A first for me, getting first class for my flights. From Milwaukee to Detroit, I got first class, free wine or beer. Had two glasses of red just in time to run off to my six and a half hour flight to London Heathrow. Okay, the reason I got first class is because I am now flying standby with any Delta airplane (soon to be United and American and so on). The guy I am seeing, Nick, is ever so kind to put me on his benefits. Airplane mechanic. Hubba hubba. Anyway. I asked the lady at the gate while everyone is boarding that I need a seat and hopefully not an aisle. While I walked on, I was shown to a first class, cubicle bed thing and handed a mimosa. I had a recliner chair (that goes all the way down into a bed), a comforter, huge pillow, a million of courses of food, free alcohol, huge tv, my own overhead bin, a case of goodies, etc etc. I was in shock. I couldn't shake the smile on my face. I was overwhelmed and happy. After an hour or so of being fed and pampered, I watched a movie and fell asleep in my little bed for the rest of the flight. It was thee most perfect flight out to Europe I have ever had. Any plane to anywhere actually. I kind of didn't want to leave my little bed cubicle.
Getting on the tube was all too familiar. Meeting up with Gabs at Ladbroke Grove. It was about 9am-ish when I met up with her. Getting my favourites at Sainsbury's grocery store next to the station with her. Favourites including, caramel chocolate digestives and Cadbury Oreo bar. Once we got back to her new flat she made me some breakfast and we just talked our bums off, catching up on everything. It was like I never left. She is the absolute best. After about two hours of eating and talking, I freshened up and she showed me around Portobello Road and the markets around. Which, that night (I think), she literally ran into Robert Pattinson. He came out of a flat right on Portobello Road all in black and his hood up, ran into Gabs and continued on into a black cab. I didn't get a good look but she was 100% convinced. So that's pretty cool I guess. She showed me the Paddington Bear store. Filled with all of these beautiful antique toys. As well, took me for a pint at the Churchill Arms Pub that was decked out on christmas lights on the outside. I got some stroopwafel cookies and a stroopwafel face mask at a shop that is basically Flying Tiger Shop.
Next day, while Gabs went to her new and improved job at Jack Wills, I went off to revisit all of my favoruite spots. London Eye. Big Ben (under construction for four years). Tate Modern, which I finally figured out the other building and the roof top with a viewing of the city! After half a dozen trips to London, I finally find this! Finally, Primark on Oxford. My absolute favourite shop, it's like Forever 21 when comparing to America. Once Gabs got done with work we went to Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park (by Oxford Street). Pretty much a county fair (when comparing again) and a German Christmas market, filled with rides and food and Gluhwein and games and live music stage, etc. We played some games, had some Gluhwein and beer. GLUHWEIN, if you have never had, stop what you re doing and go find somewhere that is making it. It is heaven. Pretty much hot red wine with spices like cinnamon or cloves. It comes from Germany and is only made in the winter during the christmas markets. Anyway, after a dozen of polaroids with my favourite, we left to go back and pass out.
Dali.
Churchill Arms Pub.
Next day, again, Gabby went off to her nine to five while I explored. Last full day in London, and I did TWO new things I have never done in my favourite city. First, the Tower of London. Second, was later with Gabs, going to the top of the Shard. The only reasons I never done these touristy things were because of the price of them. Expensive. But back to the tower. The beefeaters do the tours and share the gruesome stories. I got a woman beefeater which is one of the two only ever women beefeaters there ever were. She was super funny. My favourite story she told was about Queen Anne Boleyn. I probably will get some things wrong but this is how it went from how she told it to us two weeks ago:
Queen Anne Boleyn was scared of death. Every one knew that. However, she did something to cause treason and was sentenced to death. The law said death by axe and decaputation, and then to hold the head up to the crowd and declare that person a traitor. Well, since everyone knew she was petrified of this death, they took it into consideration and made a double sided bladed sword to use instead of an axe. She didn't know this though. As she was laying on the stone, she was praying out loud over and over, saying the same prayer. As the guy who were to kill her was walking toward her (usually carrying the axe, wasn't carrying anything), he hid the special sword under where she was kneeling or laying. She looked up and presented her neck beautifully to him and with a quick movement he swept the sword up and cut her head off. But because of how sharp and clean cut the act was, when he held Anne's head up, she was still looking around at the crowd and still praying. Anne's head and body didn't realize the detachment happened and this blinking, looking, and praying continued for over 20 seconds as he held her head up and declared her a traitor.
After Tower of London, I went off to walk around Covent Market, Camden Market, and Soho. Later went back to Churchill Arms for a few beers and to read my book. Which was perfect, titled "Londoners: The Days and Nights of London Now - As Told by Those Who Love It, Hate It, Live It, and Long for It" written by Craig Taylor. Inside filled with people talking about their experience in London. Like, nail stylist, airplane pilot, actress, artist, mother, students, couples, drivers ed teacher, dominactrice, cab driver, etc. I read it all within the two week span of this trip. I highly recommend the book. Gabs got off work and we went to the top of the Shard. I got us the student discount and was sent up. The view at night was absolutely a dream. It made me so sad that I was leaving in the morning. Once we got back we just hung out with her flat mates and drank and she gave me some henna on my hand (tradition now). Which by the way, I got a room in the flat, like my own little room and bed for my stay. It was an amazing stay and I miss her so much already. I will be going back in April, no doubt.
Top of the Shard.
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