Day 1 - London Calling

As expected, we are dusting off the blog for another European installment. The flight from San Francisco was easy and as enjoyable at 3 hours of sleep could be. We made it through immigration very quickly and got to the baggage carousel just as the luggage was coming out. We caught the Heathrow Express (worth whatever it costs -- by far the most pleasant train ride) to Paddington Station. (Side note -- it is not just about the bear, it is architecturally stunning.) We had an easy Uber pick up and ride to our hotel. Short story long, the trip has been without incident.

So now we are trying to stay awake until sunset so we can get on the right circadian rhythm. We went for a stroll around the neighborhood after unpacking. We are staying in St. James, presumably near St. James park, though we haven't stumbled upon it yet. The neighborhood is an interesting blend traditional and modern. Case in point, look at these two buildings are basically across the street from each other. 

There is a small park nearby that has historical significance in the suffragette movement. It was very active with both people sitting in the park, nearly every bench had a human, and pigeons. We didn't linger long. The next stop was Giolato for gelato. Yes, we're dipping into the gelato early. We would like to think of it as training for Italy.

Since neither of us had really eaten breakfast and we were fast approaching dinner, we stopped in the pub next door for toad in a hole. If you're unfamiliar, it is sausage, mashed potatoes, and gravy in a Yorkshire pudding. If you're unfamiliar with Yorkshire pudding, I really don't know how to describe it. The flavor is that of a thick crepe, but it is brown and less delicate than a crepe. It is generally pretty good. The portion size was rather large, so we were glad to share. 

Now we are at the hotel, trying not to lay down. One hour until sunset. Sleep is going to be amazing.