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Published: September 3rd 2009
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London day 1-7 (July 25-31)
Arrived at Stansted airport in London and headed off to passport control. I was very happy that the queue was small and thought that this would be quick. How wrong could I be. The only place that actually asked me questions about my trip was London.
The lady at the counter when she heard that I had left Australia in February began asking lots of questions. I showed that I knew about the Shengen Visa rules (which UK is not even party to) and she very officiously wanted to see my itinerary. I said it was in my checked baggage and she said she trusted me, and let me go through to retrieve it (of course keeping my passport).
The baggage of course took it's time (nearly an hour from landing before the sign updated with which carousel to pick it up from. By this time I think the Passport control lady was getting nervous thinking I had skipped, and so put out a broadcast for me to return and as I approached I saw that she had security on standby to look for me! I explained that the luggage was just coming
out now. I think she was getting in trouble for letting me go through, for when I returned with my itinerary she quickly stamped my passport and let me go. I think that I ended up being more trouble than I was worth.
Fortunately, I had purchased on the plane an Oyster card (electronic tickets for the public trasport system) and the train ticket for trip to London central. I felt very smug as I passed the long queue of people trying to purchase their tickets after clearing customs.
The train trip to London was quick, I thought I'd get off at one station that connected to the line to Kings Cross but found that the announcement that had been made on the train, and which I had struggled to understand due to a thick accent, was that the line was closed due to works on the line. Fortunately, two minutes later another Airport train came through, and I caught this one to Liverpool St Station and changed for Kings Cross.
It was strange to actually be back in an English speaking country. I had to stop myself a couple of times from wondering how to say
hello and thankyou in this country!
My Hotel was very nice boutique one, and about 5 steps to the subway to the tube. After settling in I found the local supermarket and shopping area and got some supplies. I was very pleased that even better than a kettle in my room, there was an Espresso machine. Such luxury to be able to have a coffee first thing in the morning.
The next morning I made my way to the Tourist Information Centre on Regent Street to get some maps and make plans. It was a Sunday and very quiet. I gave myself an orientation walk around town, continuing my trek through the Monopoly board to Fleet St, Euston Rd, Picadilly etc). I found that London was very pleasant place to walk and not so busy as I expected.
Over the next few days I visited more of the sights, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, Parliament and Big Ben, St James Park and Hyde Park, Trafalgar square and St Pauls. Most I visited from the outside as there were large queues and I thought I might come back later when it was not so busy. I did go inside
St Pauls and climbed to the top of the dome (536 steps up). There were spectacular views across London, really worth the climb. I found getting around on the tube to be really easy and convenient, although I did catch London bus just for the experience.
I also caught up with Jill Hedin for dinner on two nights, and got to see her work and her club. It was great to meet up with family after being away for so long.
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tezzakezza
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Ahh London, brings a smile to my face. Not beautiful in the same sense that a lot of Europe is, but it is so unique and full of such iconic names and places...like the Monopoly board, as you said.