Arriving in London

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It's been a busy few days, so I haven't been able to post in a while, but I thought I'd take a few minutes and write about the past few days. On Sunday, after a lovely dinner with cousin Larry, I ran back to the apartment to grab my luggage before standing outside trying to hail a taxi. This was harder than I had anticipated, and I was beginning to worry that I wouldn't be able to secure one when I finally noticed someone getting out of one. I ran down to it, and was able to secure it. We then began our journey to the JFK airport. I was a bit concerned about arriving on time, since I had left a bit later than I had wanted to, and I still needed to print my boarding pass at the airport. After making decent time, I waited in the line for the boarding passes, which looked long but actually moved must faster than I had expected. I got my boarding pass, flew through security and made it to my gate. All with an hour to spare. Boarding the plane took a while, because there were so many people. I was very happy to see that my assigned seat was an aisle seat; I made myself comfortable after stowing my backpack and began to get ready for takeoff. However, we continued to sit there for about an hour due to delays before taking off. The ride itself, once we got up in the air, was very smooth. They had an assorted collection of movies and TV series, very few of which interested me. I got excited about the Big Bang Theory episodes they had, thinking I'd spend a few hours seeing how many I could watch. That question was answered 40 minutes later when I had finished both of the only two episodes they had on the plane. They served us a nice dinner of chicken and rice, and then I tried to fall asleep. I was up and down, but managed to get some sleep here and there. Upon arriving in Dublin, we went through security again and then I found the gate. I waited for a few moments, then we boarded and took off. This plane ride was much shorter - almost as if we started to descend immediately after take-off.

When I arrived in London Monday morning, I found the baggage claim and waited there for my bag. Collecting it, I then went to find the underground tube station in the airport. I found the first train I was supposed to take and boarded. My host had provided a list of trains in order to get me to the place I was staying at. I successfully navigated the tube system, arriving at my final stop. At this point, I was supposed to walk the rest of the way, but had very unclear directions, so I spent the better part of the hour wandering around with my suitcase trying to find it before finally giving in and purchasing an hour of wifi so that I could use the map program on my phone. After about two hours from the moment I left the airport, I came upon the flat in which I am staying. It felt very good to have made it, and take a shower. I then got ready for my first show for the week, which was Les Miserables. I made sure I had very clear instructions on how to get to the theatre and back, so that I would not get lost. When I arrived at the theatre, I received my ticket from the box office before grabbing a quick dinner at a Chinese place down the street. The food wasn't that great, and I was surprised that they didn't serve free tap water. I then went to the theatre and waited for the show to start. I was surprised that they were not giving out programs, one of the ushers told me that they were only for purchase. I found this surprising, and quite frankly impolite to the cast, crew and creative team who I believe should be recognized for their accomplishments. The show was very good, however I think that the NY version was superior. By the time the show was over, I was extremely tired and made my way back to the flat and fell fast asleep quickly.

Tuesday morning, I awoke much later than I had anticipated after sleeping so soundly the night before. I got ready and prepared to leave for my first destination: an afternoon tour of Buckingham palace. I left with ample time to get a quick lunch before the tour. Or so I thought. I followed the directions that my phone had given me, getting on a bus. I became concerned that the stops were not matching up with the ones that my phone suggested. I stayed on, however, because some were lining up and I thought eventually it might work out. However, we got to the final stop on the route and I was no closer to my destination and had no idea where I was. I got off, and luckily found a tube station right down the street. I was able to figure out what the best route was given my location and the tube stop that I needed to end up at. I got on the train and hoped I would make it in time. I needed to make it to the tour office by 1:20, and it was about 1:15 by the time I arrived at the final stop. Trying desperately to find the tour office, I ran around looking for the address or office. By the time I finally located it, it was 1:25, so I was worried I was too late. However, it was not a problem and I had made it just in time. Our tour guide helped us to board a bus that we took to the palace. The tour was self-guided, so we all received audio sets that explained each of the rooms. It was incredibly beautiful, and the audio tour really helped to explain everything. Unfortunately, we were not allowed to take pictures inside the palace. Our tour ended on the gardens of the palace, which were gorgeous as well. Upon exiting, it was time for the afternoon tea portion of the tour which was at the Hilton Double Tree. I didn't really know what to expect, and it was absolutely amazing. There were sandwiches, scones and desserts all served on a wooden shelf along with a cup of tea. It was more like a meal than a snack, which was good because it was the first thing I'd had all day. I was glad to have experienced it, because at 20 pounds for the tea package, I would not have been likely to pursue this on my own. But, it was very cool in the tour package. I then went back to the flat to get ready for the next musical, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, which was unfamiliar to me but was very entertaining.

All in all, it's been a busy but fun first few days in London, and I am excited for what the next few have to offer!

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Comments

[Pat McDonell]

Great blog
Hi Jack, So enjoyed reading about your first few days in London. When do you head for Scotland?? Pat

[Jack Ryan]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it! :) I leave tomorrow afternoon for Scotland.