Sophie In Europe - London Edition

May 2012

London: Took an overnight direct flight from Edmonton to London, only an eight hour flight! Chandra and I were exhausted when we landed but excited to start seeing everything.

One tip: Always book your first and last night's accommodations, you never realize how tired you will be until you are there trying to find somewhere to stay. 

When we arrived it was pouring and chilly; we took the train from the Gatwick airport to downtown and hopped on a double decker bus that you were able to get on and off at different stops to see the sights. We were both exhausted; it was raining so we stayed on the bus and toured around. 

Tip #2: It is chilly in England in May! I used my socks as mittens because it got so cold. Double duty clothing item!!

We eventually found a hotel (very expensive) and settled in for the night to rest. You were able to find wifi very easily in London, at pubs, restaurants and you could pay for it at hotels. The weather report predicted it was going to pour for the next few days so we decided to take the train to Paris but not before checking out West Minster Abbey and Buckingham Palace. I have to admit it was a lot smaller than I anticipated. We watched changing of the guard ( a must for any history buff.)

This was my first trip on my own in full control of itinerary and deciding what to do and see everyday so it was definitely a learning experience. We didn't get a chance to see everything on our list and would definitely want to go back during a warmer time of year.

We didn't find that the people in London were overly friendly, they were not too keen on helping with directions. Our best experience with a local was our taxi driver who took us to St. Pancras International station to catch our train to Paris. He was friendly and entertained us with his accent, teasing us for ours. After Paris we came back to London for one final night. 

We took a tour across the London Bridge, Tower of London, Big Ben and decided to stay outside the city in Surrey. We stayed at the Gatwick Gable End Guest House; it was a cute little bed and breakfast with all the English charm you could hope for. 

http://www.gable-end.com/about-us/

We went to dinner at the local pub: Ye Olde Six Bells a basement pub was charming and rustic, a must see for sure! It was the perfect ending to the trip, english countryside. Can't wait to go back again. 

Stay tuned for Paris Edition. 

The Dream

Not everyone's dream is to travel the world and experience different places and people but alas, it is mine. Exploring the globe has become an obsession passed down from my parents and growing up a Military Brat did not help.

We spent the first six years of my life living in Germany exploring Europe; if only i could remember! I have always felt a pull to Europe and could swear in another life I lived in Italy. 

Most of my time is spent dreaming about other countries, planning trips, looking at photos and trying to learn languages. I don't think it came as much of a surprise to my parents that my sister and I decided to quit our jobs and run away to Australia for a year! So now the countdown is on, 11 months until we run away!

Along with planning for our year away, saving money for the adventure and living a bit until then we have our hands full. 

Never Stop living, always keep exploring!

Sophie