It’s been a while since I posted something on here and I feel like I need to explain. Not to mention apologise for the extended absence.
The truth is: the summer wasn’t a great time for me. Mentally, I was all over the place between the stress of failing exams and various other situations that were affecting me on an emotional level. But I’m not going to go into detail about that. I’m going to class it as water under the bridge and move on to other things.
Mainly, the amazing weekend I had at the end of September. Easily, it was one of the best celebrations of my birthday that I’ve ever had.
What did I do?
Initially, I was supposed to attend a convention in Kent…but some shit happened and I felt it would be prudent to change plans. I couldn’t cancel the flights I’d booked and so I decided to pick a new destination. I chose to visit London instead.
I hadn’t been to London since I was a teenager. And I hadn’t seen much at the time. I was eager to visit and explore London again.
Day One
I arrived at Gatwick Airport on the 28th of September and hopped on the next Gatwick Express. It took me straight to London Victoria Station. Honestly, I’d been delighted to discover that the Gatwick Express was a direct service. Changing transport makes me anxious. I was anxious enough already; I’m still getting used to travelling alone.
It was as smooth a train-ride as I could have hoped for.
Thanks to Trivago, the Lidos Hotel on Belgrave Road became my home for three nights. The hotel was a ten minute walk from the station and that suited me. Recently, I’ve been having back troubles and the short distance was a blessing, especially when lugging a suitcase.
Admittedly, there were two downsides to the hotel: the breakfast options were limited and the space in the bathroom was even more so. I had to stand on my tip-toes and suck in my tummy to get past the sink and into the shower.
It was an unwelcome reminder that I need to get back to the gym.
But that’s the price required when intending to visit London on a budget!
That first morning, I intended to go to the zoo. I didn’t get that far. Hilariously, I’d forgotten just how large London is. As someone used to a small city, the sheer size of London proved to be somewhat overwhelming. It took a lot longer than I’d anticipated to get half-way, so I ended up making a detour and headed over to the London Eye instead.
On the way, I saw the outskirts of Buckingham and St. James’ Green. I also passed Westminster Abbey. Truth be told: it wasn’t as impressive as I’d expected it would be.
Neither was Big Ben.
However, the London Eye was worth the price I paid for it. I loved the view of London from the capsule I was in. It was almost like being a bird. I’m glad I went on it.
I went to the aquarium afterwards. It was fabulous! The aquarium was so large and I got to see such a large number of beautiful marine life. There were so many, I couldn’t keep track of the names in my head. I took around a hundred photos in the aquarium alone.
These are just some of the photos I took:
Going to the aquarium was worth the price. I loved it so much that I’d go again in the future and I’d recommend it to others travelling to London.
While exploring London on the Friday, I also saw several monuments and pieces of art. I could have done without seeing Winston Churchill while heading over to the London Eye and the aquarium. People have an awful habit of memorialising fascists like him.
But I loved this one:
Day Two
On the Saturday, I went back over the Westminster Bridge and went to Shrek’s Adventure. I felt like a kid again. It was cute and fun and a bit embarrassing; I had a great time there. Especially when I was flying through the sky with Hiccup and Astrid from How to Train Your Dragon. The 3D graphics were amazing. I loved the experience.
After Shrek’s Adventure, I went to the London Dungeon. Basically, it was a tour through the gruesome history of Britain. It spanned from the 1600s to the Victorian Era. It was horrible. It was frightening. I had the time of my life. I loved getting to learn about Guy Fawkes in a fun and entertaining way. The London Dungeon also covered the Burning of London, the plague, and the British court system — among other things.
During the exploration of the court system, I was put on trial and found guilty of dancing nude on a bridge while practicing witchcraft.
Another person was convicted for saying he was Australian.
It was hilarious and horrifying; the historical accuracy of the attitude prevalent in the British courts was fabulous. It wasn’t sugar-coated that I’d have been disliked as soon as I’d have said I was Irish. Or that I’d have been under suspicion for that alone. I appreciated the lack of sugar-coating.
It’s better than shoving the British disdain for us under a rug, after all.
After the London Dungeon, I visited the Tate Britain. That was fine and calming, though there were a number sculptures that I just didn’t get. I loved the oil paintings, though. Those were amazing. It had me wishing that I had even the vaguest scrap of skill with a paint brush.
I debated whether I’d see Wicked in the Apollo Victoria that night. But I decided against it. Not because I wasn’t interested in going, but because the pain in my back had become excruciating. I wouldn’t have been able to give my full attention to the performance and I felt I’d have been doing the actors a disservice.
I’ll see Wicked one day, I hope.
Day Three
Compared to Friday and Saturday, the Sunday was a lazy day. I walked around for a bit and caught some Pokemon. I bought some doughnuts (even though I shouldn’t) and some Kopparberg, and then I relaxed and watched Netflix for the whole afternoon.
That isn’t to suggest I did nothing, however. I did meet up with a friend that evening. I’ve known them online for several years, but that was the first time I had the chance to pay them a visit. We just sat in a café and chatted about everything, and nothing, over a hot cup of tea. Talking to them was so easy, so natural. It was as though we’d been talking like that for years.
I was elated.
I miss them already, but that just means that I’ll have to make sure I come back and visit as soon as possible!
I’m looking forward to it!
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