London is a great place to be. Even on the hottest day of the year. It does become less fun when you are lugging around over 30 kilograms ( almost 70 pounds) of gear and gifts on the hottest day of the year when you have been walking and hanging around outside all day and your “hostess,” Louise, suddenly decides she doesn’t feel like hosting anymore.
After having little to no luck using any payphone in the world, I’ve decided that if you have the funds, and to be honest most of us do, it is better to pick up a cheapola phone and drop a local sim card in it for a couple dollars.
Incidentally, my EU number is +44 07879 987 444
Garreth, a lovely traveling mate of mine from Ecuador,was the hero of the week. At the drop of a hat, he was able to turn my inquiry after hostels into a room for the night at his place. I even gave him the bottle of Absolut I had brought as a gift for my missing hostess.
Highlights from my time in London:
- St Paul’s Cathedral
- Walking along the Thames
- Brick Lane: curry and vintage in the East End
- Running in Hampstead Heath
- Unlimited travel cards on the Underground
- Actual Italians serving Italian food
- The Stables Market in Chalk Farm
Some important travel tips:
- Unlimited travel cards within zones 1 and 2 are only £5.60. This is definitely the way to go for a day of sightseeing.
- Lebara simcards are £2. Some dodgy shops will try to sell you the “International” version for as much as £12. It is the same chip. Don’t fall for it.
- The Full English Breakfast may kill you. Be Forewarned.
London is a busy and bustling place. So much so that I wasn’t able to catch up to any of my other traveling mates while I was there. That being said, it also means you don’t have to travel far for an adventure. You can simply walk out on to the street and see what turns up. I like the place, but I am happy to be moving on. Off to Denmark!
