Saturday, November 26, 2011

Las Vegas - London - Paris Getting Lost 1.1

Fight from Charlotte, NC to London-Gatwick
November 25, 2011 2000H PST

I worked at the chapel last night. It was very slow to say the least. I did make some good money, more that usual when it's that slow so I'm not really complaining.

As soon as I got off, I went to fetch my mom and aunt so we can go to the outlet malls for black Friday. When we got there, peeled off from them to go get the things that I needed. I went to see lyss, she was working at Adidas. Seeing hear makes me happy. I'm very proud of her. How she is right now.

At around 2am, I started feeling tired. I got back home to my apartment in time to watch an episode of House and New Girl. During which I repacked and see how my carry on would do. At first I really wanted to take with me my yashica tlr, but I decided against it due to space and weight.

At exactly 530, we were at the airport. I was checked in and passed security in 20 minutes. I had my Cinnabon and coffee and watched the sunrise from the gate.

They flight to Charlotte was pity uneventful. I was seat A and had to uncomfortably wait for the final 30 minutes before I told my neighbors I needed to go.

Charlotte was pleasant. The sky was clear, it was a cool fall afternoon. The airport was spacious and not really gigantic. The also had rocking chairs. I grabbed a Philly cheesesteak and proceeded to wait at the gates.

And now for the flight to London.


Saint Pancras international Station
November 26, 2011 1030H London time

I took several cat naps on the flight. Oddly enough, those were sufficient to keep me running since I woke up Thursday morning. I'm still in the same clothes, yeah-I won't shower till Paris but hey, backpacking right?

The flight was uncomfortable. Wait, I was uncomfortable. I should've taken knock out pills to get some decent sleep. My back is acting up again. Although its not annoying, what's upsetting me is that it's a sign of aging. I can only be stronger, I keep telling myself.

The flight landed right before sunrise. We waited for the luggage for about 45 minutes. I was able to get some local currency from the ATM. (note to self, eat your own food, don't buy too much).

I was given different instructions as to how to get to saint pancras. I kne that I needed to get a surface train. On the platform, I met a gentleman named Ralph, he said he's visited the US several times and enjoyed it, but not las vegas. He was probably an immigrant from somewhere in Africa but have lived here a long time given the accent. He works with web development, a topic we briefly talked about.

The train ride from Gatwick to the Victoria underground station reminded me of the long island express from JFK to manhattan.

I could not stand being underground. Even though could have followed the signs to saint pancras, decided to get out and see everything. It wasn't as cold as I thought or I was warned it would be. It's pleasant actually. Overcast of course, much like Seattle or Los Angeles during the rainy season. Damp. Humid.

I found the toilet and freshened up. I decided to pack my down jacket and stay with the shirt, tie and vest. As soon as I got connected to wifi, I was able to phone Ross and let him know I was here.

Saint Pancras is enormous. I have only my point and shoot to take pics with. This will do for now.

Now I wait for Ross and co. One more hour. Maybe I'll go out for a walk.


NEXT

First 24 hours

I worked at the chapel last night. It was very slow to say the least. I did make some good money, more that usual when it's that slow so I'm not really complaining.

As soon as I got off, I went to fetch my mom and aunt so we can go to the outlet malls for black Friday. When we got there, peeled off from them to go get the things that I needed. I went to see lyss, she was working at Adidas. Seeing hear makes me happy. I'm very proud of her. How she is right now.

At around 2am, I started feeling tired. I got back home to my apartment in time to watch an episode of House and New Girl. During which I repacked and see how my carry on would do. At first I really wanted to take with me my yashica tlr, but I decided against it due to space and weight.

At exactly 530, we were at the airport. I was checked in and passed security in 20 minutes. I had my Cinnabon and coffee and watched the sunrise from the gate.

They flight to Charlotte was pity uneventful. I was seat A and had to uncomfortably wait for the final 30 minutes before I told my neighbors I needed to go.

Charlotte was pleasant. The sky was clear, it was a cool fall afternoon. The airport was spacious and not really gigantic. The also had rocking chairs. I grabbed a Philly cheesesteak and proceeded to wait at the gates.

And now for the flight t London.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Getting lost 1.0

November 23, 2011 - Thursday

Suppose you were given a chance at this point in your life to spend over a week in Europe, in cities like London, Paris and Rome? Would you go? If you couldn't, why?

Ive been lucky enough to have worked hard enough to get to a point where I could. Well, considering that this was planned over Facebook chat with my old college roommate while was supposed to be working, it turned out ok.

Tomorrow morning, black Friday I will get on a plane that will connect me via NC to London Gatwick airport. From there I'm supposed to find my way to saint pancras, the train station. I'm to meet my old friend Ross there. From there we shall take a train that will go under the English Channel and take us to Paris.

To say I'm excited is weak. I am tired yes, at this point because of the erratic schedule but I am excited nonetheless.

I am packed. Clothes that will last a few days, 2 pairs of comfortable shoes and of course my camera gear. Would I forget that?

Throughout the trip, I shall be sending dispatches about my situation and experiences. This starts the euro series for decaf. It would truly be a life changing and educational trip.

In this trip, plan to make friends with at least 10 new people and try 3 foods I've never had in my life.

It's thanksgiving day, I work tonight at the chapel. I am happy and thankful for everything I have right now and everything I don't, this chance and opportunity, this amazing trip.