Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, South Bank

Tense Moment #1: When I accidentally put my toe under the luggage cart he was pushing. 

Our arrival here was met with a lot of confusion, and of course, the expected London rain. I'm starting to think Vancouver weather for June was so lame because I was there! 

We gathered our bags and headed for the Tube station at Heathrow Airport. Man is this city ever made to be confusing! The lady I spoke with at a counter informed me the proper stations to change trains at but the accent through a thick glass made it tough to understand her. Without any other options, we purchased our Oyster Cards and off on the Tube we went! 

The Tube station was followed by a hike in the rain, and an hour into landing in the UK, I am regretting just how heavy my bag is! 

We headed into town, as the skies cleared up. 

We headed straight down to Buckingham Palace. I have to admit, the Palace looks a bit smaller than it did on TV, but I guess on TV, everything looks bigger! 

By far, the most misleading landmark so far is the Big Ben.... Although stunning to see in person, but have to say, not so big. 

Meandering down streets of Central London was quite interesting. The vibe in the City is very different. It was a friday afternoon, just a bit after 5pm, and you see people on the streets outside bar, just chatting it up with a pint of beer and a few co-workers. 

London's South Bank. The views of the Parliament Building and Big Ben was amazing. Walking along the path, the London Eye grows with every step. Street filled with entertainers, locals, tourists, all gathered, having a blast on a beautiful Friday afternoon. 

Now for those that know me well, you will all be very proud. There was a McDonald's right along the path, and yes I considered having my regular "Alan Meal" but no, I kept walking, and said to Matt "There is no way I am going to let that be the first meal of my trip in London!". Thank You!

We then wandered into Trafalgar Square, and found a restaurant where I had my Fish n Chips. It was delicious but did NOT care for the green mushed peas.. actually it tasted like how licking an ashtray would taste like.