“This is the Piccadilly line to Cockfosters,” announced a women’s voice over the Tube loudspeaker. Being the immature idiots that we are, TD and I giggled every time. We had just landed in London and were taking the Underground from Heathrow airport to our friend Stephanie’s house. A quick tip – don’t take the overpriced express trains from the airports (Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted) to get to the center. The regular Underground or buses will get you there at a fraction of the cost.
After getting settled and dropping off our bags, we met Steph at her office in Shoreditch. This east end borough is hipster central, filled with tight black pants, fixed-gear bicycles and ironic t-shirts. We were in London, not the Mission district of San Francisco, right? I gotta say that these guys take it to a whole other level – guys rocking women’s pleather leggings and custom made puffy leather jackets; women in rolled up, jean shorts and neon tights. Since it was the first sunny day of the year, it seemed that all of the city was out enjoying a pint outdoors. We knocked back some pints and cider then headed over to Steph’s favorite curry house for dinner. Who knew picked fish chutney could be so delectable?
Still adjusting to the time change, we got off to a leisurely start the next day after waking up at noon. Since this was TD’s first visit to Europe, we decided to go the tourist route. We walked along the Thames, gawking at Tower Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace – never actually paying to view the insides of these monuments. Twelve pounds entry fee for Westminster Abbey?! I saw the footage of Princess Di get married on TV like a hundred times, no thank you.
Along the way, we saw a massive protest held by supporters of the Tamil people against actions by the British, India and Sri Lanka to wipe these people out. One sign said, “Hunger Strike till our last breath.” In my opinion, if people are this pissed about something, there’s got to be some merit to their cause.
It doesn’t really feel like we’re on our grand trip yet, since we’re still in the western world – more like we’re visiting a friend for the weekend. Our next stop, Morocco, will definitely be a cultural shock.
I will follow all your adventures from here, waiting to meet you soon in Milan!
enjoy your Europe and see you soon!
vincenzo
Whoa. Hello 🙂 I cycled past that protest yesterday in Westminster. Our paths almost crossed! I’m sure you’re all booked out for the weekend but incase you fancy my mates having a big party on Saturday night…
Great way to get your feet wet. With the Tamil Tigers to boot! I can’t wait for millions more requisite couple photos! I’m betting the next one will be in front of a camel, presumably not in pleather leggings.
I couldn’t stop laughing at the cockfosters announcement either when I visited sC. 7th grade humor never gets old. Say hey to sC, Vic, and Matt from me!
Hi Kim!
I’ll definitely keep up with your travels. Judging by your other posts, you planned the hell out of this trip. Kudos to you! I, meanwhile, will have to satisfy myself with more domestic travels for the next year at least and live vicariously through you. Have fun!
D
love the blog! keep it up! best wishes! love the pictures! miss you!
ps – love the sunglasses 😉
Hey guys,
great to see AnotherFuckingravelBlog is live and public 🙂
Enjoy London, looking forward to the updates, you are in my RSS reader.
Cheers from Baja California Sur (just crossed the hottest f*cking desert ever),
Harry & Ivana
Sounds like you guys are on your way…I am so stoked you are blogging your experiences. Have hella fun and stop by Manchester if you are ever back in the UK! xx
I love you kids! Have fun!