I am still alive! I have not abandoned this blog either, just temporarily neglected it.

It's Sunday morning, Diamond Jubilee weekend. The whole country has been generously given a four day weekend to celebrate the Queens 60 year's reign or terror. In a rare display of English patriotism, Union Jacks and St Georges Cross flags are being draped across window sills, streets and other public areas. Stores are hocking British themed paraphernalia, you can feel the excitement in the air. Today the Queen will take part in a massive procession of boats that will float down the Thames. It could very well have started as I write this.

Victoria Train station basking in sunlight and Union Jacks

Last night Lauren and I went up to St. Albans, a small town about 30 minutes north of London. We spent the evening with a friend of hers, Laura. They met at a camp they worked together in America and have kept in touch since. Laura's flat over looked this small square. The bell tower on the right was built around 1445!

Cool huh.

As requested, here are a couple of close up photos of the locks next to my workplace. I see them in use three or four times a week either by maintainence vessels that clean the waterways of trash and debris, floating restaurant boats or grungy looking houseboats inhabited by gypsies.

The locks are manually operated and only the narrowest of boats can pass through.

A boat approaching the southbound lock. 

Up until this week the weather has been fantastic. Warm, sunny days with the occasional breeze.

Hyde Park at dusk. Not a cloud in sight!

Lauren and I are in the midst of flat hunting. We're aiming to stay in Southwest London. We have about a month and half to find a new place. Ambitious I know, we'll need God on our side.

Some other randomn photos:

Saw this horse drawn herese a while walking to work. The carriage was empty....

Met Aydar at a reddit even. He's from Kazahkstan, the land of Borat.  Here he is enjoying a late night kebab. 

 Funny photo I took of tourists struggling to bypass a flooded walkway next to the Thames. I plowed right through the water.

They wanted to keep their dainty shoes dry.  

Big Ben

Colorful row homes in Camden

The closest I've been to American soil in months, the mighty US Embassy. Sub-machine gun toting guards can be seen patrolling the perimeter (not in this photo however)

USA USA!!

 Lauren's sister Isla was in town. Went to a live rock band karaoke event appropriately titled Rockaoke. They sang.

Don't remember the name of the song :(

Went ice skating at the Alexandra Palace (also saw Florence and the Machine there a couple months back) with some friends. Good views as the building is on a hill over looking the city. 

Looking Southeast. 

Inside the Ally Pally

That;s all folks!