Distant Wanderings: Vacation Report: Part One

Note to self: when planning a trip, for own sanity, book a morning flight, or at least take the whole day off. My flight was at four, so I worked until 2, running around like the proverbial beheaded chicken, trying to accomplish last-minute tasks. I had a hopper flight to Philadelphia, where I witnessed the bizarre sight of Philly P.D. cruising through the airport on Segways (kinda like these guys--apparently it's not an uncommon phenomenon).

Then it was on to London. As usual, I couldn't sleep on the plane, but watched School for Scoundrels (not recommended) and did Sudoku to pass the time. When I arrived I navigated trains both above and below ground to get to my friend Celia's apartment (also one bus, due to a fire which briefly closed the Jubilee Line). I was met at the apartment by our other friend Sylvine. I met Celia (who is from France) and Sylvine (who is Belgian) in Argentina, more than two years ago. It was with them that I experienced a rain-soaked, wind-blown (and eventually aborted) patagonian trek. Good times.

After catching up with Sylvine and catching a quick 2-hour nap, we headed out to meet Celia after work. London is a ridiculously expensive place. At $2 to the pound, the exchange rate absolutely sucks. It's hard not to fixate on the prices!! We had a drink at a bar, grabbed a quick dinner, then headed to a Brazilian bar/club. Celia's Scottish friend Robert joined us to share his samba skills and lovely accent and together we imbibed a number of caipirinhas and mojitos ($11 each!) The funny thing about going out at 5:30 PM is that by 10:30 you feel as if you've had a very full day and are ready to turn in for the night! But thanks to the great band that was playing a mix of brazilian tunes and party favorites, we stayed on until the wee hours! No jetlag for me!! After that it was time for a wander through the streets looking for a late-night snack. We wound up having quarter pounders ($5!) at a completely packed McDonalds at 2 AM, then rode home upstairs in a double-decker bus. Ah, London!

I hadn't brought my camera with me, but luckily Robert had his phone with fancy camera (with flash) and also luckily, he had no objections whatsoever to behaving like ridiculous tourists! Thanks to him, I have these classic photos to share: