It’s been a while since I’ve traveled out of the country. I’d forgotten about the humorless TSA agents, the over-priced food at the airport, the narrow seats in coach, the re-heated airline meals and the inevitable wide-awake passengers who talk for the entire 6 hour journey.
However, I managed to sleep for a while and disembark without issue at London Heathrow. The entry and passport check has been completely streamlined and automated. I checked outside and saw that the morning was typical English rain and mist. The local weather said that I should expect this for most of my trip. But, since I’d be walking with a pack, I’ll take misty skies rather than broiling sun!
The newly opened Elizabeth line on the tube took me straight to Paddington and turns out I had enough stored on my old “Oyster” card to get me there. I treated myself to a traditional “full English breakfast” and a latte at a nearby cafe.
It was way too early to check into my hotel, so after charging my phone, I went up to the Decathlon on Kensington High Street to get myself a cheap walking stick and a water bottle. (I managed to lose the water bottle before I got back to my hotel, which must be some kind of record.) I then walked back through Kensington Gardens.
I sat for a bit by “Round Pond” where there are many birds…ducks, geese, swans, terns and of course, pigeons.
There were prominent signs advising you not to feed the birds. And there were many people feeding them. Including one man who was literally handing out full slices of bread from a bag.
Kensington Gardens are huge and beautiful. I walked along the “Princess Diana” memorial path and down to the Italian Gardens where I sat and had a glass of Rosé and a biscotti. I was thinking of walking down to the statue of Peter Pan (Barrie’s original book takes place in Kensington Gardens) but by then the jet lag was hitting me hard!
My hotel room at the Alexandra was tiny, but with an en-suite bathroom. Across the street was another hotel called “The Linden House.” Of course, I sent a picture to my granddaughter Linden!
After much-needed shower and a brief nap, I went in search of some decent food (and a pint, of course). Found the “Victoria Pub” right down the road and sat outside with a lovely cask ale. I was informed by a man next to me that this was one of the “last really good pubs around.” I took him at his word! The shepherd’s pie was excellent.
The weather was still misty, but pleasant enough to sit and enjoy another ale while people-watching. I had learned from walking the Camino that having something to read during down time was worth the extra weight and I’d brought my Kindle this time. Got about 3/4 of the way through a fun murder mystery when my eyes just couldn’t stay open. I headed back to my hotel and crashed. Tomorrow I’d head up to Kemble and “the source” – where the Thames begins!
Via Con Brio! 
And another Jules adventure begins! Glad you got there safe and hope your trip is everything u wished for and more.