1: Kings Cross, London

I made it to the UK in great shape after a non-stop flight between Austin and Heathrow. What I had not planned for, though, was that the London Rail and Underground systems exchange has changed since the last time I was here. There’s this “Elizabeth Line” thing to contend with. It’s not the line or the train that’s the problem, it’s the signage. Rather, the lack of it if you’re getting off and taking any other line or getting on a train instead of the Tube. Even some Londoners with me were confounded. If you’re not having to wheel suitcases through the station, look for lifts, or switching lines, maybe it’s easier? It was not a breeze. I told my brother that I felt like Hannibal with elephants getting through the city. It was really cool to find out I’m physically stronger than I thought. I have long had memories of the trains in London, always knowing where I was and where I was headed, but this was a Brave New World in 2024. Since 2012, London has had the Olympics, the Queen’s jubilees, her funeral, and a coronation in addition to growing in population. The Tube had to grow with it all. I ultimately won the day and don’t plan to have to get back on it with bags again, so that’s alright.

I broke my hard-and-fast jet lag rule and took exactly a one hour and thirty minute nap after I got to the hotel and had lunch. I’m not sure it did any harm that first day but I wonder if my sinking spells around 3pm the following days had something to do with that? I don’t know how to even figure out if there’s a connection. All I know is that I’m here safely and all in one piece. Not too shabby all on my own and God, I love this city.

Kings Cross (the area where I booked my hotel) used to be a red-light district in London and my British friends have been giving me a hard time about staying there even though it’s much different now. My first trip to London was in college and we stayed not too far from there AND Kings Cross is the rail station I need to get to Leeds in a couple days.

I headed out a little while ago for some dinner and people watching. The buskers here are all so good and I got a sandwich and settled on a bench in front of the station to listen to some good music. I chatted with my brother and texted people to let them know I had arrived and was fine. I have a small army back home keeping track of me, and a few strategic UK friends ready to jump into action if I need them. So far, I’m good! I’m so happy to be back here!