MEGA POST pt. 1

It seems like the only thing that's gotten me motivated to do a new blog entry is having to write a paper.

So, first we have my trip to London:

Highlights of this trip include the British Museum, the Underground Subway system, and the Queen Musical. The British Museum was incredible. Imagine the history of the world, for all time, in one place. Some of the world's most important artifacts have been placed in the British Museum (after their subsequent swiping from whatever country they should be in) and amount to an extremely impressive historic display. Also, the Underground system in London is mindbogglingly complex, well organized, and humongous. I couldn't really get it all in one picture, but every hub is huge in it's own right and there are literally dozens of them. It is the only way to really traverse as much of London as is necessary (it has the largest urban area of any city in Europe). Finally, at the end of my trip, I went to a musical. Upon exploring the half off ticket options, I stumbled upon a musical for the band Queen. It seemed different and I went without expectations. But, holy Moses, that was entertaining. In short, the spectacle has ensured that I've been listening to primarily Queen for the past month and a half or so.

Pictures! 

Inside the British Museum

Houses of Parliament and "Big Ben"

Westminster Abbey

Buckingham Palace 

Inside the Underground

Natural History Museum

The Rosetta Stone inside the British Museum

Myself in Piccadilly Circus

Outside the Dominion Theatre where I saw the "We Will Rock You" Queen musical

Now my Rome excursion:

I limited my trip mostly to the Vatican City as I will be returning in April to see the Forum Romanum and the more ancient parts of the city. Thing to remember: the Church has a boatload of money.

St. Peter's Square

Michelagnelo's Pieta inside St. Peter's Basilica

The baldachino by Bernini which sits upon St. Peter's Tomb

While climing up to the top of the cupola of St. Peter's. I'm actually standing straight (as is gravitationally comfortable).  The walls curve with the shape of the dome.

St. Peter's Square and Rome from the top of the cupola

Castello di S.Angelo

Some bridge over the Tiber

Next: My recent trips to Venice and Assisi.