DAY 14
July 27, 2022 (Last Day in LONDON)
Ok, I was now officially tired of the cold eggs, ham-tasting bacon, bread and cheese at this point. So I did what any Bahamian would do – I went to McDonalds across the road and got breakfast. But this was no ordinary McDonalds. This McDonalds was cashless and you placed your order on large touch-screens located throughout the store. After choosing your items, sides, drinks, you pay with your credit card and the machine spits out a receipt with your order number. With this in hand, I went to the counter where there were screens overhead with numbers that were being called. In no time, my order was ready and I sat in and enjoyed some peace and quiet while watching people pass by on the sidewalk outside. Talk about a vacation!
One Last Tour - The LONDON EYE...
Our last adventure had us on the tube and heading toward the London Eye – a large ferris-wheel type ride with 32 ‘cars’ representing the 32 districts in London (I think that’s what I remember hearing). The wheel moved so slowly up, up, up that it took 30 minutes to make one cycle. During this time, the entire group that was in its own car, was able to see the entire London area situated on the river Thames.
Exploring the South Bank...
After the amazing views from the London Eye, the group had free time. Some decided to go to Buckingham Palace, some went back to the hotel and my group decided to walk along the south bank of the river. It was amazing to see the variety of street vendors, there were people sitting, eating, playing and talking and other interesting buildings. One was the place where Shakespeare held his plays and another was a Contemporary Art Museum. We walked under several bridges and finally used the Google Maps to try to find the nearest Underground Station. Although we had to ask a few people to get our bearings, we found one and passed through the famous Burrough Market at the same time.
Finally - FISH AND CHIPS for DINNER!
A trip to London is not complete without having some authentic Fish and Chips and we got that at the North Sea Fish Restaurant. The portion was HUGE and extremely light, flaky and tasty and fries were just right. Again, this restaurant was short staffed with 2 waiters to serve the entire restaurant. What is happening in London? We would see another glimpse when we get to the airport tomorrow…stay tuned for that…frustration and fireworks!
A Suprise Visit....Head Boy - 2012 Toby McCarroll
During dinner, we had a ‘surprise’ visit by Toby McCarroll, Head Boy of the Class of 2012 from Queen’s College in Nassau. Of course I had already touched base with Toby days ago to see if there was a way to connect. I gave him the location for the restaurant and he appeared! He was very happy to see those of us who he knew and we were elated to have the chance to see him again. Toby is working in the courts in London and is dong extremely well. Although a brief visit, it was great to reconnect since he graduated 10 years ago. An oh that BRITISH ACCENT came through very strongly. We had to move now to catch the show South Pacific…
Bali-Ha'i was calling...
The last item of the trip was the musical South Pacific. We ended up walking over the forest and through the woods throughout the streets of London to get to the theatre. At one point IÂ wondered where in the world we were. But Michael was the expert guide and after a few twists and turns, the theatre appeared in front of us. We were given our tickets and entered and headed to the BATHROOM! Once we took our seats the show began. The music and the acting were top notch. I could hear those around me humming and singing with the songs as they were performed. I got a souvenir book to mark the moment. We took the underground home afterwards at 10:30pm and finally, after three trains later, arrived back at the hotel.
Home to Pack - Leaving for JFK tomorrow...
Day 14 and England AND THE TRIP is done!
I can’t believe it is now over.
Tomorrow we fly to JFK at 9am which means a VERY EARLY start. Then, we overnight and return to Nassau on Friday around midday.
