Brit for a Day!

Editor's Pick Award

Our Editors awarded this travel blog entry for providing relevant information that may be useful and inspiring for other travelers.

July 25th, 2006. Departure Day.

As I packed my bag for the airpor in Montréal, I couldn't believe it was finally time to go. I'd been at a point where I had 99% of things planned, but needed one last confirmation on funds before leaving. Talk about last minute! Anyway, I was a nervous wreck, but everything worked out for me thanks to family and friends. I was GOING!

Montréal was cloudy that day, but I set out towards the airport with a hop in my step, an empty memory card in my camera, and a full bag of clothes and supplies I hoped wouldn't be heavier than Zoom Airlines' weight restriction of 20kg (40lbs) total.

Iarrived 2 hours early for my flight, and checked in at the desk with no hitches on my baggage weight. I passed through security with my boarding pass and carry-on, and felt the flutters and butterflies begin. Would I have enough money for the trip? had I allotted enough time to do all I planned to do? These questions were more pre-flight jitters than actual worries to me at the time. As soon as I sat at my gate and stared outside at my plane, though, a smile crept onto my face.

Nothing would ruin this for me. Not even the HUGE raindrops that started plopping against the window pane in front of me, or the service announcements stating that delays would undoubtedly occur due to the thundershowers.

Luckily, there were no such delays for my flight, and we took off as scheduled at about 4:30pm EST. It was a six hour flight, with these two annoying little girls in the middle aisle next to me (I had a window set, thank you). They kept bickering and crying, and their lame-ass mom did nothing about it. Sheesh! All was alleviated though, as the service tray came around with a hot roast beef dinner and red wine.

July 26th, 2006. London.

London is five hours ahead of Montréal, so basically we flew through the night, and arrived at London Gatwick Airport at about 5am London time. I managed to buy a train ticket with a minimal wait time in line, which took me into the city from Gatwick (it's about 20 minutes away from the city center by train, hence my discounted flight).

Something essential to remember as a backpacker is to a.) pick up a free city map from the tourist office or your hotel., b.) pick up a free subway and/or bus map from the closest transport station, and c.) make sure you change your currency as soon as possible once you're in the destination country to be sure that you can pay for any unexpected transportation once you're in town (or better yet, at home).

Oh, and if you'll be arriving really early or really late in the day, be sure to change your money at home instead, since most likely, the Forex exchange booths will not be open for the day. If this happens to you, and you get stranded with only your local currency, don't fret. Most public transportation booths allow you to use your credit card with no minimum charge of purchase.

So I got my Tube map (legitimately called the Underground), and bought my ticket to Bayswater station. London transportation via the Tube is efficient, and runs early in the morning til late at night. There are night buses too, of course, if you plan to party into the wee hours of the morning. For info on the London Tube, go here: Transport For London.

I arrived at my hostel at about 6:30am, which was wayyy to early to check in. The guy at the desk let me put my cumbersome baggage below 'deck' and I headed out to check out the neighbourhood!

Bayswater is located just in front of Hyde Park, which is next to Kensington Palace. London was going through a 'heat wave' while I was there, meaning it was a wopping 27-28 degrees celcius! Gimme a break! haha...But regardless, the grass was so parched!

Along my walk, I saw my first double decker buses and red telephone booths...seems like a small pleasure, but it was cool nonetheless. So many of the things I saw during this trip were  just...amazing. We always see landmarks on television, getting a glimpse of monuments  and architecture abroad...but it's only when you're standing in front of say, the Mona Lisa, or under the Eiffel Tower that you can truly comprehend the wonder and joy that flits through your mind and heart. There is no television screen standing between you and that object. You're looking at the real deal. You are there, and you're living that dream. Exhilerating!

After Hyde Park, I felt my tummy rumble. I had made a promise to myself back in Canada that although I had only a short time to enjoy London, I would make sure to have a true English breakfast. I headed to a streetsidepatio that had just set up camp, and took a seat. The morning sun was already beating down, and I felt so happy. I took out my travel book, and started mapping out where I'd travel. This was cool, except that it took the server about 20 minutes to serve me. In Canada, I would never have let this go unchecked. I'd have gotten up to go hound her. However, I was happy, and had all the time in the world for breakfast. I ordered tea instead of coffee, too, for the true experience. Beans are better with molasses, England! Get with it! Still, a good breakfast.

I had the full day of the 26th to sigh