I have loved London for as long as I can remember, for reasons I can't begin to explain, even if I knew what they were.  I wanted to go there for many years, but never had the time and money in the same place at the same time, if you know what I mean.

    Then, early in 1996, an amazing thing happened -- my friends at my relatively new job (at the time) at Seattle University, Ben and Michelle (now married), had family (Michelle's sister, Denise) living in London and were going to visit her and her fiancé for a week, spring break, March, and would I like to come along?  All I needed was the price of the plane ticket, whatever spending money I could round up, and a passport.  My passport at the time was expired but I got it renewed and there I was, ready to go.

    I was nervous because I didn't know what to expect, either from traveling with my new friends and just being in a place I'd dreamed about for so many years ... and I had one of the best times of my life.  My friends became lifelong friends, and London became ... well, it established itself fully in my heart.  I've gone back three times since, the first time alone, simply because I wanted to go exploring all by myself; the second time with my dad, and the third time with my fiancée Claudia. 

    When I went solo in '98, I committed myself to keeping a journal of my trip, to keep along with my memories.  Just click the right arrow to begin, or select a particular date from the menu on the left, and I hope you enjoy the trip!