Mark London as another city I’ve been to! Took a 9-hour direct flight on Zoom Airlines (much better than Air Canada — they served dinner and breakfast and they didn’t lose my luggage!) and arrived in Gatwick Sunday morning and meet up with Renee, my friend from New York. Then we both took a train and met Nicki in a city outside London. It was so good to see her again! She was staying with another friend in London which I had met previously when she visited Vancouver. Nicki took us to Greenwich and we walked around a little bit and then had some drinks to end the night.

My backpack on the left. That was all I brought with me for my month-long trip.

On Monday, Nicki returned home to Bristol and our other friend in London said we’d be able to stay there while we took in the city. So we took the bus into town and did a lot of walking. We started off at Trafalgar Square and saw the Horse Guards. We walked through St. James’s Park and got to Buckingham Palace. Took a bunch of pictures. The changing of the guards had happened earlier in the day so we’ll try to catch it tomorrow. Then we got over to Victoria Street, headed over to Westminster Abbey, made our way to Piccadilly Circus (London’s version of Times Square) and then into Soho. Walk around there for a while, had some indian food and some drinks, and eventually ended our evening by taking in a free live show.

Me and the trooper.

Buckingham Palace.

Westminster Abbey.

Piccadilly Circus.

On Tuesday, we woke up early and took the bus into London and joined the Big Bus Tour, which allowed for some amazing photos. We got to the Tower of London and spent a lot of time there and took even more photos. It was tiring and now I find myself sitting in an internet café, writing down everything before I forget. We may try to get on the London Eye later tonight, which promises spectacular views of the city at night when it’s all lit up.

The Canadian Embassy in Trafalgar Square.

The London Eye.

Tower of London.

Tower Bridge (don’t go mistaking it for London Bridge).

Big Ben.

Westminster Abbey.

It’s been an exciting couple of days and I’m looking forward to more!