Simple, Easy, Awesome...
is how JJ and Ash described the journey to London. Truth be told it was not completely smooth sailing but only minor hiccups such as leaving my cell phone charger at the Logan Airport, Ash whining about being uncomfortable on the airplane and was unable to sleep, and waiting 1 1/2 hours in line for border control/immigration.
Once we got out of the airport and got to our Airbnb we were able to nap and be refreshed. Keep in mind that there is a 5 hour time difference which means that we got into London at 6:30 a.m. which was 1:30 a.m. in Boston. Our Airbnb hostess was super fantastic. She greeted us with a warm smile, offered us tea, and gave us space to get situated. Her home is a stylish Victorian house offering a great comfortable base from which to explore London and only a ten minute walk from the subway. She has created a stylish, comfortable, colorful home. She has a passion for 1950s and has collected furniture and artworks from that era. The house has a large garden to relax in which I can not wait to check out tomorrow. I have to admit, I love Airbnbs. It offers me an insight about a place, the neighborhood and the people that you really could not get just touring around or staying in a hotel or watching HGTV.
After we were rejuvenated, we went to a soccer game. The Queens Park Rangers vs. Reading. The score was 0-0. Both teams played really well but neither team could get a goal. Several close calls which kept it interesting. John and I had Chicken Balti Pukka Pies which are a "must have" at football/soccer games. Here is how they are described: "Light, crispy pastry, hearty fillings, and that signature, brightly colored foil – there’s nothing quite like a Pukka Pie. Whether you’re carrying it home in a paper parcel with lovely, vinegary chips, tucking in at the side of the pitch, or serving it up with creamy mashed potato, it’s the ultimate good mood food – whatever little ups and downs your day brings." And it did just that. The Indian flavors mixed with a British tradition of "meet pies" warmed my heart and of course my stomach. It felt really cool to be sitting in the stadium watching a soccer game and watching all of us enjoy it for various reasons. I was reminded at that very moment how much I love to travel and explore and so does John. The kids seem to just be happy seeing and exploring and of course riding the Tube/Underground/Subway.
About the Tube, I can't tell if it is because I am in vacation mode but it sure did feel like everyone seemed happier and lighter whereas in Boston, I feel like people on the T seem tired and overworked. Check out the picture with the thought of the day that was posted on a billboard right when you enter the Tube. Is the grass always greener or as John would say just add more fertilizer? Well, I guess we are about to find out. I think that living in another country for 6 months will help shape my views on this idea. How about you? What do you think?
Lastly, when we got home we relaxed in our retro 1950's Airbnb kitchen and the kids had a second dinner. Before I left the States, I thought about the time difference and how to get the kids to adjust to the time changes. I bought Zarbee's natural children's sleep with melatonin supplement and gave it to JJ and Ash and within 30 minutes they both were asleep. It worked like clock work. Now, for 2 hours I get to be at peace and relax with my plug-in travel aromatherapy diffuser, write this blog, and dive into some fun reading. I also took melatonin so we will see how long I last. It is 9:55 p.m. in London. Good Night.
Once we got out of the airport and got to our Airbnb we were able to nap and be refreshed. Keep in mind that there is a 5 hour time difference which means that we got into London at 6:30 a.m. which was 1:30 a.m. in Boston. Our Airbnb hostess was super fantastic. She greeted us with a warm smile, offered us tea, and gave us space to get situated. Her home is a stylish Victorian house offering a great comfortable base from which to explore London and only a ten minute walk from the subway. She has created a stylish, comfortable, colorful home. She has a passion for 1950s and has collected furniture and artworks from that era. The house has a large garden to relax in which I can not wait to check out tomorrow. I have to admit, I love Airbnbs. It offers me an insight about a place, the neighborhood and the people that you really could not get just touring around or staying in a hotel or watching HGTV.
After we were rejuvenated, we went to a soccer game. The Queens Park Rangers vs. Reading. The score was 0-0. Both teams played really well but neither team could get a goal. Several close calls which kept it interesting. John and I had Chicken Balti Pukka Pies which are a "must have" at football/soccer games. Here is how they are described: "Light, crispy pastry, hearty fillings, and that signature, brightly colored foil – there’s nothing quite like a Pukka Pie. Whether you’re carrying it home in a paper parcel with lovely, vinegary chips, tucking in at the side of the pitch, or serving it up with creamy mashed potato, it’s the ultimate good mood food – whatever little ups and downs your day brings." And it did just that. The Indian flavors mixed with a British tradition of "meet pies" warmed my heart and of course my stomach. It felt really cool to be sitting in the stadium watching a soccer game and watching all of us enjoy it for various reasons. I was reminded at that very moment how much I love to travel and explore and so does John. The kids seem to just be happy seeing and exploring and of course riding the Tube/Underground/Subway.
About the Tube, I can't tell if it is because I am in vacation mode but it sure did feel like everyone seemed happier and lighter whereas in Boston, I feel like people on the T seem tired and overworked. Check out the picture with the thought of the day that was posted on a billboard right when you enter the Tube. Is the grass always greener or as John would say just add more fertilizer? Well, I guess we are about to find out. I think that living in another country for 6 months will help shape my views on this idea. How about you? What do you think?
Lastly, when we got home we relaxed in our retro 1950's Airbnb kitchen and the kids had a second dinner. Before I left the States, I thought about the time difference and how to get the kids to adjust to the time changes. I bought Zarbee's natural children's sleep with melatonin supplement and gave it to JJ and Ash and within 30 minutes they both were asleep. It worked like clock work. Now, for 2 hours I get to be at peace and relax with my plug-in travel aromatherapy diffuser, write this blog, and dive into some fun reading. I also took melatonin so we will see how long I last. It is 9:55 p.m. in London. Good Night.
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