London

Never, I repeat, never exchange your money at Gatwick airport. The exchange rate at the ATMs is highway robbery - plus, everything in London can be paid for by a debit/credit card. EVERYTHING!

Now for the rest of my London adventure:

So much to see, so little time. Despite the record breaking heat on day one, day two saw a 20° drop and the weather continued to drop to the mid 60s. London is fantastic, it’s very easy to get around and the people are friendly and helpful. It’s an expensive city, all attractions cost (look into getting a London Pass and see if that accommodates your stay) but the underground is reasonable and after you pay for three rides for the day with the Oyster card the rest of your rides during that day are free. Also, plenty of friendly staff to help you with all your travels using the tube. I took only one tour (Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, Bath) which was a twelve hour day but most of that was sitting on a bus listening to our guide who was quite entertaining. If you really want to see everything at these sights then this tour is not for you. If you have the time, make each sight a day visit using the rail system or if you are driving, you could do Windsor Castle and Stonehenge in the same day.

Windsor Castle is in a flight path - you would think the Queen would have something to say about that but evidently not. It’s a nice place but if you’ve seen one Castle, yada yada yada. Plus, no photos are allowed inside the Castle.

Stonehenge is basically a photo shoot.

Bath is lovely and I would truly enjoy staying there for a few days but, wear a hat because the seagulls are notorious for hitting the tourist and they have quite remarkable aim.

The food is just okay, a little bland for my taste but there are ethnic restaurants so you can do your obligatory fish and chips and then dine on more tasty food.

Wimbledon was fun to see but get there early so you can take a tour because without the tour, you won’t be able to see any of the courts.

The Beatles Abbey road is not the Abbey Road you see on the subway map, not that you would make that foolish assumption.

Jaywalking for sport is everywhere but be careful because you know, they do drive on the wrong side of the street. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

The city is clean, fun with lots of exciting sights to see. I felt safe every where I walked, day or night. This will be on my revisits list of countries, I’m still amazed it took me this long to visit, if you have the chance, come sooner than later.

London Underground is the best

Mind The Gap

The London Eye

Big Ben - Some say this will be closed until 2028

Little Ben

Buckingham Palace

Westminster Abbey

London Bridge

Tower Bridge

Princess Diana - Memorial Waterfall

Hyde Park - Speakers Corner

Paddington

Windsor Castle

Stonehenge

Bath