The way time has flown by, it feels like I just flew in to London. Hearing the pilot's voice in my early morning slumber, "we are now arriving at London's Heathrow Airport." This may sound strange, but it was something that I looked forward to on this trip to the United Kingdom. If I could I would have tape-recorded it as a fond memory. Truth be told, I actually slept through that announcement. I have never been able to sleep during any flight. And the flight over here sure put it to the test. My seat aboard the jumbo jet was in very middle of the plane, two seats in from the aisle on the right facing the nose. I had stayed awake most of the flight, but dozed off about an hour before landing. It was interesting during the late night flight, seeing fellow flyers' idiosyncrasies.
Not being a person who can sleep in, I got up just after sunrise and took a walk around the neighborhood. I believe this area is called West Brompton. It's kind of near Hyde Park, but also close to the Victoria Station. I love exploring new areas, especially in the early morning when all is quiet. While I never claimed to be an expert in architecture, I do love and appreciate the styles over here in London. My hometown of Chicago is renowned for it's own building structures, but again, I can certainly appreciate the buildings I walk past down these streets of London. Saw a few people along the way, waving hello.
I made it back to my B & B and found they had just started serving breakfast. Perfect timing! I had eggs, bangers, toast, orange juice and coffee. Talked with a very nice woman named Tracy. Who is visiting from Canada. Afterwards, I went back to my room on the fourth floor to change and head out for a day of exploring. It seemed the higher I walked up the stairs to my room, the more narrowed the spaces became. Nevertheless, I rather like my room and this building in which I was staying. I took a quick shower, got ready and set out for my day around London. Upon leaving I, again, walked past the room where I ate my eggs and bangers. Waved to Tracy. We exchanged genuine smiles and I was on my way.
I had purchased a pass, allowing me to easily take the double-decker buses around town. It was a full day; looking at the history of the London Bridge, Piccadilly Circus and at the last minute, took a tour out to Stonehenge during the afternoon. It was a good idea making that trip. Stonehenge was pretty amazing to see in person. Surreal. But the mounting tour buses in the parking lot took away the mystique. It was a long day though. I took a quick nap in my room and went out to grab a coffee afterwards. It was about four o'clock. Holding the door open for me as I went through the threshold was the very cute and nice woman I met this morning -- Tracy. One thing I had noticed then, was she had quite a curvy figure. One that I was very much attracted to. But I played it cool. Trying not to show my attraction too much. What a surprise seeing her there, right at the door. haha. We laughed and chatted a bit and I asked if she wanted to join me in getting a coffee. Tracy just got one, actually, so we made dinner plans instead.
We met up in the lobby at 6p and went to a nearby restaurant. I had fish n chips, as did Tracy. I could become addicted to the fish n chips and said as much. It was a fun evening, laughing, talking and sharing dinner with Tracy. I had a pint of a local lager and Tracy, some wine. The place was pretty lively with, of course, a lot of beer was flowing in the bar area. We finished up dinner and took a casual walk around the neighborhood. It was a nice, cool evening. After about a half hour, we made it back to the Bed and Breakfast. We were having such a good time. What happened next, kind of took me by surprise. But was incredibly happy it did. Tracy invited me to her room for a glass of wine and talk some more. I thought that sounded like a good idea and agreed to come up in 45 minutes. I wanted to go back to my room for a little bit. She then asked if I minded if she were dressed down, when I came up. After such a long today traveling around, she wanted to shower and put on some comfortable clothing. Certainly not. I fully agreed and asked if she minded if I changed into my lounge pants and a t shirt. Not at all. We were getting along so well. With a little flirtation added, no doubt. We exchanged a long hug and went our separate ways. Wow. What a hug. I have to admit. I love Tracy's fuller figure. She definitely takes care of herself, nevertheless.
I flipped on the tv in my room and noticed a special about John Gielgud on BBC. Very interesting show. Showered, then relaxed a bit. I changed into my patterned, cotton lounge pants and put on an old, but comfy polo shirt. Slipped my Birkenstocks on and noticed a bottle of wine I had purchased for myself earlier. I grabbed it on the way out.
