Day 1: PHX-IAH-LHR

APRIL 3/4 - Today we started what Odette began dubbing ‘The Big Trip’ some time ago. Left Mesa, Arizona early for Sky Harbor Airport. Technically, it is still ‘pre-trip’ (April 3) but essentially became one very long day.

Technically not out of the US yet, a short stop in IAH (Houston).

Arrive at Heathrow (London) at about 7:30 am. Raining hard and cold. Pile all the bags into the Underground (Piccadilly Line) and head to town. Glimpses of housing blocks under the dripping gray sky, mostly leafless trees but some signs of spring.

Off at Baker Street, a fairly simple walk (in the rain) to 62A Gloucester Place. Our place is in the basement level of the building, meaning that the entrance is down an exterior staircase from street level. This is common with many old buildings, and can be because, over time, the street level rises as new road surfaces are built over accumulated rubble.

Our basement level accommodation happens to be beneath the past residence of someone famous! Or infamous, depending on what nationality is deciding.

As much as it might have been nice to just lay in bed, it is only about 9 am, so begin walking around town...

A number of these small parks exist nearby, though some of them are private, as is this one.

The iconic London telephone box, or ‘red kiosk’.

Finally do find a public park (Soho Square Gardens).

One of the several references to Charles II we see around town. Known as the ‘Merry Monarch’ (r.1660-85), he is known for his enjoyment of sport and pleasure. Ironic, given the religious conflict that besieged England at the time. He himself spent a part of his life in exile, while Oliver Cromwell ruled the roost. Charles II only became King of England after the death of Cromwell.

Pass through Chinatown, still bedecked with decorations for the Chinese New Year.

Some images of Trafalgar Square:

The fountain with Nelson’s Column behind.

The lions guarding the column.

St Martin-in-the-Fields.

Nearby the Square is one of the crosses of Eleanor of Castile, queen of Edward I. More about this on Day 19.

On the south side of Trafalgar, Admiralty Arch leads off down a stately avenue called The Mall, which eventually connects it with Buckingham Palace. The Mall is used as a parade grounds for royalty.

Admiralty Arch, with portions blocked for renovation. A lot of buildings under renovation at the moment.

At the end of the Mall is Buckingham Palace. The good thing about rain it is keeps some of the tourists away.

The statuary in front of the palace was constructed in 1901, for then Queen Victoria.

Could be jet lag...

We weren’t in time for the changing of the Palace Guards, but they do move around every so often. Because there is no color plume on the hat, this guard must be from the Scots Guard regiment. The hat itself is 18 inches tall and is made from Canadian black bear skin.

Really difficult to stay awake in the late afternoon. Find some ‘cheap’ eats on a nearby street to our hotel. A cheap meal is about GBP 7 (close to $10).

United Kingdom (England) I