Mark & The Norwegians

But eventually we took off across the North Sea to Merry Olde Englande, landing at Gatwick later than we expected. After regrouping, grabbing our luggage, and standing in the line for train tickets, we got our tickets into Victoria. I might add that the expense for even a 4-day trip is pretty high given the abysmal dollar-pound rate right now--our sticker shock is somewhat easier to handle as we live in Norway, but still, yikes!


From Victoria via tube to Waterloo, and our less than luxurious, but very adequate "flat" that we booked at the Union Jack Club, which is a military-connected lodging facility right across the street from Waterloo station. A bit shabby, but with three bedrooms and a kitchen, and the convenience of easy tube and train connections, it was a perfect location. At over $300 a night, believe it or not, it was still a bargain for a family of 5.

We combined a family trip with some business I had at Warminster (out by Salisbury about a 2 hour train trip to the west of London) and at Northwood in the northwest suburbs of London. So, regrettably I only had two days of "touristing", but the rest had four days, which I think got at some of the basic London tourist sites.

We saw a lot of interesting and historical sites, and November is a pretty good time to go in terms of low numbers of tourists. Coming from quiet Norway, though, we were shocked right away by the sheer numbers and bustle of the crowds moving in every direction. The London tube at evening rush hour is something to be experienced.

Nothing to write home about in terms of English food. Expensive of course. We saved a bit by stocking up at the local grocer. Weather held up pretty well for us--not sunny, but not too rainy or cold. Tired feet throughout the trip--we're just not used to the pavement pounding, even with using the tube extensively.

We were also able to catch a show--Lord of the Rings--which the kids really enjoyed. The story of the missing glove can best be understood on Timothy's blog I think. I also enjoyed the British Museum with their fine collection of looted antiquities--including the Rosetta Stone. We also got to hear a nice piano concert in St. Martin-in-the-Fields with a bit of Mozart to lend class to the urban environment. There is much to see/do, but we are all agreed we wouldn't want to actually live in London.

Finally, tube and train back to Gatwick with the (now habitual) flight delay on Norwegian airlines, and back to cold/rainy Norway by 1 in the morning.

Dog is back, groceries are bought, fire in the fireplace with warm smallest lad lounging in front. Oldest boy foruming. Daughter fretting about Spanish homework. Elizabeth catching up on bills, e-mail, etc. Life is back to normal . . . until next trip.