A New Adventure...London Calling

I’VE discovered a lot going on in the short time since deciding to return to my travel adventure.

This week I found myself in the hustle and bustle of the great city of London – rumour has it there is a big event being held here over the next few weeks: The Olympic Games.

During my years out at sea I had come across fellow travellers from far away lands who talked of the ancient Olympics held in Greece centuries before where proud warriors would compete in the name of Zeus. I had thought this was all nonsense, although from the number of pilgrims who have already made their way to the capital of this land named the United Kingdom I seem to be the only one without a ticket!

Research tells me these modern Olympic Games started in the late 19^th century and it is a privilege to play host to the many thousands of athletes who take part every four years.

Finding my way around London has been a whole new challenge for me – those pesky gatekeepers wouldn’t allow me to sail my ship up the Thames – so I’ve had to familiarise myself with a method of transport they call the London Underground. This involves using a train – a concept I find hard enough to fathom – to transport people under the ground –incredible!

Another amazing tool I have recently discovered is the Internet! What a marvel, it allows me to research anything at the click of a button. A quick search of London on Toowist armed me with the knowledge to discover this incredible city from top to toe.

So much has changed since I last visited English shores – gone are the horse and carriages and in their place are cars, buses and a wonderful contraption called the Boris Bike! Apparently it was introduced by the Mayor of London to encourage a people making their way around the city to be ‘greener’ – although how that works I’m not quite sure, the bikes are bright blue after all. It does make me chuckle to watch people zip in and out of traffic though.

A walking tour around the city on Friday led me to Stratford, east of the city. I’m not generally one to follow the crowds, but in this instance I’m glad that I did – because I ended up at the gateway to the Olympic Games. Once again I watched history unfold before my eyes, a glittering ceremony to mark the official opening of the Games.

The atmosphere was joyous and you could feel the excitement crackling through the air like that fantastic new invention electricity. I was surrounded by thousands of people from all across the world, all there for one reason.

Thank goodness my journey led me to London at this time – I cannot imagine a more exciting place to be but I have time on my side and a whole new world to discover.

Until next time…