Ireland 2016: Day 6 (in London)

This morning came early as we needed to get to the airport in time for our flight to London. So, we had an early breakfast and the gentleman at hotel reception was kind enough to let us print our boarding passes at the hotel. 

The airport in Cork  is easy enough to get to although navigating the short versus long term parking situation was trying. W got it sorted and headed to the terminal. At least we thought we were headed to the terminal. We followed what we thought were the signs that led us up some stairs. 

The wrong way to the terminal in Cork, Ireland

Turns out we could've saved 4 flights of stairs and just walked straight!

We got into the airport and after some debate over whether we should go to the check in counter or not, I made for security and my family followed. That was a mistake it turns out. My sister read somewhere that you had to check in at the desk if you had a non-EU passport, but I didn't listen and headed in anyway. Turns out we needed to stop there. 

Luckily for us, the lovely lass at the gate took pity on us and helped us out with s hand written visa, of sorts. She insisted that we must go through the check in process for document review prior to security at Gatwick airport our they might deny us travel. Yay. 

Small heart attack averted for now, but tomorrow will hold a similar adventure it would seem. For now, we're safely on the plane.  

Into London we ventured. We decided against the rental car in London and opted for the train. Naturally, we got stuck at a delay on the way, but we were moving quickly enough. 

Very clear directions from a lovely man at the ticket counter in the airport in Gatwick

Through the public transit we went and followed the lovely gent at the airport's directions to get to our hotel. Unscathed, we arrived before check in and ended up back out for half the reason I came to London. Fish & chips!

English fish & chips with peas and a Pimm's

Sitting in the Old Bell restaurant, I was staring at an ad for the special of the day: pie & a pint. Now, for all my fellow Supernatural fans, I'm going to one day go to Lawrence, Kansas and get a slice of pie! If you aren't a fan, then just ignore that and read on.  

The food was not great, I can't say I like English cuisine with any certainty yet. However, the chocolate cheesecake was to die for! 

Decadent chocolate cheesecake at The Old Bell in London, England

Having such a heavy meal meant walking was needed, so we checked into the hotel and set out for a hop on hop off double decker bus tour. 

The Marriott in Maida Vale London, England

We were the only idiots sitting on top of the open-top bus in the rain.  Though it was a little chilly and quite damp, we stuck it out. 

The only idiots on the open top bus in the rain in London!

The bus drove so fast, it was difficult to get decent pictures along the way. But, I tried. 

Big Ben at high speed on a hop on hop off bus tour of London

We ended up hopping off at the London Eye and decided to take a ride. I'd overheard a local Londoner mention to a traveler on the plane in that the Eye was worth the ride. 

The London Eye on the river

This machine is not only beautiful, it's mechanically impressive. I nerded out just a little at all the cabling that held this thing together. It looks like the whole thing is suspension based and I will do my very best to learn about its construction when I get home! Apologies, the engineer in me comes out from time to time. 

Aerial view of the House of Parliament from the London Eye

The views are stunning from every side looking every direction and I will certainly load more photos up onto my gallery page when I get home. 

Aerial view of the Hungerford Bridge near the London Eye

Some cricks and pains were felt in the party, so we decided that walking too the tube was out and we would instead take a cab. In an effort to keep my fangirl at bay that failed miserably, I strongly requested a small black cab like Benedict Cumberbatch always rides in in the BBC's latest spin on the Sherlock Holmes character. 

Small black London cab, like Sherlock always rides in!

Sorry, the fangirl is strong in this one

I squeaked with joy in the cab and my family tolerated me beautifully. We ended up back at our hotel and didn't want to go anywhere else, so we ordered room service. 

Mildly ironic that we're not only in London and have room service available, yet we order pizza

The pizza was quite good, though we learned today that Londoners don't really put salt on anything. Neither meal I had here had any salt whatsoever. Strange.

Another full day and yet another one tomorrow. Flight back to Ireland, drive to Dublin, go to sleep basically. We're going to use tomorrow add a bit of a recovery day. Again, I hope you enjoyed the stories. 

Thanks, y'all!