I have made it to London! After over 27 hours of travel, I landed on a grey morning at Heathrow. Undaunted by the temperatures being similar to those at home, I set out to explore. I am based in Shepherd’s Bush for this first week, so I headed to nearby Kensington Gardens.
Pastel houses in Shepherds Bush
It felt surreal to be walking along London streets and seeing a red double-decker, a black cab or a landmark I recognised at every turn. More surreal was to come, when a squirrel ran up to me, and put its paws on my jeans leg as if it wanted to climb – I promise I wasn’t hallucinating!
Kensington Palace
Squirrel about to attempt the climb
I wandered around Kensington Park to the Italian Gardens, which Prince Albert personally designed as a token of his love for Queen Victoria. It was heartening to see the beautiful tulips in bloom – as it meant that spring must be around somewhere!
I loved the space and green expanse of the park, as it’s not quite what I picture when I think of London, but it was fantastic to be amongst. The next day was quite the opposite, with job-related interviews in the business district, but I did get a chance to pop down to the Thames for my first views of some of London’s iconic landmarks.
As a massive Beatles fan, a visit to the famous Abbey Road crossing was definitely on the to-do list. I didn’t realise what a busy main road it is these days, made busier by the hordes of tourists all trying to get the perfect photo. My friend Kelly and I attempted to take our own, and then discovered the webcam which snaps grainy versions – I think we did pretty well!
Solo Beatle
The wall outside the Abbey Road studio itself is covered with graffiti tributes, very cool.
As the jet lag wears off it is beginning to sink in that this is my home for at least the next couple of years… And I’m getting more and more excited!
