London's Long (but worthwhile) Arrival

This is it. August 16, 2024. This is where 5 months of organizing the real-world life we've put on pause, and the flexi-planning of our next 2 months begins.

There were a few steps leading to our London arrival. We each got suitably-sized backpacks, made a packing list each, checked it twice, purchased what we were lacking (mainly proper walking/hiking shoes), and set off to London on an overnight flight. Because the Paris Olympics recently ended it was much, much, MUCH cheaper to fly to Paris instead and then come back to London. Scott tried four times to see if the airline would just let us get off in London. No, they said, you may not and will not or you will be punished financially or by having your return trip cancelled. Oh well. So we arrived in London, connected onto the 45 minute Paris flight, took the train to Gare du Nord in Paris, connected to the Eurostar train back to London, and capped it off with a cab ride to our hotel. Our driver was Paul and I thought he looked Michael Cain-ish. The evening weather upon arrival at our hotel became cool and blustery so we ate and went to bed. Zzzzz.

I was so impressed with the kids. I'll call them S and B. If you're reading this you know who they are. This was their first time hauling their jet lagged bodies with their backpacks through airports, trains, customs lines, as well as in some sticky, humid Paris heat. They had zero complaints and two positive attitudes. Backpackers are being crafted and character is being made!

Sightseeing and memory-making begins tomorrow!