notch pork and thick, chewy noodles. Last part of the first day tomorrow! I promise this is the day with the most pics, I won't be doing a bunch of multiple-part posts like the first London adventure. 

Palm Springs

Despite having grown up near a desert all my life, I've never been one to enjoy that particular environment. When compared to mountains, forests, or coastal lands, it just could never compare. However, Palm Springs has always been my one exception. I'd visit relatives at least twice a year here and over time, I've grown a fondness for its natural beauty. Don't get me wrong, midday summer here is horrible, but as soon as the sun begins to set, it turns into a wonderfully surreal place filled with a smooth pallet of colors rarely seen anywhere else. Also, the architecture here has a great retro-modern flare who's design integrity is unmatched anywhere else. 

Paris / Day 2 Pt 2

I'm reminded by visions of famous chase scenes in Ronin and Bourne as we cross over the river and to the island. 

Diplo would be proud, might even like it more that it's the misspelled.

Some great smelling lavender soap bars.

The protesters spirit is still alive an well here, we've seen a fair number of these banners and groups chanting while here. 

And here it is, the world famous Notre Dame! 

Fortunately, despite the high expectations I had, the church was still very impressive for me. The amount of detail and work on it is just staggering. Not the largest church, but the size is still something to behold. 

Fortunately, photography was permitted so long as I refrained from using my nonexistent flash. It's always shocking that there are still many people who persist on strobing away despite how poor it makes the images appear and how much it upsets the clergy (and police officers). 

Despite the flashes though, I was relieved that the noise level was kept to a respectful whisper. This is after all still an active church. 

Those stained glass artworks...

Every church we've been to, in service or not, there were always several tourists paying respects. 

And so concludes Notre Dame. Next up, Jardin du Luxembourg and a little of the Latin Quarter.