All Adventures must start with a beginning so this is mine. Since the age of three I have dreamed--longed--to go to London. I blame my obsession on my wonderful father who infected me with a love of Peter Pan from a young age. Since then novels, legends, and fairy tales from Jane Austen to King Arthur have only continued to strengthen London's (and England's in general) spell over me. Well, after years of dreaming, a seven and half hour flight, and a maze known as the London Underground, I am officially in London, England!
First of all, I would like to state that British Airways is absolutely amazing! I had over 25 movies to choose to watch; plus, I could also make my own personal playlist from their music selection or tune into one of their music stations. To top it off, I even got a new pair of socks (like Dumblore says, one can always use a good pair of socks).
Me being me, I obviously had to have at least one klutzy moment. While getting on the plane, I gave the flight attendant my ticket so she could point me to my seat. My Ticket happened to be tucked away between the pages of my passport. As I pulled my passport out of my purse, I fumbled while attempting to retrieve my ticket and zipper my purse. In the process I dropped my passport right where the gate met the plane--right where there happens to be a gap just wide enough for a passport to possible slip through to the ground below the plane. I truly thought I had just lost my passport. Luckily, my passport landed right before the gap and then bounced safely into the plane. However, I think my heart most likely stopped for that second as the passport dropped.
Once I got to London, several friendly Brits helped me navigate my way through the 'tubes' to the Notting Hill Gate stop. From there I walked the block or two to me new home on Place Court-BYU London Centre. The Centre is beautiful. There is no other way to discribe it. Hyde park and Kensington Gardens are only a few minute walk away. Portobello Road, known for it's Saturday Markets and the film Notting Hill is also only a short walk away.
As of right now, I'm stilltrying to get over the shock of actually being in London. I don't even know where to begin. Last night I began to explore the gardens, 'began' being the key word. Today, we headed towards central London to the British Museum. I could spend days, possibly weeks there and still not see all the exhibits. Luckily, I have several weeks to explore.
Hey Katie! I was talking to some Brits last night on the late ferry. They were mentioning how sad it is that only 10 or 20 percent of Americans actually have passports. I think one of the main reasons Americans don't leave the US is that they have an average of 10 vacation days a year, as opposed to Europe's 30. It's nice to see that you are in that very small percentage of Americans who leave thier homeland. Try to blend in. We're famous for sticking out (not in the best way either)!! I'm so happy for you, girl! You've got the travel bug full on now...there's no power in the 'verse that can stop you.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Jenny
Bleh. I'm so jealous, I'm almost sick. I love you, but can't stand it!
ReplyDelete"When a man [or a daughter] is tired of London, [s]he is tired of life, for there is in London all that life can afford." --Samuel Johnson
ReplyDeleteEnjoy! There is so much to discover in London--so many glimpses of things and places old and new yet also warmly familiar, like finally meeting a relative you've known only through pictures and the conversations of others. You know you've never met . . . but you feel you already have been great friends and that this is more a reunion than an introduction.
But be careful. Don't end up the subject of some florid tabloid people read while standing in a queue or while riding the tube. "It is my belief, Watson [Katie], founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." Sherlock Holmes, "The Copper Beeches" by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
My required parental injunctions of a decidedly avuncular nature having been delivered, I am left but to wish you wonderful adventures.