Today is the travel day. My day started at 4:00 AM so I could make it in time for my 6:00 AM flight to New York City. I ended up running a little late, but ultimately made it in time for my flight. On the flight, there I got a window seat in the very last row, but the man in the middle kept extending his arms out so it felt like half the seat was being taken. Once I landed in New York, I had to make airport switches for the international part of my flying. I had two options which was take an Uber or take public transportation using the subway. Since I was alone and worrying about my safety, I went ahead and paid $75 to get an Uber. Once I got to John F Kennedy Airport, I was in no rush since I had a couple of hours to waste. The security lines were long, but once I got in, it was smooth sailing from there. Now all I had to do was board the plane.
My Virgin Airways plane was surprisingly nice since I had an economy seat. On the side of my seat, I had plenty of room to move my backpack out to the side so I could extend my legs throughout my flight. On-flight entertainment was good because of the number of options you had. There were at least 100 movies available to watch, and the plane tracking was cool. Before it got too late, they served our dinner to us. The two options were chicken curry or tomato pasta, but I chose the chicken curry. I was shocked by it actually being good and filled me up. In the morning, they served breakfast which was also good and gave me hot tea. I tried hot tea with milk for the first time and it did not disappoint. Hot tea and milk are common in the United Kingdom, so make sure to try it at least once!
Once we landed in London Heathrow Airport, I had to go through customs. It was one of the simplest and quickest customs I have ever been through. When I went to
Canada, it took about an hour to get through customs alone and in Jamaica it took 3 hours. In London, all you had to do was scan your passport and take a picture in front of a machine. Since I had all my luggage with me already, I walked toward the public transportation to get to the place I am staying at. The Elisabeth Line is the most affordable option, but it does take a little bit longer. But, once I got inside, I was surprised how nice and clean it was for a public transportation train. About an hour goes by, and I finally arrive at my destination.
The second I walk out of the tube; I am in shock. All the buildings on the street had charm and looked so elegant. Even the police station had an old exterior and character. I saw this one tavern immediately that I have been dying to see. It looks exactly like a true English pub, which I have been super excited to see for so long! It was calle
d The Abbey Tavern, and there was another one called The Camden Head. While I was walking, there was so much energy around, and it made my first overall impression of London fantastic. If you visit London, make sure you see neighborhoods not in Central London to get a true experience of what it is like to live in London.