Sketch out adventure
8 AM
That’s 3 am for all you Westerners. Four snoozes later, we are up, out the door, and one tube stop down at the London Tower Bridge station for a bite to eat at The Breakfast Club.
As someone who does not relish the idea of breakfast, I was shocked just how much I enjoyed this meal. This blast from the past styled diner seemed to be the more progressive crowd local feel. I had my second flat white and I am reminded every time just how much more I like the coffee abroad. Could be the espresso, could be the milk, could be that I’m on vacation.
Eggs Benedict ala chorizo, avocado perfection. As well as probably the best service we had the entire trip.
Good meal, Good start. Back to the tubes to Westminster station to visit, you guessed it
Westminster abbey
This 700 year old church packs quite the line, thanks to some good advice from Rick Steves, the online ticket helps you cut the line and head right in to grab your audio guide.
Sadly, no photography is allowed inside. If you like history though, it is packed full of it. My favorite part was the literary wing including Jane Austin, who was one of the few ladies to make their way into the Abbey without having blue blood. It was an experience to say the least, a tad overpriced at 25 pounds a pop, but well worth the visit once in a lifetime. Plus, I made a friend.
Off to Tea time round two! Walking around the topside of London proved to be well worth the adventure, complete with a house for ducks.
The Sketch
Another high tea complete with flare and finesse. Pink Pink Pink. From the seats to the wall, with bubbly poured over the tops of heads and caviar served by a man in pink.
Complete with space aged pod bathroom and an acrylic self playing piano, this joint takes tea to a fun flare.
This unfortunately was meet with some of our toughest serving experience, which is ironic given my utmost respect for any tea server from sea to all the shining seas. We didn’t let the slow downs get to us, and the lack of offered cake was not so much missed having finished off two pots of tea including a 1900 Pu-erh that was hands down one of my favorite teas yet.
Can’t get enough avocado sandwiches, can’t get enough fresh currant jam.
Having done two first class teas back to back, I will say that I was pleasantly surprised how much attention to detail both had for the finger sandwiches. The sweets were in fact sweet and of course well presented, however, the sandwiches showcased the tradition of the tea experience.
Less so a Sketch, more so a full portrait of full later, we took to walking since that seemed to help round one tea. Got a peak at Buckingham Palace or the Palace of Ham as I affectionately call it.
I found no Jekyll in Hyde Park, just a perfect hide away tree. If we had more days to enjoy in London, I would highly recommend a picnic here.
To complete the day, a trip to Harrods for a quick rose pedal macaroon from Laduree.
This proved to be more challenging than an offline Google may have one believe, as this maze was as complicated as the Louvre. Everyone’s definition of fun varies, eh?
Jack and Jill cross The Pond
Let’s get this out of the way as far as informative blogging goes, Norwegian Air: you get what you pay for. As for a 11 pm flight from MCO to Gatwick, London fortunately for me, that just meant a “dreamliner” where the dreams were questionable but the flight did it’s job. Lucia tells me the food was par for the course airline delicacies and the in-flight entertainment included some snoring neighbors (sorry, not sorry). 1 kilo over on your bag can cost you a pretty penny and don’t let the conversion trick you, over means over in metric too. My bag lost its handle on the way over but at least WE MADE IT TO LONDON, and a sudo-Disney hour wait a customs, just to make sure we felt as ease, I’m sure.
London!
Much like my previous abroad forays, I like to operate on Wifi only and level up my anxiety, builds character ya know. Unlike my previous travels, everything was in English! So beyond a bit of well intentioned “pardons” and “excuse us”, we managed our way on the train, to infamous “tubes”, and on our way to The Mad Hatter Hotel (more on that later) for a quick, throw the dress and pants in the shower to steam, brush the teeth, back out the door, change.
As many travel columns would remind you, take your first day slow while you adjust! As I would remind you, fool your energy-deprived body into total emersion and go have High Tea!
To the Savoy we must go
Tucked in a unsuspecting corner, The Savoy is a Fairmont Hotel that was built on the river Thames in five years and opened on August 6th, 1889. As the first luxury hotel in London, it was met with much pomp and circumstance with its crowd stopping use of electricity. Today, teatime is served in the Thames Foyer, complete with pianist and plenty of natural light.
There are many words to be said here and since a picture is worth 1000 of them, I will say just a few and allow the photographic account do the rest. It was everything one could hope from a traditional teatime. Beyond however much blood you may of had to sell to walk in the door, the experience and the memory was well worth it. Every crumb from the sandwiches was like edible gold to us. We were on a cloud 9 and it was made out of clotted cream and raining delicious tea.
As for the rest of our first day adventures, we decided to do ourselves both a favor and attempt to walk again having just relieved ourselves of many British £’s and gained several American lbs, the best exchange rate of our whole trip
Street Adventures
Many a sidewalk, many a monument
As we walked our way back to our abode, the sun set the lights flickered on with their best city gleam, the Thames giving great contrast to the crisp city corners with its finest murky waters
We said goodnight five hours ahead of our internal sense of reasonability and set our clocks for 8 am with great anticipation for our next day’s adventure
Over and Out
Coming back to the states
Spoiler: I am safe and sound, already home adjusting to the ebb and flow of "productive living" with a an affinity for the morning (thank you time change). But we will finish this adventure together, the way we started.
STRIKE
The best day to leave
Are you are booking a vacation or an adventure to test your determination of mind?
If it is the former, your last night should be in a hotel close to the airport with a well traveled route.
If it is the latter, perhaps consider booking a flight back home during a national strike of transport. Really exciting for those under utilized panic receptors.
So this day actually begins where the last day ended, home from a trip to wonderland in Paris. Checking the route for the next day, I had my first omen for the day to come. I registered with big brother before I left should my family need to be informed if I tried to make out of a foreign land with the royals treasures (watch less Robin Hood I know) or you know, bombings. So the US department of state sends out a little warning that the day I fly out, Paris is having a little watered down Les Mis production. Strikes of major transport sectors, beautiful.
I wake up early and head to the metro, get on one wrong train just to spice up the morning, get to the right platform and listen as over the intercom they rattle off that the strike will cause delays all day. After watching several trains leave, not bound for my stop, packed and delayed, the panic finally takes hold. I love Paris, but I do not want to extend this trip, this way. So I head up out of the underground beehive of trains/metro and low and behold, this massive station appears to be under construction. And its raining, double bonus.
Running in the rain with a pack, around corners and pleading with several kind parisians, I am pointed in many directions. A morning walking tour if you will. I see a taxi. Lights red but my pride was left several blocks ago, so I ask him to please please please and he says well well well, then finally, Oui.
We aren't actually here yet
But I wanted to make sure we are paying attention.
So several euros, american dollars, and apologies later, I make to the airport with plenty of time. The airport is a bit like the escalator edition of Hogwarts. The perk is that there is a security check point for every like five gates, which means fast lines.
So one final French snack and a gate change later and we are boarded
But still grounded.
That strike. Ya, it's at the airport too. Thankfully Frankfurt was no Milan, God decided once was all the character building I needed for this trip. So a nice afternoon jog through the airport later, I'm finally actually bound for home.
For the foodies, one last meal with a side of Bond
Better than it looks, not good enough to miss though.
Home
It's been a crazy three weeks. Really, not just for dramatic impact.
I came back home a slim trim 142 lbs but I gained so much life in the process.
I miss the coffee, the air, the purpose behind every day. I have woken up every night since being back, confused where I am and anxious that the train station in my room is not as safe as my cat would have me believe. So I think the stress of travel is finally catching up to me too.
Nonetheless, I say go. Maybe not till Central Europe gets a hold on some of the current crisis. But go.
Or you're welcome to travel with me again because
Adventure is out there
And Kit will be finding it
Lastly,
Thank you to all of the massive support I've got from friends, family, and colleagues. No sarcastic hints, or sass, I found my way with your help and I am blessed.
Once I get back and really settled, I will make formal shot highlight album from the journey for this site. So keep a watchful eye, there is plenty of Europe to be seen yet.
Last shout out goes to the real stars of the trip
I have no idea how you survived all 150+ miles of trekking.
Thank you, from the bottom of my feet.
Disneyland Paris
It's my last day in Europe!
Disneyland.
It's funny, because of my experiences to date, people seem to have the most opinions about my trek to Disneyland and there is not much middle ground. For me it is an opportunity, maybe to a few it seemed like a waste of a Paris day.
For me though, I've spent almost a month absorbing new, historical, and cultural things. I've trekked by every transport method except segway. I've been consumed my Europe, running on espresso and fumes. Disney is in many ways home to me, coming here was a compromise between the new and the familiar, setting my heart on the track for actually having to leave. Plus, I luf disney.
So if your disney heart strings and childhood whimsical follies are in need of a refreshment, scroll down.
If you are a sceptic, you're invited too. Or just follow the next two pictures. Or reread Cinque Uno.
Up and at it
So it was my hope to stay at Disneyland Paris the last night I was here. But I didn't book prior to because none of my plans were firm. Turns out, it is quite hard to do despite the best help of one of the smartest disney cast members I know.
So, the first half of my day I took in the Parisian city life moving from one Airbnb to the next.
Had perhaps one of the best sandwiches of the trip.
When a french person asks you for here or to go, stay. Pause your busy tourist life, pay the extra euro and sit. Even when the cafe's streets aren't alive with the bright light of day, your mouth will be full of the warm heat of an artisan sandwich.
Up and off again, I continue to take in Paris. Down in the pipes, taking in all the urine coated walls, truly majestic.
Alors, I find my next petit maison complete with Le Chat Gris, a young friend, showing affection through claws and an affinity for my right hand.
My host drove all the way back from her work just to make sure I could drop off my bag before going out for the day. Service.
TO DISNEY
A couple confusing train rides later...
Je vous presente Disneyland Paris
The glow. Well, that's the small flood to accompany my feet for the whole day. But the smile on my face, I hope you can feel it.
I literally ran around for the next 7 hours, skipping through puddles on cloud nine, featured here in this photo.
Let's talk detail
Disneyland is broken down into two parks, I did not have time for the Studios.
Disneyland itself is a lot like a condensed and intense Disney world. Every corner to every ceiling, full of detail. I could probably spend the day without going on a ride. That is not today however.
Skip around with me
Indian Jones Mine Cart
Walked on to this one, staggered off. A bit like an outdoor space mountian, but with a literal twist. 5 star
Phantom Manor
Step sister of Haunted Mansion. Follows same story of the husband killer wife, a real go-getter. But with a much darker twist. The majority of the ride is spent in the underworld of sorts. French disney isn't afraid of using real skeletons. Dante comes to life, well death I suppose.
It is a small world.
Well a smaller world. Same song, same beloved cross nation characters, in a smaller arena with more detailed touches.
Teacups!
Just as dizzy, promise
Through the rabbit hole
A little hedge maze in case you need to keep your fitbit doing it's job.
Snow White
See, french words. I am in Paris I promise
. Also a bit darker, follow the witch to her mischievous ends. The french seem to enjoy the scarier sides to the old tales. Which really is more accurate, not many off our happy water down endings were in the children's books. Don't believe me? Read the real little mermaid.
Side note, the churches in Europe also take in this approach. Many of the old master paintings featured in the cathedrals anyone can stumble in brought life to the hellish demise they warned against. Reflective and a tad momento mori, it brought a distinctive contrast though to life. Something to not take for granted.
Back to Disney
Steampunk Space mountain
SO GREAT
Not just cause I'm a sucker for the decor. You are blasted off into the galaxy in steam pipe. Space meets rockin' rollercoaster. Gravity is lost, fun is had.
The Nautilus
Walk under and explore Captain Nemo's original Disney Cruise. Full geek out mode.
Eat some fast food and train to become a Jedi.
Only truly let down here was now few young female Jeti I saw being trained despite their presence in the audience. Come on Rae's of the Europe, get up there. Come on parents, get over yourselves and your gender binary. Jeti is not a masculine word.
Performances
There was a parade, It was amazing and warmed my heart even through the water logged frozen shoes, thanks Elsa.
I will not buy an umbrella, I am that stubborn.
A spring show with Mary Poppins, Bert, chimney sweeps, and penguins
And a very odd show called the Enchanted Forest. Great singers, complete with French accents. Odd odd odd forest friends with some featured beloved disney movie characters mixed in.
Colors of the night
Light up your dreams with Peter Pan as you follow his shadow through the projected castle show including animation, fireworks, water cannons, and fire blasters.
I feel like they just said, what should we do? Everything, yes. Let's use everything
Best castle show by far.
Such a magical day.
Worth every second I was there. Got home around midnight with time for packing up and getting ready to head home. Which means only one more post to go for this blog!
Today I leave you with my favorite part. Under the Castle. THEY HAD A DRAGON
Yes, it's real.
Paris je t'aime
It's another full day
Under, up, and over Paris
Caffeinated, today was a day for Le Metro. Even with some extra speed under the city, it was still an eleven mile day. So hold tight and perhaps grab a snack.
Eiffel Tour
It's not just the wide angle lens, looking up at this massive genius of a structure, line seem to bend and the mind with it. In the modern era, it would be challenging to get on through life not knowing what The Eiffel Tower was. Iconic.
As always, the full effect of taking in a monument is difficult through only words. So I'll do the best I can through some images to give you details and put things into place. While you adventure though, try and recall that feeling of just waking up from a really bizarre dream. Somewhat lucid but questioning, was what I just saw real? That might make the next couple minutes more authentic for you.
In full
In parts
The View
Oh wait, I mean, The View...
It is a puzzle of intersections like 3D etchings, while at the same time being a captivating viewpoint to take in the bloodlines of Paris.
Worth not just staring at from afar but climbing all about.
From the Metro to the sky, now to the water.
Feeling so moved by the rushing winds of tourism, I ventured out onto a little hour tour down the river to get a little more perspective for the city. Although not as entertaining as the Jungle Cruise, it did have a rather nice finale vantage point.
Notre Dame
Those threatening looking clouds? Take note.
Off the boat and with a little snack..
Despite his face, there in nothing to fear in this photo.
Crepe in belly, threatening clouds now making good on their promises. Its back to walk around Europe in the rain and stopping to soak in some of it's treasures
Don't be fooled by the sunny exposure.
Paris wants you to think, go out, it'll be fine. 5 lbs of water logged socks later, many a happy local are out with bags of umbrellas to greet you which honestly is a nice relief from SELFIE STICK SELFIE STICK
Nonetheless, it was time to return in doors. What better place then the Musee D'Orsay
This gallery looks over at it's sibling Louvre as equals in my opinion. They are very much their own distinctive characters and where the Louvre might be the more robust in size and history, Orsay brings the life to a whole other chapter in Art's history. Most noted for the featured impressionist works, however it is still quite diverse. The naturalist piece's in the large format galleries floored me.
Going late in the day and with a bit of luck, the museum was not as crowded as it is known for. Also having a bit of patience, I was able to grab some shots without onlookers elbows and pleasant side stares. So here are some of the highlights from around the gallery, I'll save you the walking.
It was another full day of adventure. Tomorrow, a little more tourist in a different kind of way.
A side feature for the curious. Chez Kit while in Paris.
Time for a good soak in a petit tub.
One more day left, soaked socks and all.