We arrived Thursday on a red eye. I got a couple quick catnaps between re-settling a restless toddler. Thankfully the flight attendants didn’t mind him sleeping in my arms instead of buckled in as he should have been.
Our meal arrangement worked well by accident. I was brought my vegetarian meal before the main carts rolled through, so Weyland could start eating early. When the cart came by I could choose a meal for him, and whatever he didn’t want to eat, I could nibble. Even so, I finished much more slowly that most passengers. Taking care of a toddler is time consuming.
We sat in the center aisle, so we had limited views of the morning sun over the English countryside, but still, landing was emotional. All this work to get here, and…now I was here! Another country, a new adventure. A chance to learn…a gift from my beloved husband. I admit to a few tears.
Then came lines for immigration and baggage collecting and customs (which wasn’t too bad, honestly). I saw the Paralympic wheelchair racing team from Australia. Then the interesting trick of cramming all our luggage (three 49.5 pound bags, five back packs, and one standard size carry on) plus five passengers and a carseat into a standard black cab. Honestly, the cabbie wasn’t sure we’d fit.
The ride through town was exhilarating. Besides Olympic signage, there are still patriotic banners left from the Diamond Jubilee. Mostly, I was so glad to be HERE. Cute, narrow houses! Ornate churches! Bright green parks and seemingly impossible trees dotting everywhere, despite the city! New, sparkling, interesting architecture!
We drove past the Natural History Museum, and my heart gave a lurch. I was GOING to spend time there, plenty of time there, and I would take my kids there, too. I felt a real blast of “you used to be a science geek, you still love this stuff” and that almost drowned out the awe of the next sight: the Victoria and Albert Musuem. The V&A! THE V&A. I’ve looked at so many books with images of their works, spent so much time looking at their online collections…and now I was here and could see the real stuff.
Our temporary lodgings are business apartments in the City of London. The relocation agent gave us two choices the day before we flew, and we chose the one right by the Cathedral of St. Paul. We knew we wouldn’t end up living there, and the boys were fascinated recently by learning about the City of London (as opposed to London…for details, watch this video by C. G. P. Grey). So from the very first day, the boys have hunted for the city crest and marveled at the dragons which guard the City entrances.
Getting close to our apartments was easy, but the cabbie had some difficulty locating the exact address. It didn’t help when a street he tried to enter was blocked because the previous Saturday it had changed from two way to one way! But we arrived, unloaded, paid him almost half the cash we had in our wallets (having changed all our US dollars in the airport) and stumbled blearily into bed.
I’m enjoying your blog! It’s fun hearing you see England and London for the first time. I love it there, and for a history buff, it’s nirvana. I remember being impressed by rows of trees I didn’t recognize. I asked someone and they said, “Chestnut,” as if I was an idiot. But we don’t have chestnut trees in America anymore, not within my lifetime. So I didn’t recognize them. They’re beautiful.
Wait until you explore the old churches and cathedrals. Take the boys to the military museum–they have actual tanks, lots of suits of armor, and a meaningful display about WWII. And wait til you can take day trips! So many things are such a short drive away!
Good luck with getting settled in–
Yay! Please keep posting!
Glad to hear you guys had an ok flight and made it to your housing. Have a great time, we can’t wait to hear more!!
Challe — I’m already hooked! Chase’s dream is to go to the UK and see castles, etc. If had had to choose any time/place in which to live, it would be in England during the Renaissance. Your blog will help him “see” the V&A, etc.