On an interesting side note, we passed through a tunnel that was covered, every square inch, in graffiti. Not just tags, but real graffiti art. There were several artists there working on patches of the wall as we passed. It was pretty cool to see.
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Searching for Dinner
I tried to find some local restaurant areas that we could eat dinner at near Waterloo station, but the best one (local pub) was packed when we arrived. After walking up and down the street, the group settled for pizza, Thai, and Chinese. All were generally satisfied in the end. Dinner conversations were nearly nonexistant in my group we were so tired. After a full day and very little sleep on the plane for most of the group, we headed back to the hostel for a good nights rest.
First day random observations
Its been six years since I was last in London. Much of it looks and feels the same, but I did note some differences:
* The tube trains have been upgraded and the ride is much smoother than it used to be (the cars a just a bit roomier too, although think with the size of the tunnels they couldn't make them much larger.)
* The tracks in the tube are unbelievably clean. No trash, no icky liquids, just brown painted concrete and the tracks themselves.
* Stopped in a public toilet (they are not called 'restrooms' here) and noticed a unique vending machine for "chewable toothbrushes" 2 for 1 pound. I had to endulge my curiosity. They were packaged in small plastic globes and were small rubber bristles with a nob that had mint flavor on it. I tried one and it did seem to work ok, but it was a very weird sensation. I'm sure they are a major choking hazard and definitely should not be eaten.
* Found a wonderful store next to the hostel with nearly everything package in single serve to go portions: fruit, veggies and dip, hummus, wraps, sandwiches, yum!
* Was reminded again how much servers in Europe don't like splitting the check. We all agreed at dinner to just divide the whole tab evenly since our meals were about the same cost. Eating with a group of 18 people is so challenging, even when we split the group up. Everyone still have large bills from the ATM at the airport just adds the the difficulties.
First Day in London
We arrived to overcast weather, but no rain, temp about 55-58. Brisk, but it felt good after being cooped up in airplanes and airports for most of the previous 24 hours. We strolled through Green Park (approx 40 acres, compared to Hyde Park at 350 acres). We got to see the memorial to the Canadian soldiers who were lost in WWI and WII. It was a really nice water feature with smoothe marble and inset maple leaves that caused ripples.
London eye in the background
Next we saw the Victoria monument in front of Buckingham Palace. She reigned for 44 years in the 1800s and much of the grand structures around London were built during her era. Didn't get to see the changing of the guards, but there was some "do" going on because dressed out guests were arriving while we watched.
We headed through St. James Park next. It is a 'bird park' with a number of different specifies of ducks, swans, egrets, and even some pelicans. Several had baby chicks. It was very peaceful and the flowers were lovely.
Swans and babies:
Now that is a big tree!
We made our way over to Westminster Abbey next, and unfortunately could only see the exterior (too late in the day to get in). Hard to believe that more than 3,000 people are buried there and all of the monarchs since 1066 have been crowned there. Amazing amount of history. I wish I could hear the "ring" of bells play. They have a full set of 10 tuned bells that can be rung in a "peal" (5000 different combinations of patterns that takes 3 hours to complete).10 ringers memorize the patterns and play through them together for very special occasions.
The Parliament building was next. We were lucky to be able to see the clock tower. Its scheduled for rennovation next year and will have scaffolding all around it. The numbers on the clock face are 2 ft tall, and the minute hand is about 13 ft tall.
We eventually made it to the London Eye and took a 30 minute ride. It was a great view even though it was still overcast. Our group got to be in one of the pods all by ourselves. One particularly funny thing we saw was an upside down purple cow (Cadbury??) that was a jumpy house. Very strange sight.
Our hostel in London
Clink 261. Just around the corner from Kings Cross Station. A good central location, clean enough. Bread and jam for breakfast. Very small rooms (same as anywhere in London), but comfortable beds. No women's bathroom on our floor, but the water was hot in the shower. USB plugs in each headboard, but worst wifi I've been on at a youth hostel in years.
Transaltantic flight and arrival in London
Although we were delayed 1 1/2 hours leaving Atlanta due to a mechanical problem, we landed in London right on time. With 8 hours flying time, I guess they are able to make some of it up. I don't know if we had an unusually strong tail wind, or they actually pushed the engines faster or something.
Everyone's suitcase made it, thankfully. And everyone was able to withdraw money from the ATM. Nice start to the trip. We took the tube in to Kings Cross Station and found our hostel without a problem. Managed to get checked in even though we arrived a bit earlier than they usually allow. Found delicious to-go food directly next door and headed out for a picnic in Green Park.
Monday, May 16, 2016
Europe Bound in 2 days
Working on my pre-travel checklist. Bag is mostly packed, reservations complete and confirmed, going over house and pet care with Adam.
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