London, England.
Much to my surprise, this city is much like any other city. I don't know if I was expecting something different or outstanding about it, but once I stepped off the plane, I felt as if I was in any other airport in America. It could be because I've gotten used to traveling. Maybe new places don't phase me as much as they used to? Either way, I stepped outside the train station to a bustling city, much like my memory of New York. Minus the big sky-scrapers, that is exactly what London reminds me of--New York City. That was my first impression, but I have since been pleasantly surprised by it's unique beauty and diversity.
Our travels today started off as nothing more than just exploring the city. We just arrived this morning at 7:25 a.m. after a surprisingly short 7 1/2 hour flight. Time flew, but that was probably due to the fact that Maggie and I were carried away catching up. We had not seen each other for over a month--it's amazing we survived...and it's amazing we didn't die from a dry mouth after all the talking we did. After 3 1/2 hours of chatting away, we finally realized that a little 3 1/2 hour nap didn't sound too bad. Attempting to sleep proved to be more difficult than I hoped. I always have the hardest time getting comfortable. I feel bad for Maggie who had to put up with all of my shifting and kicking and drooling. lol I also feel bad for the person in front and in back of me. I think I accidentally hit the head of the guy in front of me numerous times because my leg had awkwardly found it's way to where he had positioned his head. Further, I had problems with the handy little remote that Virgin Atlantic attaches to the seat handle. I felt so in control with my own little remote. But, with much power comes much responsibility, and I feel as if I failed on the responsibility part. In attempting to change channels on my personal TV, I accidentally pushed the button that had a light bulb on it. I should have known on seeing the light bulb that it meant 'light'. Duh? Well, come to find out that button turned on the light directly above me, disrupting the sleep of EVERYONE within 5 feet of me. This happened twice. Nevertheless, the guy in front of Maggie and I didn't hesitate to befriend us as we were leaving to get off the plane.
The next feat, baggage claim. Joy of all joys. Smart me decided to pack as much as I could, instead of as light as I could. Now I know why people always encourage one to travel light. That's why Rick Steeves always said pack light. The reason why, my dear friends, that one, especially clumsy me, must always pack light is simple: it relieves one of weight and inconvenience so one can travel with the utmost ease without disrupting one's efficient travel, and without disrupting the travel of those around you...because it's a living hell when your shoulders are killing you because you have to pull one oversized bag and two bags full of heavy books...walking for miles and miles on end...in an unknown city...where there are a lot of people. I think you get the point.
Once we arrived by Underground to St. Pancras Station, our travels brought us not but two blocks from the station. Did we plan well or what? I have been pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to navigate from Heathrow airport, to our hostel, near the city. Picadilly Line (part of the Underground) took us to our destination, a lovely 54 minutes! On the way, we were able to converse with another student traveling abroad in London for a semester. He was on his way to go backpacking for a couple of weeks before school started. I feel as if I've spoken with more Americans over here than I have Brits.
The courtesy of the Brits has also greatly surprised me. I have received nothing but hospitality and politeness from the Brits. As much as I love to bash them, they are truly great people. They're weird, interesting, and diverse, but at the same time, so willing to help two young American tourists!
Like I previously mentioned, we arrived this morning not really having any definite plans for the day. We checked into our hostel, but found out that we couldn't actually check into our rooms until 2 p.m. We placed our luggage, with much difficulty, in the the luggage lockers. At first, we went downstairs to find little lockers that were no where big enough to fit our luggage. Maggie and I didn't know what else to do, but we sure didn't give up on the spot. After much kicking and shoving, and pushing and pulling, and squeezing and punching, we finally went to ask the hostel counter if there was any other storage place for our luggage. And, of course they did. A whole separate room was designated for larger luggage. With no difficulty we found lockers large enough to accommodate our luggage. We are also three pounds poorer because of it.
Next, we decided our best route for viewing a large amount of the city was the bus. We bought a ticket and hopped on a bus. The bus route brought us to Victoria. Among some of the attractions we passed were Wellington arch, The British Library, Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park. We got off the bus at Victoria. The streets were lined mainly with tourists, sprinkled with a few who called London home. On our way toward Buckingham Palace, we stopped at "Whittard's of London"--a tea and coffee store. So delightful. After trying some instant "Dream" tea and eating a few chocolate covered espresso beans, we looked outside. Yep. You guessed right...rain! There's typical London for you. Luckily I had my umbrella, which, right when I needed it, didn't work until I stood for five minutes in the rain, in the middle of the sidewalk trying to adjust it. I must have looked like a stupid American. Maggie wasn't so lucky. She had left her umbrella at the hostel. So, we stopped at a nearby sporting goods store to pick her up a nice big umbrella--the circumference being wide enough to keep her entire body dry!
Buckingham Palace approached us fast. We seemed to be the only ones not afraid to leisurly walk the streets in the rain. Everyone else was either running or huddled under trees. Are Brits afraid of rain or something? Buckingham Palace was gorgeous in the rain. The guards stood there in there with unrelenting faces. What we thought to be the changing of the guard proved to be an exciting experience nonetheless. It appeared to be the changing of the guard, and I'm convinced it was a special changing of the guards just for Maggie and I, so I'll consider myself lucky to have seen it minus the crowd--unless we go back tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. for the actual changing of the guard. We said cheers to the Queen and then left for a nice stroll in Green park.
I must designate a whole paragraph to parks. What is it with British parks? They're absolutely delightful. I'm convinced it's because the Brits have some idea about what leisure means. A nice stroll or jog in the park is the norm for the lifestyle of most Londonites--or it seems to be by the looks of the parks. The parks are unlike any other parks I've ever seen. There is no comparison to Central Park in New York. They're spacious, green, and clean with plenty of benches. No wonder so many enjoy spending time catching up with a friend, taking the dogs for a walk, or playing with children in London's parks. Again, words fail to describe their beauty, and so will pictures, but they will have to suffice for now. Upon entering Hyde park, we happened upon "Serpentine"--a perfectly delightful cafe in the middle of Hyde park near the pond where people feed the ducks and pigeons. We bought a pot of tea, sat out on the porch, and sipped our tea as we took in the same feeling of relaxation and leisure that so many of those in London have mastered. I'm learning through their example to create an appreciation for life through leisure. In the hustle and bustle of the day, it's okay to sit down and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, and chat with a friend!
Sloane Street was store after store after store. Among the big brand name stores were Burberry, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and many more. Beyond that was world-wide known "Harrods". Can I just say "OMG"? That store is like everything in one. You don't understand...this was THE most amazing store ever...any persons dream fantasy store come true. It was like a glorified Macy's in New York--only better. I was so overwhelmed going into the store and viewing the first floor which included perfumes, chocolates, candies, tea, coffee, fresh pork, rack o' lamb, shellfish, sushi, exotic fruits and vegetables, that I couldn't even go to view the next three levels. The outside was more ornate and gorgeous than the inside. Pictures could never do it justice, but I'll have to post them anyway.
We made our way back, by this time tired and running on the caffeine from the tea! I couldn't wait to take a shower. I had been in my clothes, at this point, for almost 30 hours. Gross. Our hostel room is clean and simple: four bunks, closet space with locked doors, and a bathroom and shower! We met one of he girls staying with us--she's been studying in Wimbledon and is finishing up her dissertation...something about monkeys in their natural habitat. I wasn't really listening to what she was saying, partly due to lack of sleep and partly due to the fact that I just didn't care. But, she seems like an awesome girl. haha She hung up her little clothes line, put her clothes on it, then left for the library.
I've just now realized that I've spent the last two hours down in the chic cafe in hour hostel lobby, drinking a latte and writing. Huh. Surprising? No.
Until my next adventures prompt me to write, Cheerio!
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