LONDON - Day 1

Our trip across The Pond was smooth as silk. In fact, I found it quite amusing.

I've been delayed many o' hours to simply fly from my state to one bordering mine....but to travel across the Atlantic was a solid, safe, and relaxing eight hours. No delays.

Flying for me is relaxing. I know, a little unique. First - I'm limited on what I can do...and can truly sit. Sit, without guilt. No errands, no "what ifs" AND it's acceptable to just sit and do nothing. Second - it doesn't make me nervous. It is what it is. If it's my time...it is. I say my prayer "Jesus, Mary, Joseph, we pray; be ever with us on our way." I always call Mother to tell her "I love her." Bases covered. I was especially put at ease when Mother randomly asked what seat I would occupy. These details are never one I check...I could care less where I sit on a plane - just that I'm on it to get where I want to go. Didn't surprise me one bit to see my seat assignment selected by the agent in March.... 38. Of course. To understand more of the number's significance: check out this post.
Call it what you want, but it does this 33 year old heart good.

Crossed The Pond with zero challenges.
Blake found us at "the meeting point" and off we were for six sensational days.
First tube experience of the 857 ahead.
Blakers was so wonderful to meet us with our Oyster Passes (aka: these amazing cards used for travel) pre-loaded for our ease in London life. Off to Stanwick Road...
to put our bags down and get settled.
From Stanwick Road in West Kensington, we were off to Victoria Embankment Gardens.

Blakers looking oh-so European.

Victoria Embankment Gardens....

enjoyed my first Fish and Chips (aka: French Fries) of the trip.

Off to Trafalger Square...

A view of St. Martin in the Fields from the National Gallery

From there we headed to Downing Street (where the Prime Minister lives - we didn't meet him), Parliament, Big Ben, and the River Thames (pronounced Tims).

Parliament

Big Ben

I loved taking close-ups of the sights! Still to this day I'm amazed by the "zoom" of cameras.

Kristen and Blake with Big Ben!

Westminster Abbey, founded in 960. I didn't forget a one before the nine.

Kristen and I stood in wonder at the sights of things so much older than our nation, not to mention our infant state.

Close-ups of Parliament

A Royal Park...everything is royal.

I felt at home.

Enjoyed Evensong at Westminister Abbey ...similar to Mass without communion adding in the most beautiful voices I've ever heard.

More of The Abbey...

From the Abbey, we headed off to explore Coveant Gardens for shopping, eating, and touring.

Each meal became a tour of another deliquescent...for our first dinner we visited the Greeks!

A great first day in London!

Yes, this was ONE day.

My plan is to toss in a London day review as I catch up on the Flow.

It's been a crazy couple of weeks...good ones that is.