Solo Traveler

Changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace

I had a 10 hour layover in London so I decided to explore the city since I’ve never been. I had never traveled alone in a foreign city before so I was nervous, but determined. While in the Entebbe airport, I looked some things up about how to navigate London, but of course none of it was applicable because once I arrived I discovered that the tube (subway) drivers were on strike. Instead, I had to take the Heathrow Express to Paddington Station and then figure out the bus system. A nice older British gentlemen who now lives in Texas sat next to me and told me which bus to take from there.

In front of Buckingham Palace

In front of the London Eye

Big Ben

With my map in tow, I found my way to Buckingham Palace. In fact, I happened to get there just in time to see the changing of the guards! I then found my way to Westminster Abbey and Big Ben. By then I was starving and walked into a nearby pub for lunch. Of course I had to order Fish and Chips…when in London. I happened to sit next to two women from Columbus, what are the odds!? Afterwards, I took a 45min river cruise to see the London Tower, all the major bridges, and some other historical buildings. I was mostly glad to be sitting. 

Earlier at the restaurant, I was able to use their wifi to download a bus app and get the directions back to Paddington Station. Despite having the directions, I was nervous that I had gotten on the wrong bus, but thank God I did it! It felt so good to successfully navigate being a solo traveler. It was liberating just knowing that I could do it. It was a short, but wonderful experience. I would definitely like to come back to London someday and experience more of the famous city. 

Until Next Time,

*Nicole 

On the river cruise