The United Kingdom

So, the plane did arrive at JFK 30 minutes early but because of that we had to circle for twenty minutes before landing. The runway was a freeway so we sat until there was an available gate. I watched the minutes for my connection ticking away. The door finally opened at 7:15 but the line was slow to move. The London flight leaves at 7:30 – will I make it?

To make a long story short, I raced to Gate #12 only to find it had changed to #14 – running! Finally I arrive to find the seating area empty. The plane is now pushing back from the gate. I tried to talk the ticket agent into calling it back for me, but he wouldn’t even consider it. The flight was packed. However, he gave me meal tickets and told me to relax, I was rebooked on the next one only an hour later and they too are serving dinner. Ah, a breather from the rat race, and a snack.

I do believe everything happens for a reason, and was reminded of that again when I boarded my London flight for a seven-hour ride to Heathrow. Do I see two seats together, or across the aisle three seats? OMG, I can actually stretch out, sleep and be rested when I arrive in the UK? I am so grateful I missed the earlier flight. After a delicious dinner and wine I completed the required paperwork to clear customs. And then, I stretched out with a blanket and pillow and fell asleep until I heard the captain on the speaker saying we were landing in 30 minutes. 

International flights remind me of what continental flights used to be like – lots of leg room, good service, a delicious meal of baked chicken, spinach and carrots (N/C) served with complimentary wine. My head is in the clouds! Why should I come down when I like the view from here? Life is good in the Delta Sky!

I arrived at Heathrow alert and ready to get on with it. First I must clear customs and exchange dollars for pounds: $200 = £103. Yikes! I found the train to the tube and the Piccadilly line to Holloway Street where I met up with friends for a proper English breakfast – ham, sausage, eggs, baked beans, toast and black pudding (I passed on the later, Thank God). Did I mention the weather is spectacular - sunny and warm! And, the woman that rescues Papillon dogs - she had at least 10 but she doesn't adopt them out, she keeps them all! Sound familiar?

Spent the rest of the afternoon doing what you do in cities - walk. I explored the Camden Lock area, an eclectic outdoor shopping spot. How can you possibly be in London without thinking of the Beatles and the mod era? Everything around me reminds me of that time period. It’s been 30 years since I have been to here and things have changed a bit. The policemen are no longer referred to as “bobbies”; the sirens sound like the ones in NYC, and the beer is pretty darn cold. But, I’m happy to see they still drive on the other side of the road. Painted on the pavement at the crosswalks are reminders to: “look left” or “look right” whenever you are crossing. BTW, the last time I was in London it was also royal wedding time - Charles and Diane. Is there a pattern here?  I ended my first day with the traditional Fish n’ Chip dinner at the local pub – but peas? Bloody Hell! I don't remember that.

And tomorrow afternoon, I fly to Amsterdam.

Observations:

In London you can have green, orange, blue or purple hair and no one cares

Sirens like NYC, all the time and the same sound

Beer is cold not warm as expected

Peas are a staple with fish ‘n chips

The dollar sucks
Black pudding is made with pig’s blood, holy shit!