Lana here--well not a lot of choices for movies especially since on the two long flights I've already had this year, I think I've seen everything I want to see that's available through the AC entertainment system. I found a bunch of international movies that looked good though and ended up watching a Korean film "Luck-Key" that had English subtitles. Thoroughly enjoyed this movie about an out of work actor who switches ID cards with what he thinks is a rich man--after the rich man slips on a bar of soap at a neighbourhood bathhouse and winds up with amnesia. The rich man is really a "hit man" and the fun begins when the two take up residence in each other's homes.
Arrived at London's Heathrow Terminal 2 around 11:30 local time. Fairly warmish day around 16 degrees and some sunshine! We got through Customs fairly quickly as Lana had a Fast Track card. Awesome for us as there was a huge lineup of non-European Union travellers. Off to the carousel where we waited a long time for my bag as the Priority sticker had fallen off the suitcase. Lana's arrived within minutes (Priority sticker intact)!!
With our London 3-Day Passes, we had the ability to get a free Lebara SIM card. I got my card at the WH Smith bookstore and put 10 Pounds on it for 1GB data, 500 minutes and I think unlimited texts. Then we were off to the Underground to catch the Piccadilly Cockfosters line into West London. I needed to purchase an Oyster card for my Tube (subway) travels during the first seven days and Lana needed to add monies to her Oyster card. We needed to ensure our cards covered the extra zones from the airport into zone one of London. You tap your Oyster card when entering the turnstile and when exiting the station.
We arrived at the Hammersmith train station fairly quickly. Wow, it is a huge station and very busy with people. Not the friendliest interactions at the beginning as we needed to ask directions to find Queen Caroline Street and then to follow our Google Map directions to our Airbnb. We are staying in the Kensington area of West London at 66/68 Masbro Road. We had worked out meeting the host (Simon) or his host maker (Esme) at 14:00.
We had a fair amount of time. Once we figured out the directions we decided to stop just outside of the train station at a small place called Caffé Nero. An Italian-styled place frequented by locals and not many tables. Pretty casual as we were looking for a sandwich and something to drink before walking to the Airbnb flat. We shared a panini and Lana ordered a lemonade and I decided to have a Hot Chocolate Milano. The thickest, darkest and one of the most delicious hot chocolate drinks I have ever enjoyed. Cost was 3.25 Pounds. We relaxed and took our time eating at our small table and people watched.
Followed our Google Map directions and then missed a turnoff so we walked extra longer until we came back to Hammersmith Road. We doubled back and Lana had figured out where we went wrong and we arrived at our Airbnb about five minutes late. It was a beautiful day for a walk anyways. We figure it is about a 15 minute walk to the station. Simon (the owner/host) was on the street to greet us so that was pretty cool. He is a cameraman in the movie industry and we are the very first clients staying in his flat. He had a bottle of Champagne ready for us (not opened). To enter you need a number code (his lock apparatus is much like Jim's in NYC). You need a key though to get into the building.
Simon is a pretty cool guy and very eager. The only challenge was the host maker was not there and the beds needed their linen. Eventually, the lady showed up and we got the royal tour before then. Outdoor garden in the back. Two snug bedrooms. All the conveniences we require and wifi that works. I was sitting on the toilet and didn't think I needed to lock then door when the host maker Tixi pushed the door open so that was embarrassing.
We wanted to walk to Tesco grocery store and walked with Simon and then he gave us more directions. Good to go for a walk while the Airbnb was being completed for our stay. We bought some groceries and got a good feel for this part of our new neighbourhood. Lots of restaurants and pubs in the immediate vicinity. Of course, there is no grid system so you really need to be aware of where you are relative to where you are staying. We walked into some places to check out their menus for dinner later. By the time we returned Simon was almost finished. Interesting that his washer doubles as his dryer!
This neighbourhood is full of these style homes. Zero chance of finding a single family dwelling here.
Unusual architecture at this place located close to where we are staying. Turret style?
Yup, pretty funny setup for entry to this place--guess they added flats along the way and needed to add more door bells.
Lana couldn't resist taking a picture at Tesco...shortbread cookies with raspberry jam and custard cream. She said her arteries were hardening as she was reading the box.
Despite Lana getting some sleep on the plane she is still very sleepy and tired. She lays on the couch and within minutes is fast asleep and snoring. I am organizing my bedroom and taking stuff out of my suitcase. It is fairly cold in this place and I discover one of the slanted windows is open. Yikes! By the time Lana awakens she is cold as well. I update day one of the blog with my free time. I took a NoJetLag pill so have some energy back. We are both getting hungry and by the time we leave it is already around 7 pm.
A very short walk away (2 minutes) is the restaurant/gastropub The Bird in Hand. The menu is tapa style dishes and the food arrives when it is ready. Everything is delicious! I drink a glass of an Austrian Grüer Veltliner and Lana has a Sloe Gin Fizz cocktail. Small portions, but very filling. Nothing too fancy, but all with great tastes. We have no room for dessert. Our bill included a tip of around 12.5%. Very weird. We then learn that it is customary to tip in London restaurants between 10 -> 15% and some restaurants include the gratuity. Total cost of meal inclusive of tips = 65 Pounds. The place is still packed when we leave around 8:30 pm. Short walk around the neighbourhood and back to our flat.
Tapas plates at The Bird in Hand
We are both getting pretty tired. Need to figure out our plans for tomorrow using our three day London Pass. In bed around 21:30. Fitbit measured 8.5 kms of walking today.
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