Stirling to Notting Hill

We’re in Hoofddorp (hoaft-dorp near Amsterdam) with Gladys & Carlo (my aunt & uncle) right now, but since I haven’t posted anything about London yet, I’ll start there.

After a slight hiccup in our plan (thanks to those pesky adverse weather conditions!) we arrived in London. We were all set to leave for Glasgow International Airport Saturday afternoon when Brendan checked the flight status and discovered that all EasyJet flights to London had been cancelled. Fortunately, we were able to re-book for Sunday. We left home at 9:15am, and after train, cab, plane, train, tube, and a short walk, we arrived safely at Toby’s flat in Notting Hill (Toby has gone home for Christmas, but generously offered us his place for our stay in London). Liam performed admirably, demonstrating once again what a star traveler he is!

After settling in a bit and having a quick bite to eat, we set out to explore London by night. Our first destination was, Hyde Park which hosts a fair called Winter Wonderland from late November to early January. We had been tired when we arrived in the city, but getting out into the brisk night air full of Christmas excitement revived our spirits. From Winter Wonderland, we took the tube to Piccadilly Circus to see some more of the city’s famous Christmas lights. We first walked to Trafalgar Square, then headed back past Piccadilly and down Regent Street. I loved my first taste of London. The streets and squares looked so grand all decked out for Christmas, and I was thrilled to now be seeing a city I had long hoped to visit.

Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park

Trafalgar Square

Piccadilly Circus

Regent Street

Oxford Street

From Regent Street we headed into Soho in search of a quiet place to sit down and have a pint. We soon came upon The Blue Post, which proved to be just what we were looking for. It was nice to sit down after our walk and take a moment to savour the fact that we were actually in London! 

Brendan making dinner in Toby's flat

Liam hanging out in Notting Hill