After the plane landing and going through customs, we arrived in London. As I stepped off the plane, a wave of accents rushed over me and it hit me, I was in London! I was actually in Europe. I tried not to get left behind as I took in everything around me, the subtle differences of the airport, the vending machines with the pound sign and random British snacks and drinks. It all awed me.
After meeting with out guide and bus driver, we had a quick snack at a gas station before heading to Downe house and our first British Pub. The route there was a bit tricky as British two way streets are as wide as one way streets back home and we were in a tour bus, so needless to say passing drivers was a close one. Once in Downe, we went to the George and Dragon pub where I had fish and chips (sans the chips) for the first time. It was decent, the batter had a taste of beer and other flavours.
After lunch, we went to see the church where Darwin briefly laid and where the rest of his family was buried. Afterwards, we walked off our meal towards Downe house. It was nice walking the route that people of previous centuries have walked. (Minus the close calls from the cars of course.) it was really nice seeing the little things that still stood like Darwin’s son’s name carving in the cupboard.
After quick souvenirs, photos, we were back on the bus headed to our hotel. The tour guide said it was 17 miles, but it took longer than an hour…long enough for me to nap and wake up. After checking in and getting settled, we went our separate ways to enjoy London’s night life. I personally enjoyed some nice Indian food with Anu. The food tasted so fresh and tasty, I can see why the British enjoy Indian food.
