London 3/20-22
We took a train from Edinburgh to London Kings Cross Station. It was a lovely train ride with free wifi and acres upon acres of green grass and sheep to look at through the window. It was such a good idea to get a train rather that a plane for this trip. Once we arrived, we got a taxi to our hostel. I was a little concerned when the driver stopped outside of a bar. With no direction, we walked in and asked the manager how we could reach the landlord, and this began our adventures in London. It was the shadiest exchange, but once we finally got our key for a room upstairs from the bar, we got settled in our tiny room (shared with 6 other girls) and headed out for the day. We just walked around, getting a feel for where we were in town, and we “popped in” a bakery and got a light dinner. After that, we hung out in the bar to use the wifi. That night, we found out that we were neglected the fact that supplying our own toilet paper was required to our surprise. The shower was just a hair short of fancy as well. I think after 20 days of traveling , we were just a little tired and short tempered, but the toilet paper thing was a little strange. All in all, we got a bed to sleep in, so I was happy. One of the girls thought it would be okay to blow dry her hair at 2 in the morning, which made it a little interesting as well. However, in the morning, we escaped for the day and let London prove herself to us to be more lovely than our hostel. We just walked and walked and found delightful little shops and stores. We walked so much this trip that my boots finally wore out enough to cause holes in the heels. After a lunch of fish and chips, we took a rest in a nice grassy park. I read some Jane Austin (I thought it was appropriate to read it as if I had a British accent) and Colleen took advantage of the time to work on her knitted traveling socks. Afterwards, we came upon quite a find! There was an area devoted to vintage shops and markets! There is no better place for souvenirs than vintage shops! After a long day of flanerie-ing, we stopped at a good restaurant, Giraffe, and had spicy carrot soup and hummus and pita. We went to a grocery store to pick up some breakfast for the following day, and headed back to our semi-dreaded abode. Our taxi left early in the morning on Thursday to take us to the bus station for our bus tour of the city! Finally, we got to see what London is most famous for. We rode on the top of the open air double decker (as touristy as we could get), and saw Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, The London Tower, The London Bridge, took a tour cruise in the River Thames, and got to see some guards on horses near Buckingham Palace. London redeemed herself, thankfully, but it was time to leave, and we were not opposed. Off to the airport to fly back onto French lands (Paris), and we will arrive back in Ambialet before lunch tomorrow.
We took a train from Edinburgh to London Kings Cross Station. It was a lovely train ride with free wifi and acres upon acres of green grass and sheep to look at through the window. It was such a good idea to get a train rather that a plane for this trip. Once we arrived, we got a taxi to our hostel. I was a little concerned when the driver stopped outside of a bar. With no direction, we walked in and asked the manager how we could reach the landlord, and this began our adventures in London. It was the shadiest exchange, but once we finally got our key for a room upstairs from the bar, we got settled in our tiny room (shared with 6 other girls) and headed out for the day. We just walked around, getting a feel for where we were in town, and we “popped in” a bakery and got a light dinner. After that, we hung out in the bar to use the wifi. That night, we found out that we were neglected the fact that supplying our own toilet paper was required to our surprise. The shower was just a hair short of fancy as well. I think after 20 days of traveling , we were just a little tired and short tempered, but the toilet paper thing was a little strange. All in all, we got a bed to sleep in, so I was happy. One of the girls thought it would be okay to blow dry her hair at 2 in the morning, which made it a little interesting as well. However, in the morning, we escaped for the day and let London prove herself to us to be more lovely than our hostel. We just walked and walked and found delightful little shops and stores. We walked so much this trip that my boots finally wore out enough to cause holes in the heels. After a lunch of fish and chips, we took a rest in a nice grassy park. I read some Jane Austin (I thought it was appropriate to read it as if I had a British accent) and Colleen took advantage of the time to work on her knitted traveling socks. Afterwards, we came upon quite a find! There was an area devoted to vintage shops and markets! There is no better place for souvenirs than vintage shops! After a long day of flanerie-ing, we stopped at a good restaurant, Giraffe, and had spicy carrot soup and hummus and pita. We went to a grocery store to pick up some breakfast for the following day, and headed back to our semi-dreaded abode. Our taxi left early in the morning on Thursday to take us to the bus station for our bus tour of the city! Finally, we got to see what London is most famous for. We rode on the top of the open air double decker (as touristy as we could get), and saw Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, The London Tower, The London Bridge, took a tour cruise in the River Thames, and got to see some guards on horses near Buckingham Palace. London redeemed herself, thankfully, but it was time to leave, and we were not opposed. Off to the airport to fly back onto French lands (Paris), and we will arrive back in Ambialet before lunch tomorrow.
Big Ben
London King's Cross Train station
Westminster Abbey
After all our travels to Avignon, Paris, Dublin, Ireland, Edinburgh, Scotland, and London, England, we are pooped, but very much thankful for no major problems and an exciting adventure. I loved Paris, as it was exactly what it’s made out to be and better. I adored Ireland in all its splendor, and the countryside was exactly what I’ve been craving all this time. Scotland was absolutely amazing with its ability to surprise me, and London was exciting. I have now traveled in every possible mode of transportation available: plane, train, bus, boat, metro, and taxi (all except camel, of course). With only a month left in southern France, I am anxious to soak it in and fully enjoy the rest of the time without rushing it.
-Cheers!
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