Another London trip on the way

Debby's Blog

In a few days I will be visiting my favorite city in the world again. Christmas time is always a special time and London at Christmas time is always fun. I have a strange way of preperation and before I go I always have lots and lots to do and to think about. First of all I need to make a list of what to take with me. I am the kind of person that needs a list, otherwise I forget the most important things. I also make a list of things I need to buy in London. A visit to the Tesco is always included in that list, but I also visit some internet sites of clothing stores I like, just to see if they have something I might like. At this time of the year, that is not a good option to be honest. Most stores are full of party clothes, and I just want to buy plain "normal" clothes. But I always give it a try and sometimes I am in for some nice surprises.

I also love to read English books, from biography to thriller. I read most of them. So, I already have a small list of books and magazines for my visit to the WH Smith or Waterstones stores. And I won't be disappointed by these stores. They are like book heaven for me. For this trip some Lynda La Plante and Jilly Cooper books are on my list. Lynda is a great thriller writer (one of the best, if I may say so), and Jilly is, like me, a horse lady, and wrote some books on people in the horse world. I never have read her books, and I decided to give them a try.

Another part of my list is what I want to see. I might book some theatre tickets in advance or check the cinema schedule to see if there are films I like. This time Love Never Dies (the follow up of the Phantom of the Opera) and War Horse (a moving story about a boy and his horse in war time) are a musical and play I see for sure. If you want to have good tickets, you book in advance. Last year I had last minute tickets for Les Miserables, and at one point I only saw bodies without head, as I was in the top of the theatre. Some people were very upset before the show started and didn't like the seats they got. So to avoid disappointment, book your tickets in advance. Most theatre's have a plan of their theatre on line, so you can see where the best seats for you are avaliable. It worked very well for me, as for the play and musical I am about to see I have good tickets.

The days before departure, I am counting down the days, as I can't wait to go. And then it is time to go. Most of the time early in the morning for me. I don't mind, as I can make more of my day in London. The traintrip to Brussels (I prefer traveling by Eurostar) is an easy one. I only have to change trains at Brussels South (midi). I never feel happy there, as I have been robbed of my handluggage there a few years ago. Luckily I was still able to go to London, but if you travel through that station, please be carefull. Ofcourse you always have to be carefull with your luggage, but this train station is well known for their pick-pockets. I am always happy to see the Eurostar terminal, and the sign that I can check in.

The Eurostar staff is very friendly. Other people might have a different opinion, but I really like them. I never met anyone with a bad temper, so for me it is always a pleasure to check in. In the waiting area is a small bookstore and some small other stores. There is also a bar, and lots of chairs (ofcourse). The funny thing is that people always cue before they announce anything. Most of the time, it is a fellow Dutchman (of family) that starts the cue. Eurostar has reserved seats, so no one has to fight for a seat. Still people cue up way before the train is ready to board. It is always fun to watch people cue and watch their clocks, affraid they are to miss something.A few minutes before departure, the train is ready to board and everybody gets in the train on time, and then it is time to go.

After 30 minutes the train arrives in Lille. More people board the train and then we are off to the Channel Tunnel. The great thing of traveling to London is that it takes 20 minutes in the tunnel and you gain an hour. It is always good to see Good Old England again. When the train used to arrive at Waterloo station it passed some funny area's. Brixton was fun to watch, but there were also a lot of gardens that could have been "Keeping Up Appearances" Onslow and Daisy. You were able to see some big attractions, like the London Eye and the Big Ben. Now a days, you see nothing but tunnel after you passed Ebsfleet station. If you are lucky and don't blink your eyes to much, you catch a glimpse of the London Eye, far away. But the St Pancras Station makes it up. It is a lovely building, and very light. It makes me feel welcome.

After leaving the train it is time to find the Underground. I can find my way almost blindfold now, and for others it is easy to follow the signs. I always feel a sort of relief that I have my Oystercard when I see the large cues in front of the Underground ticket machines. I pass them with a smile on my face and check into the Underground. On my way to the Hammersmith and City line I always have the feeling that I have never been away. It feels like I have come back from vacation, instead of visiting the city. And while on the platform and hearing all the familiair sounds, I always have the feeling that I have come home. I can't wait for my next visit. The count down is already on.

Posted Date
Dec 14, 2010 in Debby's Blog by Debbylynley