Things you come to know only in retrospect, when you're lying exhausted in a hotel room in a foreign land, specifically that kingdom where your fictional husband William lives:
1. Do not overpack. Wherever you are in the world, even in cold countries, travel light! One coat is enough, really. Really. I brought three, plus two jackets, two sets of gloves, one pashmina shawl, two scarves, two sweaters (oh sorry, jumper), and a cardigan. Hello 'di 'ba. My arms are wilting from the weight of it all. And because my hands are tied down by my bags, I can't take one decent picture. I blame Duncan, my English officemate/friend who told me to bring lots of clothes to layer, and of course myself for being my overpacking self hahaha.
2. Wear comfortable shoes. London is a city made for walking. They have cobble-stoned paths, small, winding streets and traffic lights that work. If your stilettos are made for sitting down and being pretty, you won't be able to handle this city. Low-heeled boots and and rubber shoes are the way to go.
3. Walk as fast as you can. And then faster. This ain't lazy Manila, baby. Duncan picked me up at the airport and just practically zipped away - with my amazingly huge luggage. I couldn't keep up! And I'm a relatively fast walker. I had to tell him to wait for me. Meanwhile, everyone was saying "excuse me" and passing me by. They aren't being rude, it's just the way they are. They walk fast because it's cold and they generate more body heat when they move quickly. In Manila, you move slower because you want to stay cool and keep the sweat at bay. Whatever works, right?
4. Look to your left. Oh wait, no. RIGHT. Look to your right. See, I almost got hit by a taxi.
5. Speaking of taxis, you can ask the cabbie anything. They know everything! In London, taxi and shuttle drivers are trained in a 14-week course, basically about how to be a good ambassador to all those entering the city. After completing the course they take an exam and, depending on their grade, get to drive for two or four years each time (or something like that). Coolness.
6. Don't be afraid to get lost. Everyone has the capacity to be nice, remember that. You can always ask for directions. Just don't forget #2.
7. Do drink beer. Yummy. On my first night I had a drink at Queens Head, a pub in Hammersmith, near my hotel. I had Indian pale ale (tastes a bit like San Mig), Guinness (black and thick and bitter), and another one can't remember. UK has a very high drinking rate, which they say is a problem, but with the number of pubs they have (I've seen at least three on one block alone), I reckon they'd rather get wasted that solve the problem. Fine by me. :)
8. Have someone around. I thought I'd be all alone on this trip. I was actually okay with that, until I got to the street and was completely overwhelmed. Strangeness is comforting, but sometimes it can be frustrating. Anyway, turns out I have a couple of relatives here (who I'll be meeting tomorrow night). I'm also meeting a friend of a friend, which is cool because I know he'll allow me to be the tourist that I absolutely want to be but won't be able to do alone because I'd look too silly. Hehe. Then of course I have my London-based officemates. Lovely.
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