It’s been an interesting first day across the pond, to say the least. Got about three hours of sleep this morning before heading over to the Brit Oval for practice and interviews. I’m really enjoying the scenery and the people here in London so far, though most of it has been through a bus window. Hoping to get out later today to walk around and see some sights. While it’s a business trip for the PFW boys just like it is for the players, we do have a bit more time to let ourselves wander the city.

Anyway here are a few bits and pieces I’ve picked up that I thought fans might be interested in as we try to bring those Patriots fans not lucky enough to be in town for the game an overall a taste of the experience.

–In terms of news from the practice fields, Julian Edelman, Fred Taylor, Sammy Morris and Matt Light were the only guys on the roster not seen on the hallowed pitch. The bulk of the practice squad seemingly made the trip as well, although Bruce Davis was not spotted on the field. Mark LeVoir and Brandon Tate were both on the field. Bill Belichick said the team had not made a decision on its two open roster spots. That will be decided on Saturday morning.

Tate was back deep and handled the first kickoff in kickoff return drill to open practice, the only drill that was open to the media. You’d have to think at this point, and with the team on the other side of the Atlantic, that Tate is a likely candidate to be added to the roster for Sunday’s game. After that I’d say the most likely guys for the final spot would be Mark LeVoir (especially with Light sidelined), Terrence Nunn (more depth at WR) or my long shot, Isaiah Stanback. Stanback apparently took some reps at receiver earlier this week in practice and could serve as both a depth option at WR and an emergency QB.

–During stretching before practice at the Brit Oval Junior Seau approached Dan Koppen and the pair seemed to be discussing their knowledge of the rules of cricket. You know what they say, when in Rome, or in the this case when in London…

–The media entered The Brit Oval through The Hobbs Gates. Sorry Patriots fans, the Oval has nothing to do with Wesley. And the Gates had nothing to do with Ellis, but rather were in honor of a “Great Surrey and England Cricketer.”

–Tom Brady and Belichick had press conferences in a room that seemed rich with history. Adorning the walls in the room were portrait paintings of great men from the history of the Surrey County Cricket Club. The Brit Oval dates back to 1845.

–In a newsletter welcoming the media to the Brit Oval there was a comparison of players from football and cricket. Middle order batsman Mark Ramprakash (5-10, 79kg) was compared to Vince Wilfork (6-2, 147kg). Brady (6-4, 102kg) was compared to fast bowling all-rounder Stuart Broad (6-6, 85kg). By the way, who knew that Massachusetts is actually home to a “thriving” cricket league? The Massachusetts State Cricket League apparently has 22 teams across two divisions, with many of the team named after more traditional cricketing locations such as Trinidad & Tobago, Melbourne and Lagaan. For what it’s worth the top earning cricketer in the world last year, Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, hauled in around $10 million. The bulk of that money, $8 million, came from major sponsorship deals with Reebok, GE Money and Pepsi.

–By the way, I did an interview with the BBC TV crew while at the Brit Oval. According to the producer they liked my answers and there was a good shot I’d be on the BBC1 tonight around 6 local time. How much is that going to kill Erik that I’m on BBC and he isn’t? While I thought it would be cool to be on BBC I have to tell the whole story and admit that I said yes mostly because the person asking was a hot blonde with a phenomenal British accent. It’s the best accent in the world. Not only does it sound cool, but for the most part I can understand what they’re saying. While I’m at it, I also need to thank Richard Branson for the quality job he does hiring staff for his Virgin Atlantic flights. He’s the man.

–Brady was one of if not the only Patriot to wear a suit on the trip last night. Due to the length and the timing of the flight there was a less-strict dress code than usual. Wes Welker joked that Brady looked like he was going to the London Stock Exchange. Brady fired back.

“I don’t take fashion advice from Wes. Believe me. He should have no concerns about what I’m wearing.”

Brady said the suit was more out of habit, maybe even superstition, than anything else.

“I think I’ve always done it. I think it looks great for the team to look nice and professional. Hopefully I try to set the tone for the other guys, but none of them really took my lead.”

–Patriots Owner Robert Kraft met with Princess Anne and came away with a differing perspective on the differences between NFL football and rugby.

“It was interesting. She said she preferred physical contact games without equipment, that when you have more equipment maybe you do more dangerous things. Which I thought was an interesting thing for someone from the Royal Family to say. She was talking about rugby. I think that’s her favorite sport.”

Kraft expressed his happiness at being in London, a place he has some familiarity with.

“I consider myself an Anglophile so it’s great to be able to be here. I started a little company in the early ’70s and came to Wimbledon every year…used to get invited to Ladies’ Day at Ascot and wear the tails and feel like a turkey in the big high hat. But when you go to Wimbledon and then to have an opportunity to own a team that’s going to play in Wembley, that’s pretty cool. I’m looking forward to that.”

And what impresses Kraft most about London?

“I think they do things in such a classy way here. Everything here…they’re like our grandparents. Good grandparents,” Kraft said with a laugh.

–File this under some of the dumber things Andy has ever asked: Is that a prison we’re passing? Bus driver’s answer: “No, that’s Buckingham Palace.” To be fair, we were on the backside that’s just a big brick wall with barbed wire on it and trees behind it. Still, it’s a pretty ignorant question.

–I got on the bus back to the hotel before Paul. When he approached the bus he asked the driver if I’d gotten on. “Guy with a big head?” The driver responded with a laugh and said yes. Now that just ain’t right. I haven’t been in the country for even 12 hours yet and the British are making fun of the size of my head.

–For whatever it’s worth I love the look of the British taxis. They’re just plain cool. I’d drive one if I could. And the double-decker buses are just as cool as they look on TV.