I can’t believe it is already day four. The flight over went as any eight hour flight would be, super long and boring. Luckily I sat next to a nice woman who didn’t want to talk my head off and only got up for one bathroom break. Now getting from the airport to my flat was the interesting part. I got off the tube one stop too soon and had to walk a million blocks to the flat. The walk really wouldn’t have been bad had I not been dragging two 70 lbs. bags and two carry on bags. I am sure half the people I passed were thinking I was a stupid tourist (which I am not claiming not to be).
The flat is amazing. It is about the same size as my place in Atlanta but I am sure three times the price. The television and radio stations will take a little getting use to. It is very reminiscent of growing up in Saudi in that there are limited stations and they play at odd times. I have missed the BBC though. That sure takes me back to my childhood.
I have been busy since I got here but haven’t been a total tourist. Day one consisted of a long walk to the flat and then unpacking. One of my coworkers from NY was in town so we hit all the tourist spots stopping at Covent Gardens, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square and Big Ben. Of course we stopped at a pub or two (or six) along the way to grab a pint. From Big Ben we walked the river and figured it was time for dinner. We figured if we found a boat serving food it was a sign we needed to stop, and of course we did. My first meal was a wonderful plate of fish and chips. It was here that I realized I needed to go home as I couldn’t tell if it was the beer or the boat that cause me to sway. All this excitement before 8 pm.
The next morning I got up and walked around Chelsea and up to Hyde Park. I walked up my street which is comparable to Rodeo Drive. I live one block from Cartier, Prada and Gucci. Amazing! At Hyde Park I visited the Princes Diana Memorial Fountain which is more of a monument than a fountain. From there I made my first trip to the grocery store and found out that I need to stick to the lighter grocery items as it is a good five blocks from the flat. This too took me back to Saudi with all of the international goods. Sunday night I met up with some of my new co-workers at a great Viennese restaurant called the Woolsey. I didn’t venture out into the Viennese food but can tell you they have a great fillet. It is in an old bank which made for great atmosphere.
My co-worker from NY was leaving last night so we decided to go out for some sushi for hit last night. It was similar to a buffet except each plate was a different color and they went around the bar on a conveyer belt. What a novel idea. Each color plate was a different price and you just pick up what you want and pay for each plate when you are done. It was great sushi too.
Ok, this is getting a little long. I promise to keep future posts to a minimum with more pictures. Here are a few from some of my farewell parties. I miss you all. Here is my contact info in case you ever wanted to chat…
Oh, and as for the title of this post, I am sure to get run over as I have a terrible time remembering to look right first, then left. The black cabs here hate my by now.
Home # (44) 20 7259 0013
Cell # (44) 78 6768 0553
Not sure you need the first 0 so try both ways…
RedSue&Trix
The Girls
Joe&Amber
LauraKimTedSuzanne
Ed&Mel
John&Em
TrixJohn&Jenny
