Yup – Sara’s Arrived

Picadilly Circus at night!

So my first official post of my journey.  I am in London, but first the trip.  I flew British Airways which was excellent.  The plane was only half full and when I checked in, I asked the lady about the plane and my seat as I always try to get a bank of seats to myself for long flights – especially red-eyes so I can sleep.  And knowing how in the past jet lag has been horrible for me, I really wanted to sleep.  So she gave me an amazing piece of advice.  She told me that if I went up to the gate, just as they were closing the seating and checked to see what my seat and surrounding seats looked like, if there was a bank of seats, she would move me AND block those seats out so that they would be mine.  So I tried it and it worked.  A whole bank of seats.  And actually lucky for me, the entertainment system was mostly down, so no distraction.

The amazing airplane seat headrests on British Airways. You don't need to bring your own neck cushion. These are awesome.

Well having been burning the candle at both ends before I left, after the quick meal, I lay my head down and did not wake up until I was 1/2 hour out of London.  What a strange experience to go to sleep and wake up in an entirely new country as if no time had passed.

Part of the original old city wall of London right near my accommodation - pretty cool - this part is from the 1200s - find me that in Toronto!

So for once I did not have debilitating jet lag.  And another thing, as I had mentioned to people over the years, that I remembered flying with an airline, and I could not remember which one, but had the most intelligent head rests.  Well it was British Airways.  Now, since I had a bank of seats, I didn’t have to use them, but for these headrests alone, I would fly with these guys.  Why all the airlines don’t make them standard is beyond me.  Finally a way to sleep sitting up with your head supported.

My perfectly comfortable and accommodating 30 pound a night room

Anyway, I arrived and made my way to my accommodation, which is a single room at the YMCA.  Unfortunately I could not check in until 2 pm and it was only 10:30 am which is a bit of a drag, but I kept myself awake by visiting the London Museum.  So my room is actually really good.  A comfortable simple bed, a desk, a sink and a big space.  Breakfast is included as well as the use of the gym.  Dinners can be purchased for 5 pounds.  All of this in the centre of London for only 30 pounds a night.  This is an awesome deal.  Unfortunately, it looks like their building might have to move by September but where else in central London can you get a private room for 30 pounds a night?  I am very pleased.

The Liberty Building a block down from Oxford Street

Top all that off, that I met up with a friend I had met in Montenegro last night for dinner – Nuno.  He now works here.  He should me around Picadilly Circus and Soho and we had this excellent Thai dinner.  He knows the area well.

Another view of Picadilly Circus from the centre statue

Then last but not least, this morning I met with these two great guys, Tony and Stuart, who I will be house sitting for for a week in their flat.  They live in Blackheath, just near Greenwich.  All very accessible to London.

Carnaby Street - pedestrian thorough fare - cool area

So, so far my trip has been going very well, things are falling into place, and I even have some work to do.  Nothing like earning money whilst travelling.  And I have kicked jet lag in less than 24 hours.

Ahhhh.... the London Tube

So now let the adventures begin.