World Traveller at your service...

Funny thing is I really felt like one. I had the opportunity to spend a few hours in London before my next flight. After sobbing like a fool on the Metro North to NYC and then on the E-train to the Airtrain to JFK, I finally got to JFK in one piece with 1 giant piece of luggage, one carry-on, and a backpack. Unfortunately, my luggage was too heavy; fortunately, I have the smartest boyfriend in the world that suggested I take a fold-up duffle back in case my luggage is over weight so I can split it, because, little did I know, I was allowed to check in 2 pieces of luggage. I also didn't know that I could check myself in. I scanned my passport into some machine, punched in some numbers, and I was done! Technology kills me; actually it's taking peoples' jobs away therefore actually killing some, but I won't really go there.
So my first stop on my trip to Tanzania was London's Heathrow Int. Airport. After 7 hours, watching Horton Hears a Who (which I absolutely loved!) and trying to sleep in a seat that barely fits a tween, I arrived in London on Friday morning about 11:30am. I checked my bags into a business that holds bags for days at a time that you have to pay for. This was my first experience paying in pounds. It was so cool!
Although audacious and a bit aprehensive, I took the "Tube" or the "Underground" to Central London where all the "touristie" things are. The Tube was an experience. It reminded me a lot of the Long Island Railroad or the Metro North: cushioned seats, colorful decor, and clean. I had to take 2 trains to Westminster. I took the Pickadilly line (which btw, the last stop was Cockfosters! Imagine hearing that in an English accent!) and then the Jubilee line to the Westminster stop. I wanted to check out the Abbey and perhaps Big Ben. Little did I know that as soon as I got out of the station my friend Mr. Big Ben would be towering over me. I didn't know it was part of the Houses of Parliament. It was such a great site. After enough picture taking I walked across the street to Westminster Abbey. The architecture is beautiful, the detailed carving, AMAZING!!! I only got to see the cathedral from outside, but it was lovely! I had to pay a fee to go inside and see the cloisters. I was cool with not having to see it, plus I was on a time constraint.
Then I walked over to Buckingham Palace (again, just beautiful) and took some photos there. After BHP I jumped back on the Tube to the London Bridge. I had asked a citizen if the London Bridge was the same as the Tower Bridge. I've always wanted to see the Tower Bridge of London, but didn't have time. I learned that London Bridge and the Tower Bridge are not the same bridge and opted to visit the London Bridge because if was closer. I literally had to look at it and leave because I was due back at the airport for my flight. Well, fortunately, the Tower Bridge is visible from the London Bridge. I took some pictures and tried to jump right back on the train.
Here is where Cabbie starts to panic a bit. Supposedly, in the very large London Bridge train station, there was an incident happening. The exit from which I came out of was blocked off. I had to go all the way around to another entrance. Mind you, I was running a few minutes behind schedule already. After finally getting back on the Tube I made it to the Airport with more than enough time to spare to buy a munchie and coffee. I was off to gate 14 for my flight to Nairobi, Kenya.
I really enjoyed London. It was my first time in Europe. I had a great time!
You can check out my picture on my myspace: http://www.myspace.com/cabbiecabberson.