Because flying 32 hours and almost exactly half way around the world is not enough, I decided to wing a 30 hour trip to London in the middle of traveling back to India. After successfully burning the entire month I had to do research on London, I boarded a plane knowing little more than directions on how to find the random downtown hotel I booked. But as I have stated several times, this year is all about adventures so I am not throwing in the towel yet. After claiming my 99.4 pounds of luggage, I followed the signs for the Heathrow Express in blind attempt of finding my hotel. Don’t forget finding it means banking on the directions I printed while drinking on New Year Eve. Finding a ticket counter I purchased a train ticket for halfway and a tube pass for zones 1 and 2 (not sure why 1 and 2 but Pari told me that is what I needed so I took her advice, it worked out well).
Making it to the hotel, I took a quick shower to refresh after my 8.5 hour flight across the pond and then I was off to start my site seeing tour. First a 5 block walk to the Queens place, for those that don’t know that would be Buckingham Palace. From there I took a relaxing stroll through St. James Park, minding the ducks and geese of course, heading towards the Parliament buildings. Using the London Eye as my target I have managed to navigate the city without even opening my map. Turning the corner I headed towards the Westminster Abby. To think that these buildings were created so long ago and yet the architecture and designs are still standing the tests of time. Heading across the Westminster Bridge I stopped long enough to take a few snaps of Ben and I, and to hear him chirp the passing of the noon hour. Down the south Bank of the Thames River I passed the London Eye and many street performers acting like robots, famous performers, doing just about anything they could to earn a buck. Stopping at a river side pub I enjoyed a pint and a plate full of bangers and mash. With this potentially being my only chance to visit London one must not forget the food on this touristy visit. Once again refreshed I continued my journey towards the London Bridge. Please be assured everything is alright and the bridge has not yet fallen down. Tired of walking now that I have walked all the way across town, I board the tube and head back to my hotel for an afternoon nap. This site seeing thing is tough and wares a person out.
Sleeping a little too long most pubs have already closed their kitchens. Fish and chips will have to wait until tomorrow. Now dark outside, I head to Piccadilly Circus and China town to wrap up my London site seeing visit. Broadcast as the “Time Square of London” the name does not disappoint. There are lights and sounds everywhere and the appropriate number of people to match. Not really sure what to do I just start nomading around. Past the theater where Mama Mia plays, looking into the window of a few pubs now packed with people, I bypass the many porn shops and eventually make it into China town. Wondering down a few more side streets I eventually make it back to my train and head back to the hotel, stopping to visit Ben one last time. London is just as beautiful at night as it is during the day. Settle for an expensive subway meal I turn in for the night.
With so many more things left to see and do within London and its surrounding areas I may just have to stop of another time. Next time I will plan a little better and save a little money by taking the Queen up on her offer to stay in one of her guest rooms if I ever make it to the city. I passed this time as 30 hours is not enough time to see everything if you have to stop for tea and things like changing of the guard.
Cheers
Blake
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