United Kingdom in 8 Days

September of last year, I incorrigibly flew to London without knowing a single soul there, except maybe the royal family and the guys from Hogwarts. But I didn't want to impose myself on their hospitality so, I decided to go about the United Kingdom on my own. It was easier that way. Okay. Okay... Let me drift away from this fanciful thought or shall I say, delusion? haha Face palm.

Well, it's true that I didn't meet anyone whom I personally know there. I was even being blunt to the Immigration Officer in Heathrow, when she asked me if I'm traveling with someone or if I'm staying with family or friends in London. Still groggy from a long-haul flight, I simply replied no each time. After a few more questions later, it's a good thing she didn't tell me to fly back to the other side of the world. It would be heartbreaking, to say the least.

But let's not dwell on something that did not happen because shortly after that, I was making my way through the London underground, with the smallest train I have been on, ironically and oddly enough. (Train cars are supposed to be big in the Western side, right?)

Small underground trains aside, here's what was up with me while in the UK. Although I had only been around England and Scotland, I'd like to consider it to already encompass the UK just adequately.

London!

So I made it to London last year and a bit of the United Kingdom for a week. I know, such a very short time, given the fact that I needed to travel 16 hours by plane and subsequently, manage a 7-hour time difference. But when the impulse gets the better of me, I am willing to withstand anything even it meant, it'd be against all odds. Oh my! What a melodramatic way to start this post. haha

Anyway, after I successfully navigated my way from the airport to central London, a glorious sunny day welcomed me. Quite a surprise really, having known the infamous weather of this city. I might have packed the sunshine together with me because never it did rain in my entire stay! I even brought an umbrella, which only turned out to be an added weight to my luggage. Pfft! But the unusually fine weather seemed to support this whirlwind adventure!

And without much further ado, I braved London with obvious glee and excitement! Of course, I had an essential help from my phone, which was most importantly installed with an offline map. Dropping my luggage at my hostel, I quickly headed over to the bus stop that was merely a few steps away and waited for the Bus 24 that would take me to places, I fancied to go first.

To be honest, I didn't worry that much about being in London for the first time because I reliably just hopped on buses like any local would do. Perhaps, the idea that I won't have to overcome another language barrier, made all the difference. And maybe a dose of Alice-in-Wonderland confidence sealed the deal.

Hello London!

Fontana di Trevi

Eager to squeeze in more activities, we decided to end our day at the historic Trevi Fountain after a full day excursion in the Vatican. This trip happened way back in October 2013 so chances are, I am already forgetting the little details. Like for instance, how we got ourselves here in the fountain from the Vatican. I think we took the Metro. I think...

Anyway, it's no longer important. Let's give it to Google maps or any other navigation map to handle this issue.

One thing that still resonates me up to this very day is the overwhelming crowd at the fountain! If only we could have allocated our fountain visit in another time, I'd be most likely to run away that night.