England 2017-La La Land

         I cried as we walked out the door of the charming little place in Earls Court that we had called home for that week. Departure day is most dreaded. Not only do we have to say goodbye, just as when we left, we had to get through the hassle of getting to the airport, knowing where to go to check in in the hopes that there won't be any set backs. In addition to never having flown out of Gatwick International Airport, the area of the District line (a heavily traveled train route in London) was shut down at our station and we had to reroute to get to Victoria station where we were to make our connection to the airport. Most of the trains were very full  and there were times we had to carry our heavy luggage up many stairs where there were no lifts. I was a nervous wreck but tried to hold it together for Emma.

         After sheer and utter bedlam we, once again, made it to Gatwick and found our terminal on time without a whole lot of trouble at this point. When we reached our terminal, we were in the company of many anticipatory Disney bound  English tourists joining us on a flight to Orlando, Florida where we would have a two hour layover. They were wearing their mouse ears, had pillows with Disney princess pillowcases and I envied all of them as they shared the same excitement we did the week before.

          It did feel nice once the plane took flight and the rat race finally ended. However, my goodbye was now a reality and I was saddened by the uncertainty as to when I would return.

    The departure was early afternoon and since we were flying westbound across five time zones, I was happy to know that we would have lunch twice. My Indian Paneer arrived with a side of pink coleslaw, Boursin cheese with crackers, chocolate ganache for dessert and a small bottle of white wine. I dined while I watched the movie "La La Land." I ate my food slowly and gradually sipped the wine. Since I don't typically frequent wine with lunch, I was left feeling like I was a bit in La La Land myself. Though my "buzz" didn't really last that long, it wasn't such a bad feeling. I had to take a moment to celebrate the fact that I had successfully taken the time to stop and smell the roses in the midst of  a very busy life. It's why I do what I do. I refuse to live a life where I go to work, come home, pay bills and eventually die. Irresponsible? Maybe. A little. Regrets? Nope!

  Gallery 

One of the things I like to do the most in London and the best way to fight of jet lag is just by simply walking. I had already been here long enough for jet lag to no longer be an issue but walking the streets still stands as a priority. Though I will see many things I have seen before already, Emma will see them for the first time. I will never tire of any of them and will also welcome anything new. Picadilly Circus is like the Times Square of London. It is in the heart of the city where there is a lot of entertainment and shopping.

 

  London is a treasure trove of talent. Street musicians, jugglers, and men painted to look like statues can be seen throughout the streets.
(I had to keep the photos to a minimum as it was my last day in the city and I had no tip money left).

    

  Regent Street never fails to astound me. It is the first of my views once our tube train arrives to the West End. To think that these connected rows of buildings have stood through centuries!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not quite sure how this fellow looks ascomfortable as he does without really anything to sit on.
Quite fascinating none the less!

Here is the facade of Westminster Abbey as it glowed in the sun. Though I had no tip for the nearby bagpiper, I still enjoyed his music to go along with my view. 

Yes, we've all seen it, I know. Whole different story when it is right there in front of you.

 Beautiful view where tragedy had taken place two weeks prior. We took a moment to show respect and remember.

We had been walking quite a bit. We just needed a place to stop rest our feet for a while.

Here is an image of my Facebook status. I you'll notice, the notfication globe has now turned showing Europe and Africa. Facebook must have known I was in the UK! How about that? Not quite sure really.

                                                                       La La Land:

"Another Day of Sun"