England

Sunday, June 1

For my brief visits to London in the past, I used services like Uber to whisk me to where I needed to go. It was easier, but it removed the rewards of traveling like a local. This time, there would be no cheat codes. I accepted the challenge of public transportation. That meant using trains. My first experience was the Heathrow Express, which was a straightforward trip from the airport to Paddington station.   

Once you arrive at Paddington, preschool is over and you get to graduate to the Underground, better known as the Tube. Once there, things get a bit more complex.

Believe it or not, this map is greatly simplified thanks to the man who designed it. He realized there was no need for scale. People just wanted to know where to go. So, he used his experience with circuits and created the map based on an electrical schematic. It was instantly successful and now similar systems all over the world use the same model. 

If you are wondering if I embarrassed myself, there's no need to worry. I casually leaned against the wall to nonchalantly spy on how others were doing it. I'm sure no one could figure out it was my first time...until I got hopelessly lost and cried in the corner.   

I did reach one conclusion. Luggage on the Tube isn't fun. There are a lot of stairs (it's underground, after all) and most of the other people don't have any bags. I will again chant my mantra to anyone who listens: "always pack lightly." You never know what will happen when you travel. One less suitcase means all the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major catastrophe.

The Underground is emersed in darkness. When I climbed the steps to emerge again into the light, this was the first view of my new neighborhood.      

Incredible, I know. This is the Royal Exchange designed as the center of commerce. Today, it's a place people go for luxury shopping. I'm in the Bank district, where London's money is earned, secured, and invested. My apartment is down a small street only one block away.  

If you'd like a full tour of a similar unit, click here. 

I threw my bags into my apartment, then made my way to the Tube again (now as a seasoned professional). It was time for afternoon tea. The tradition began in Queen Victoria's reign to satiate hunger between lunch and dinner. More importantly, it allows a welcome break from the bustle of our daily lives. Whenever I come to England, I try to schedule one as soon as possible to get myself settled. For my last two trips, it was at a Jacobean palace then a Georgian ballroom. This time, I would I leave the past behind and embrace the future. Tea was to be at The Shard, the tallest building in the UK. 

Here was the table and the view. That's Tower Bridge in the background.

Afternoon tea is served on a three layer tower with finger sandwiches on the bottom, a savory selection in the middle like scones with cream and jam, then a sweet selection like pastries or cake on the top. I sat there for more than an hour in deep appreciation of where I was.

They even presented a white chocolate version of The Shard itself.

Here's a wider image of the lounge nearby. That means if tea isn't your thing, you can still enjoy the ambience with your favorite libation. 

Once I had tea with a view, I experienced pee with a view.

The next adventure was a 1.5 mile stroll down the Queen's Walk. It was Sunday evening, but that didn't stop people from enjoying the city.

The final destination was Royal Festival Hall to see Nigel Kennedy. He was performing Vivaldi's The Four Seasons. Of all classical music, this one is the most special to me. When my children were young, I would sit them on my lap, hold their arms, and pretend to conduct Summer. I encourage you to listen. It's a powerful piece, but for me, it's the memories that brought tears to my eyes.

The concert ended and I exited the venue to enjoy another 1.5 mile walk back to my apartment.

Goodnight London!

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