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After approx 35 hours since leaving home in Adelaide - I finally made it to my accommodation in London (despite a few minor navigational errors between the train station and the hotel and a change to hotel... but made it in the end).
First night I was so tired I went for a quick walk to get a few bottles of water but that's it. Was sharing a room with a south African girl who was heading off on her contiki at 6 the next morning which meant she had to get up at 5 - which therefore meant I would be awake at 5 (turns out it didn't really matter because I woke up at some ridiculous hour and couldn't get back to sleep anyway - the body clock hasn't quite adjusted yet).
I got organized and went to the contiki basement to check in for my 'london explorer' tour which consisted of a day ticket on the double decker sightseeing bus, 2 nights accom at the royal national hotel (contiki base - which therefore meant i had to change hotels again) and a ticket to a show/musical. So Wednesday was spent hopping on and off the bus (didn't ever stray far from the bus stop however as you could spin me around once and I would have no idea where I was- so useless). For this reason I wasn't real adventurous on Wednesday. I did get off the bus at Oxford Street - amazing shops, Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly Circus (Circus just means roundabout here - this is zoo londons version of new yorks time square) but mainly I just stayed on the bus and got a bit of an idea of what I wanted to go back and look at in my remaining 2 days in London. It was absolutely freezing on top of the bus (summer doesn't quite have the same meaning here as it does at home).
Took a lot of photos - just beautiful old amazing buildings absolutely everywhere..... By looking at the outside if each and every one you expect there must be some sort of museum or something inside all of them...Then you look down to the shop front to see a mcdonalds or burger king or pizza hut (or something of similar nature) so strange!!
The roads here are crazy - I dont understand how I haven't seen an accident of any type yet. I think the person who originally designed the road system here would be absolutely kicking themselves if they were still around because none of it seems to make sense (well to me at least) Adelaide streets are a grid - therefore easy to navigate - London street go everywhere and anywhere. I haven't yet seen a single bike rider wearing a helmet - recipe for disaster. Checked into my new hotel - my roomate was an Argentinian girl who's English wasn't excellent but she was nice enough.
On Thursday, I decided to unleash my assault on London by foot. Best idea yet. I removed the fear of getting lost from my head (as no matter where you are there is almost always a tube station visible which can easily get you back to where you need to be). So with map in hand (and yes I have to turn the map to suit the direction I'm going - true blonde female) I first walked down to Oxford street again on on my way to regent street to choose the show I wanted to see. Shops and buildings amazing again (endless photos). Got a ticket for 'Chicago' for Thursday night at the Cambridge Theatre. Then walked across 'Pall Mall' and over to St James Park - saw a heavily guarded 10 Downing Street (UK Prime ministers residence- thanks Merro) then on to Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. wow is all that can be said. Photos don't do either of them justice. Paid to go inside Westminster abbey for a tour (was interested after the royal wedding) there is so much in there that I didn't know about - lots of smaller chapels off to the side - lots and lots of tombs, statues etc. Insane place.
Walked on to the westminster bridge - Had a good view of the London Eye (massive ferris wheel) from here but decided not to jump on as the line was huge - despite how good the view would have been.
Then walked along the banks of the river Thames and had lunch at a little cafe in the park alongside where I had to fight off the pigeons to eat my fish, chips and peas??? so weird.
Headed up to and along fleet street to St Pauls Cathedral then started down towards the momument to the great fire of London as I wanted to climb it then on to Tower Bridge and London Bridge - but as it was 4pm and I had no idea how long it would take me to get back to royal national I just walked home. Walking around today was the best idea as now I at least kind of have some bearings and am not so cautious and scared about where I'm going in the fear I'll be lost.
Caught the tube to Covent garden to see Chicago which of course was amazing - after such a huge day of walking though I was struggling to keep my eyes open. Back on the tube and then to bed - my Argentinian roomate was leaving on her contiki at 6 the next morning which therefore meant I was up at 5 again... But tomorrow (Saturday) that will be me up at 5 as I start my tour tomorrow.
Today I'm hoping to watch the changing of the guard at Buckingham palace, climb the monument to the great fire of London, visit tower bridge, purchase some more undies (mum you were right, I needed more - have already had to wash), back to Oxford street, walk and possibly horse ride through hyde park, visit Harrods and whatever else I happen to stumble across as I'm going to walk again today (hopefully this walking is helping to counteract the 6kg that has been predicted that I will put on while I'm here - eeeeek)
Have seen so much since I've been here but can't possibly say anymore as this is already long enough (and I'm hungry - breakfast time). I have a meeting at 7pm tonight for my contiki where I will meet everyone then off tomorrow on the bus to Paris so not sure when then next (or if there will be another) blog post will be!!
I have added a London photo album but haven't put much in it because it's taking too long to upload them - but just a few :)
Love Holly
Xoxoxo
- comments
Merro Great blog Holly. You are now an official International Tourist!!I smiled the whole time I read it.xxxx
Kaz Well done Holly! Very informative and descriptive - loved it! Make sure you keep it going! xx
karly great blog hols, cant wait to hear all about your trip as you go. i will relive mine through you. stay safe xoxx
michelle very proud holly... very proud!!!
Nic Way to go girl. Sounds like you're having a great time. So jealous!! Hope you managed to buy some more undies!!! It made me laugh. Keep enjoying xxx
Holly Hopefully the posts will become more interesting as I get to start interacting with people tomorrow!!!
Aunty Rob Lovely way to enjoy your adventure with you!
AZ Bloody hell - so much to write about and you havent even started the fun bits yet! Jealous (still) Have fun ( dont need an undie update each time however).
Josh I'm jelous holly. x Well hole you have impressed me. All you need to worry about is getting on that Contiki bus.. Enjoy the time of your life..:) x
G Walked London and a West End show to boot. Wow Holly!
denham Enjoy Holly, all the sightseeing has just started, Great blog. AND remember - YOU - have the accent!!!
B See,not so bad Holbecky! Enjoy enjoy enjoy
Gae Your hooked now holly. This is only the start. Have a great time in Europe. Great to read your adventures
CHELCH You should have gone on the London Eye,....the view is actually amazing!