Zombie in London.

There we were in Gatwick Airport. Or, rather, walking into the Passport Control area of Gatwick Airport. Walking down the sloping entrance, I could see there were at least 800 people ahead of us, snaking slowly through a complex layout of those people herding devices used in most airports.

An older gentleman was announcing at the top of his lungs "You MUST have a white passport form completed BEFORE you get in line." over and over. We weren't worried, we did ours on the plane!

We and our fellow passengers joined the end of the line that was, to be honest, moving every 30secs to a minute. There were only two officials reviewing passports so I was surprised we were moving that quickly. R and I people watched - what else was there to do.

After a few minutes, I looked back and was grateful we'd arrived 15 min early because there were now at least 800 people behind us. By that time, several more passport reviewers had opened other booths so we were moving almost constantly. JOY!

At the front of the line was another official who was shunting people to the appropriate area. As we got close, she discovered a young lady who had NOT completed a white card.

"Fill one out and go to the back of the line"
"What??? Can't I come back here?"
"No. You were told before you joined the line. GO TO THE BACK OF THE LINE."

Sigh. As we approached the front of the line, I was hoping I'd get the rather well put-together redheaded gentleman in #2. (Hey, I was tired, not DEAD.) Unfortunately, several of us were shunted to #4. Sigh.

After a very quick passport check and stamp - we were off! Luggage pickup was boring as usual and customs was a little strange. We wheeled our bags into the door appropriate for us - "Non-EU/Nothing to Declare" and I expected to at least chat with someone. Instead there were several staff chatting and giving us all a disinterested once-over before going back to their discussion. I suppose neither of us looked suspicious.

We made our way through the airport (my ZOD I love 2-wheeled pull luggage. I used to think they were only for pretentious gits but they really are efficiency plus!) We found the exit for the Gatwick Express just into time to fling ourselves onto a train into London. I was still running on "We're finally here!!" And, I had my first Diet Coke of the day.

The train was quite nice - smaller than more north american trains but comfortable and 30min later we arrived in Victoria Station. We were in a hurry to get to the hotel (and maybe sleep) so we saw little of the terminus. We zipped upstairs and got in the line for a taxi.

We North Americans could learn from the British taxi industry - gigantic doors, plenty of room for luggage, comfy seats. Our taxi took us to the Hilton Olympia - we'd booked ahead and got quite a nice rate.

We arrived at about 10:30am and were told "We're very sorry but there are no rooms available. Can you come back around 3PM?" Reluctantly, we agreed. We stored our bags and set out on our first day's adventure IN LONDON! (I've been awake for 26 hours.)

We made a pact not to do anything IMPORTANT before we got some sleep - or rather until I got some sleep. Even in this state of affairs, I had yet to transform into Mr Cranky. (Miracles happen.)

We strolled down Kensington High Street, looking in shops and generally taking it all in. We grabbed a sandwich and my second Diet Coke of the day in a Pret.

We weren't feeling up to trying the Tube just yet, so we continued walking and ended up in Kensington Gardens, which were quite lovely. We found a bench out of the sun - London being very warm that day. Sitting there, I tried to let it all sink in - people were having lunch on some of the other benches, walking there dogs, having a mid-day jog. It was very pleasant just to sit there and let a good bit of London wander by.

Later, we continued through the park and crossed the boundary into Hyde Park. Equally beautiful, it was heartening to realize this natural beauty existing one of the largest cities in the world.

We exited Hyde Park at what I thought was the south-west corner (but I was incorrect.) Heading what we thought was west (but really south), we got ourselves hopelessly lost in South Kensington. By this time, it was well past 1PM and, to be honest, I was struggling with "Mr. Cranky." We stopped a gentlemen to ask for directions and he was quite helpful. (The first of many friendly and helpful English, I'm happy to report.)

With the delay, being lost and all, we arrived back in the hotel at about 2:55PM (I've now been awake for, what 31 hours?) But, in for a penny, in for a pound, we checked into the room, freshened up, left again for a quiet dinner and turned in early.

I awoke the next morning at about 5am local time and we started our first REAL day in London.