Eating On The Air & On The Ground

My journey back to New York began with a breakfast at the hotel. Our new Pinay friend Editha was there, overseeing meal operation since early in the morning. Kudos to her and her staff, Mercure Hotel's buffet spread didn't disappoint in this most important meal of the day. We helped ourselves to a plateful of pastries, cheese and some cold meat, gulped down by a glassful of mixed fruit juice. Editha  later on came to our table with steaming cups of cappuccino which really helped perk us up - this on a long day of travel.
 

The Heat Is On In London

Instead of taking the usual tourist photo op right in front of the Buckingham Palace, we got contented hiding under the shade of trees in The Green Park, one of the designated royal parks in London. At least from where we sat, the palace was still visible. I can only imagine the Queen (who was in residence at the time) looking out of her window to see throngs of sweaty tourists still milling around outside her huge gates.

London, United Kingdom

train to Cockfosters

Like most international airports, there are several options of going to central London from all of Heathrow's 5 terminals. The Airport Express is the fastest, bringing anyone willing to pay a pricey £18 in just 15 minutes to downtown. There are also taxis, buses and shared shuttle vans (to hotels). What I did, as in the past, was to hop on the Tube - London's underground mode of transport. It cost only £4. What was amusing was the way American women laugh after hearing the train's PA: "This is the Piccadilly Line going to Cockfosters" (photo above) - really, such a place do exist and it's at the end of the line. However, none of my friends who live in London has been there (not that there's nothing interesting to see there, I suppose).

United Kingdom

the city of Bath is a sight to behold: Edwardian architecture at its best

the Stonehenge remains an enigma

two iconic British landmarks: The Big Ben and the red telephone booth. The "model" is my sis Leah.

a lazy afternoon at the Hyde Park in London

London "skyscrapers"

street scene in London