London in November '22

I needed to strengthen my travelling vein again. In some degree, being raggedly by different circumstances like covid and less income during maternity leave, by different people like spouse (actionable conduct) and little son (non-actionable conduct). So it seemed a sound decision to leave the country for a couple of days right before the year-end rush. 

 

I decided to take my elder son with myself to the United Kingdom and wanted to show the metropolis of London. Since BREXIT, UK seemed a bit unapproachable for me due to the changed conditions. Changed? To tell you the truth, none of them was experienced. First recognition was that no roaming service was needed because none of the phone service providers excluded the country since 2020, when the withdrawal of the UK from the EU happened. They handle the country as part of EU furthermore.

Why London and why with Dominik? Firstly, we did not spent time together since 5 years. Before, we travelled the world together. And I think I managed to forward that travelling vein to him, he is also a fan of foreign countries thanks to me - he says. I wanted him to be under impression caused by native English language environment. Secondly, the flight ticket was too reasonable (not the rest, ha-ha) not to grab the opportunity. Thirdly, I needed a little break and at this stage of the office move I could afford 2 days off.

It was during my elementary school years when I first (and last) was in the UK but the memory is still so vivid in my mind as it had happened only yesterday. Second time being so independent, accomodated at a real English family (remember their family name "Blackhall"). I remember exactly the name of each places, squares, gardens, museums, palaces that we visited at that time. Those took hold of me much better even as a child than the I-do-not-have-the-idea-even-today-how-it-called amusement park. Good memories, one of the first real travel experiences of my life at the age of 13.

 

 

As we had limited time, I planned and reserved everything in advance, figured out when and where to go, allowing some flexibility in the schedule, also in line with the weather. Of course, all the must-to-sees were visited such as Buckingham Palace (changing the guard could have been omitted again), Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Camden Town (favourite) including Cyberdog shop, Picadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, Madame Tussauds. We approached Greenwich by uber boat, walked under River Thames along the foot tunnel, booked free tickets to British Museum and Sky Garden, took Harry Potter pictures at the platform 9 3/4 at King's Cross Station. Although, the transfer took much time also from and to Stansted Airport and between our hotel and city center as well but it were all worth. The hotel choice (Ibis Budget in Bromley) was an excellent one with its greatest location and cleanliness. Dominik wanted to try some fast food restaurant that we do not have here in Hungary such as Taco Bell, Five Guys, etc. and he was not disappointed, they were damn good. As for me, still in love with the double-deckers!