Day 16 in the UK: London is Calling

Day 16 in the UK: London is Calling. Today was another transit day but also my last full day on holiday. 

After seeing Tania and Josh off, I went to the train station for my ride down to London. It was just over 4 hours but I started in pitch black, saw the sunrise over the North Sea, and woke up with England as we hurtled South. 

Once I got into Kings Cross station, I thought "I should go check out Platform 9 3/4, get my picture taken". So I went, and I think everyone else in London thought the same thing... the line was intense! So I took a pic of the wall and went into the shop instead. Close enough. 

Then I needed to get to Victoria Station, where I could store my bags for a few hours. I took a black cab and got to witness London traffic jams but also some beautiful sights. 

Once I was bag-free, I grabbed some pretzels for lunch and started walking. I thought the tables outside Westminster Cathedral were a pretty spot so I enjoyed my Tomato, Basil and Cheese Pretzel and my Lavender Pretzel, under the beady eyes of the pigeons. 

Then I just started walking. I came across Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and Westminster Bridge. I feel like every time I've been to London, Big Ben has been under refurbishment, always with scaffolding. But not today, instead it stood tall and was shining bright. 

But wow, London was busy today... streets just packed with people! My goal today was to get to the London Eye, the only touristy thing I have not done in London. So I went up and saw pretty awesome views over London. It was a beautiful clear day, perfect for my last hurrah in the UK. 

After walking on the Southbank and into Trafalgar Square, I booked a Hop On Sightseeing bus ticket to see the city from atop a double decker bus. I had a few hours to spend in the city, so this way I could see the sights but stay off my feet. And it was a great day for touring, even though it was very busy! 

Then, almost 2 hours later, I was back at Victoria Station to claim my luggage and hop on my last train to Gatwick. My final night will be at the airport hotel, super convenient for tomorrow. So tonight was dine in burger with a cider in my disco-looking room followed by a ButterBeer to cap off my holiday. 

So tomorrow I head home, just in time for Thanksgiving!