``By seeing London,
I have seen as much of life as the world can show.``
~Samual Johnson, author, 1777
After a 6 1/2 hour flight we arrived at Heathrow Airport, London (10:12 local time). As our flight landed in terminal 3 we decided to haul our bags to the 'left bag' depot in terminal 5 for our departure tomorrow to cut down on any last minute complications - just a quick (and free) express train ride. Am really glad we decided to do this as I can't imagine what it would have been like dragging all our luggage to the hotel and back again. It cost just 8£ per bag for a 24 hour period and was well worth the expense.
So with just our little carry-ons we set out for our next adventure - taking a ride on the TUBE - London's underground. We first purchased an Oyster Card - 5£ deposit and loaded with 10£ - it was enough to get us to our hotel with a bit extra to travel around the city should we decide. Slick way to travel - just swipe at the turnstile and go. Very slow going though - about an hour of travel time to reach Waterloo Station.
We had reserved a room at the Union Jack Club (just across the street from the station)
A private members club for serving and ex-serving military personnel. Lots of history evident by the rows and rows of coats of arms, war photos and other military memorabilia.
It was more than adequate and reasonably priced by London standards and the best part - centrally located. Within easy walking distance of popular sites.
Francois noticed that here (en Anglais) I am more confused with finding my way than he is, while in Paris (en français) he was more confused by directions and I had very little trouble.
The discrete black cabs still exist but a lot more sport a good deal more advertising than I remember from my last visit
Right across the street was a great little pub - The Wellington. Lots of history there too.
No pub visit would be complete without enjoying a pint or two and a plate of chips with malt vinegar. We quickly learned that one doesn't sit at a table and wait to be served. One orders one's beer and food at the bar.
We had been up since the previous morning (a bit of snoozing on the flight but very little) so walked along the River Thames for a while to get ourselves into the current time zone before returning to our hotel for supper. Fish & chips and steak & kidney pie - how very British of us!
Loved the view of the skyline from our hotel window.
...and now to bed....tomorrow will be another big day....
