London Calling

After a day of train travel with a transfer in Brussels, and passage through the Chunnel, we arrived at London St. Pancras station. Contrary to my new vie en France, I continually mess up common English words like St. Pancras (otherwise known and pronounced as St. Pancreas, by me), Covent Gardens (aka, Covenant Gardens),  and Holyhead  (come on… you thought Hollyhead didn’t you?)… which only gets much worse in Ireland…

 

From the station we bought Oyster Cards (not to be confused with my newfound appreciation for seafood), and boarded a bus to our hostel on the outskirts of Notting Hill. Let me clarify that while Notting Hill is a posh and hip neighbourhood in London, the hostel was a bit more what a hostel should be… co-ed rooms with shady characters swigging Bailey’s convinced they are from the southern US, but speak with a german-french accent, non-existent lockers or methods to secure and safeguard belongings; including the faulty pay per use safes near reception, falsely advertised non-existent towel rentals, and friendly staff all too happy to exclaim that; “as long as you trust your roommates, your stuff should be fine.” Although, all in all, despite being the early birds to bed each night, drying off with a t-shirt instead of a towel each morning, and munching on mouldy bread at the free breakfast, the adventure wasn’t half bad. And while I am not in a hurry to sign up for a future hostel holiday, it was both fun and amusing, and I am glad I did it!

Astor's Quest Hostel

As a fourth trip to London, and my third time there in less than 8 months, I should admit that with each visit it grows on me and the stale stagnant air of the underground, and impersonal autopilot shuffle of the overpopulated centre and streets is less exhausting and frustrating; but rather comforting and somewhat familiar?!

Over our two days in London, we walked around the city and rode the underground, exploring its famous landmarks and sites, including; London Bridge, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, London Eye, Buckingham Palace and the changing of the guards, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey (not Westminister ;), Trafalgar Square, etc…  And as in most cities that we had and would later visit we spent an indulgent afternoon with a native Canadian living in London, sampling gourmet goodies at an ultra modern, open concept restaurant in Notting  Hill.

Kensington Gardens

London Bridge

Changing of the guards - Buckingham Palace

Big Ben & London Eye

Buckingham Palace

 

Thoroughly exhausted from the past week of walking, and lugging and living out of suitcases, we were ready and set to embark on our next journey to Ireland!!