Having lived in London intermittently for six years, I anticipated that my layover en route to Iceland would be just another routine experience. How mistaken I was!
I’d booked a room at the Thistle Hotel close to Terminal 5 to ensure I could make my early flight. The reception staff were amiable and accommodating, the room was pleasant, and following an arduous 24-hour flight, I was in dire need of sleep.
The next morning, fortified by a hearty breakfast, I reacquainted myself with London’s tube. I caught the Picadilly Line from Terminal 5, it’s an old bone rattler with hard seats so I changed at Earls Court to the District Line – much more comfortable. I have to say I love the Tube, everything links but you do need to study the map and plan your journey.
Having studied maps with the hope of discovering something new, I decided on the ruins of St Dunstan in the East, followed by The Shard, for which I’d booked tickets several months in advance. I exited the tube at Westminster and found the city buzzing with activity ahead of King Charles lll’s impending coronation.
I steered clear of the long lines at tourist attractions, but still took pleasure in renewing my acquaintance with Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. I couldn’t help but notice the sombre clothing of the crowd though, black was the dominant shade, giving the impression of a mass funeral rather than the advent of summer. Weary of fighting the crowds, I took a short tube ride to Monument, the station closest to my destination.
My path to St Dunstan in the East took me past the Monument to the Great Fire, but I felt no desire to ascend the numerous spiraling steps to its summit. Having done so years before, somewhere buried in my memorabilia I possess a certificate as evidence. The Monument is a remarkable structure, a 62m tower erected precisely 62m from where the Great Fire ignited in a Pudding Lane bakery. Conceived by Christopher Wren, the tower draws thousands of eager visitors annually, all keen to scale its 311 steps to the top.
St Dunstan in the East Church was originally built in 1100 AD with additions and repairs made over the centuries, however, the Great fire of 1666 AD severely damaged the building. It was patched up and restored, with a steeple designed by Christpher Wren added to the structure, but in 1817 AD, the building was deemed to be so unsafe it was decided that all but Wren’s tower had to be pulled down and the church rebuilt.
In 1821 the church, built of Portland stone, reopened to accommodate between 600 and 700 worshipers. Christopher Wren’s tower and steeple were retained within the new building. Unfortunately, in 1941 during the second World War the church was severely damaged, and it was decided not to rebuild. However, the tower and steeple did survive and 30 years later the ruins were made into a public garden.
I loved wandering the ruins, it was all creeping, leafless vines and old, green, moss-covered stones where the sun failed to reach. The sun shed a golden light through its high arched windows and in the small garden spring flowers bloomed. In comparison to my brief visit at Westminster there were few people wandering the gardens. It was a haven of peace in a busy city and somewhere I didn’t know existed until a few weeks before I left Australia.
I’m a great one for getting up early and making the most of my holiday so I headed for The Shard with plenty of time to have lunch near one of London’s icon tourist sites – The Tower of London. I know you’re not supposed to help yourself to lunch at the hotel breakfast bar – but I did, and who doesn’t? By sheer good luck I managed to find a seat and was able to enjoy crowd watching as the queues gathered. Again, black was the favourite colour of the tourists. I guess one advantage of wearing black on holiday is it doesn’t show the dirt. At this point I’ll stress that for a change I’d purchased a jacket that was navy blue! It didn’t match anything else I owned but then I’ve never been one to worry too much about colour coordinating my wardrobe while on holiday.
I’ve heaps of photos of the Tower of London (less the black clad crowds) at home but couldn’t resist the Tower Bridge and my first sight of The Shard standing sentinel over the river.
The sight of the futuristic building is nothing short of impressive – resembling an elongated, gleaming pyramid, it towers over its surroundings. My first choice had been to visit the Sky Garden, but it was fully booked by the time I made up my mind so I opted for The Shard as an alternative destination.
I hesitantly stepped into the elevator, reasoning that if the building were to collapse, I’d likely suffer a heart attack before reaching the ground. The first elevator ascended from floors 1 to 33 at a lightning pace, and the second from 33 to 68 even more swiftly. We were then ushered onto the glass-enclosed observation floor. Fortunately, the weather was clear, sparing me the potential letdown of being greeted by clouds instead of a view.
I’m not very comfortable with heights since I tend to lean forward when I’m on the edge of a precipice. Suffice to say, I was quite relieved that there was a glass barrier. and even managed to get to the very top open floor. The place was bustling, many people were seated at tables enjoying their wine and many more wandered from window to window peering at the view below, which was absolutely stunning. Sometimes pictures say much more than words, and this is one of those times. Even the loo had a view!
It was a magical experience and one I can highly recommend to anyone visiting London but a word of advice – book early! And even earlier if you want to visit Sky Garden. Maybe a visit to Sky Garden will be on my next UK itinerary.
I eventually made my way down and wandered aimlessly back over London Bridge and the Thames trying to find a post office so I could send some postcards back to my Grandchildren. Who sends postcards these days? Well, I did and they loved them! I guess getting mail these days is a bit of a novelty.
It was an uneventful journey back to Terminal 5 and my hotel but jet lag was setting in and I wanted to be fresh for my early flight to Iceland.
the next morning I was up early (3.15am) as I’d decided to catch The Pod to the terminal as opposed to the bus or a taxi. It was cheaper, only £7 and according to reception, much more reliable. Directions to the station were easy to follow but when I arrived at the Pod station I was horrified to find it was closed and completely unattended. All I could see was little “pods” sitting silently on a track with doors firmly closed.
I read the instructions near the door to find it started at 4am. 4am drew nearer and no one arrived to assist/start/open doors. By this time I was suffering from severe airport anxiety. How on earth was I going to get to the terminal on time.
At exactly 4am, lights came on and a pod quietly slid into position behind the glass door. It looked like a fat, white insect, or a mini alien spaceship. The door magically opened, I entered with my luggage and sat looking around – what next?
I hit the start button, hoping for the best. The doors closed silently and, equally silently we started to move along the track. A few minutes later we pulled up at Terminal 5. An amazing experience!
All I had to do was go through security and wait for my flight to Iceland. Of course, I was hours early – but for me that was nothing new.
My one day in London was a huge success. I was able to reacquaint myself with a city I love, one in which I’d spent many happy hours exploring a few years previously.
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