Metal Meredith

Transit and Bearings

Phil and I can honestly say that after arriving to London, going through the airport, riding the tube and walking around in Notting Hill, that people all mainly look the same. Of course, there is a ridiculous amount of diversity from the plain, white faces we see in Virginia.

Our funs started when we realized that a half hour into the car ride to the airport, we had forgotten our coats. We stopped in Fredericksburg and bought Phil a sweatshirt at Old Navy. I was unlucky and decided I could bear it until we had time to shop (besides, I would get a ‘London Coat” and in “Hey, where did you get that coat?” “Oh, I bought it in London”)

The flight was largely uneventful. We opted to upgrade to “Economy Plus” from Economy. It was like going from a sardine can to a tuna can, just a tad more wiggle room. In truth, it was enough to keep us both happy for the 6 hour flight.

I got to go to the international flight check in for the first time ever, hand over my newly minted passport, and take my luggage through customs. I was unable to look at the plane before we boarded. Not because I couldn’t see it but because I am still under the impression that something with 2 levels shouldn’t be able to fly. My fears were peaking as we boarded and I immediately saw the stairs to first class.

The plane wasn’t full, so we were able to stretch out. We couldn’t decide if the flight attendants, who were mostly male, were all gay or just British. Isn’t that sad? Phil and I have been playing “Gay or just British” most of the morning for the fun of it. Our plane landed at 6am on Thursday morning with both of us having combined sleep of maybe 3 hours.

The first thing we did was go to the restroom (toilets, as the sign said). I giggled as I realized how different they look and in a state of utter exhaustion, contemplated taking a picture for memory sake. (But, I didn’t). We found our way to the Underground and rode with the daily commuters the 50 minutes to Bayswater Station. I have only ever been on the DC Metro, so this was actually like a real subway and I am feeling worldly.

We walked out of our station and realized that studying Google Maps paid off when we made a few turns and found our hotel with little problem. We arrived at 730am and much to our delight, relief and amazement, they let us have our room. The hotel is a maze of corridors and elevators (lifts, to the residences) that lead to this little teeny studio all dressed up in fancy contemporary décor.

We have a lovely view of Prince’s Square outside our window. There is a garden and trees and birds. It is wonderful.

Since we arrived, it has been sunny and then rainy every hour. We took showers, took a brief nap and went to the local shopping district where much to my delight….there was a MALL!!!! I was so happy to not have to walk around in rain and cold that I immediately went in and found my “London Coat”. I look very chic now and totally blend in with the locals. We had lunch at a sushi place with one of those cool conveyor belts (something else to cross of the lists of ‘things I have always wanted to do’.) Then we went and got some coffee and perused a local grocery-type store called Marks & Spencer. Everything was only their brand. Phil bought some beer and candy and we got some goodies and chips for later.

Now we are in the room for a bit waiting for another rainstorm to blow over. Then out to walk this area again before dinner.

I am putting up photos in the gallery under “London/Amsterdam 2006”. Please take a few minutes to see where we are. More photos to come, promise!