I had received my passport a week before departing from LAX. I had used public transportation once or twice before (all special occasions); birthday train-rides to the beach or build-a-bear subway excursions in LA. So when I arrived in the London underground it was like being thrown into the stomach of some wild metal beast.
This is when research comes in handy. Before I left I did not look into the geography of London. By the end of my trip I had determined that the City of London, where I began, had the largest square feet than any other city I went to. If you're not familiar with how to read subway rail maps like I was this looks overwhelming. If you have, go away.
Besides the sudden uproar of navy blue suits and skirts, the terribly fast pace everyone strides to, and the greasy fish and chips, London was home to some of the most sentimental experiences for me. This being that the beginning was the hardest. London broke the ice for me in terms of traveling alone and conquering the Kraken belly that became "The Underground."
Some Advice for future London goers:
1. Brits don't hate Americans, and business people don't hate tourists (Although extremes exist).
It's important to have an open mind. I'm sure it's not the first time you've heard this especially when it comes to travel. Well expect the same of the strangers around you. If you are traveling to major cities the people living in those cities are used to tourists. The tourist is you, and thats ok. You will make mistakes because you don't know how things work thats just the way it is. In London the major sights to see or "tourist hub" also happens to be the largest business district in the UK. So don't freak out if you're the only one rocking an old Led Zepplin Tee on the metro, its all suits and ties my friends.
2. Get the Oyster Card
If you are going to be in London for more than two days get the Oyster card. This allows you to use any facet of the underground railway system and the bus system all using this one card. You usually can get this card at the airport when you arrive, or at any "Tourist office" yes they have those that's a thing I did not know that. It looks like this... (Thank you google photos). The oyster card requires a deposit of 5£ possibly some activation fee not sure the pricing on that and then you can choose how much money to put on it to use for the metro or bus.
Bus fee: 1.90 £ per ride
Metro fee: depends on how far you travel.
You tap in as you enter the station and as you leave.
An old man at my second hostel in London told me to use the bus system. Mostly because the bus system was cheaper did I listen to him. However even though 1.90£ will get you a long way on the bus it will also take you nearly twice as long to get anywhere in London if you do so. This is just what I did they also have 30£ oyster travel passes that last for a few weeks but they are only for certain zones usually. In any case don't be afraid to ask questions, locals and front desk people are your best friends.
3. See the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace
It's one thing to see such a powerful icon like Buckingham Palace, but we all know you're there to watch the weird dudes in hats walk around. (photo by Google Images)
It only happens at specific times during the week and day. To find out when this happens go to: https://changing-guard.com/changing-the-guard-buckingham-palace.html
This was my one regret while being in London. I went to Buckingham palace twice, neither time was it when they were "Changing the Guards." However I did see the second time London's famous Naked Bike Race coming to a close...
You made it to the bottom ;) ok the pun was unsuccessful but its true. This is the end of my first blog post if you made it this far mazel tov to you. I'll be posting twice a week or so I'll let you know in the next few days when during the week they'll pop up. They'll continue to be about this summer and then when I run out of photos I'll be living in the present *gasp* how scary I know. I'm doing this documentation 1. because I have a fear I'll forget everything and 2. some of the things Ive encountered were terribly hilarious. Next up from me I'll talk about Paris (Day 8-13 of trip). If you like any of these photos, want to hear more, or have any comments questions complaints send them my way through the "Contact" section or reply to this post if thats possible, I think it is...
Thank you,
Toodles.
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