Day 1 - London

We arrived at Heathrow this afternoon.  After the "fast" track through customs, we made it to the Heathrow Express train.  Tip for any people coming to London via Heathrow, the Heathrow Express is incredibly pleasant. The train delivered us from Heathrow to Paddington station (no bear sightings) followed by a traditional London taxi to the hotel.  We noticed on the train that it was dark by 4:15 here, but no rain.  We now have additional pressure to see as much as we can see before sunset.

The hotel is near Portsman Square.  It is lovely, but first and foremost on our list was showering after the long flight.  Afterward, we were out in search of dinner and Christmas decorations.  And did we ever find Christmas decorations!  Oxford street, shopping central, was literally lit up like a Christmas tree; like a really big, street-sized Christmas tree, that went on for blocks and blocks.

Draped over the street were elaborate gold and silver balls that were lit.  On adjacent streets there were themed light shows, like the quasi-argyle-looking display above the Piccadilly Circus tube stop, or the giant white light displays in the shape of peacock feathers.  It was easy to get lost in the lights.

Selfridges, a local department store, takes up a full city block and is well known for its window displays this time of year. I expected an unparalleled Christmas display like you have never seen.  instead, the windows were themed in a futuristic look, with glittery gold and silver mannequins wearing crazy head-pieces.  The theme was the zodiac signs.  It was, well, weird, but elaborate and striking.

We had a pub dinner and we are back at the hotel trying to fall asleep with the locals.  We are convinced jet lag won't get us here.  More to come tomorrow.