Look Right

Get into London after an 8 hour ride in the most uncomfortable seat ever, but happy to land safely. I parade through customs and find Cyndi in a dazed (Xanax) state at the baggage carousel. We collect our bags and begin stumbling through the busy commuters--it's 2 am to us but 8 am in London-- trying to find our way outside. Outside it's grey, cold and raining. The little London taxis are buzzing around everywhere and are the only clues that we are indeed in London. Cyndi smokes and tries to get her head together . . . it's not working well for her. She can't remember the name or location of our hotel. Panic shoots through my body--was this a mistake?  After a few minutes Cyn gets her head together and we try to find internet access, which was somewhat difficult. 

• ADVICE: if going to Europe don’t just expect to find internet service/wifi (pronounced weefee in France) for free.  You either have to pay or find a restaurant that has free wifi, still have to buy something. 

Anyway, Cyn finds the hotel and its location.  We find the Underground station in the airport, study the map and get on our first of many wonderful Underground rides. 

• ADVICE:  don’t bring excess luggage.  I don’t know how many times we heard this from advisors.  We even though we brought a small amount—NOT.   If you think you have your luggage sized down. . . think again.  Lugging suitcases up and down stairs, through crowds and on the streets is at best a huge downer and at worst dangerous (make you a target for thieves). 

We get to our station, come outside and start walking towards the hotel.  At the first intersection confussion hits us . . . the cars are on the wrong side of the road.   Fortunately the city helps with this confusion by painting on the road which way to look before you cross the road.  We checked right and crossed.  Made it to our hotel for the first 2 nights, which is very nice, got to the room and took a nap.