Hello again! 🙂
This morning, we traveled from Manchester to London via the train, the Underground, and then a taxi. We are now safe and sound in David’s flat (who is staying in our apartment in Orlando!). Three cheers for an apartment swap – we are saving almost $700 in hotels!
Since we woke up late, I had a brunch instead of a breakfast during our train ride. I grabbed another amazing baguette from a side shop – this one was brie, tomato, and basil. Nom, nom, nom!
And I also snacked on crisps and drank a latte. I never got around to the banana.
The train ride was uneventful, but I did finish Dan Brown’s The Last Symbol. It was a good follow-up to The Da Vinci Code, and pretty much exactly what you would expect it to be.
Once we arrived at David’s flat, we settled in, did some laundry, and walked to a corner shop to stock up on groceries and (hopefully) save some money over the next few days.
Here’s our haul:
A bunch of fresh veggies, which we will use to make dinner tonight:
Lunch basics, like cheese, bread, and beans. I also grabbed some bulgur. Not sure what I’ll do with that, though!
Breakfast basics, like my beloved Greek yogurt! I bought a brand of cereal that seemed closest to granola, which I have not seen once in England (probably just looking in the wrong aisle or something silly!).
And last but not least, a HUGE thing of water and a bottle of champagne for tonight. I also picked up a container of instant coffee, which is SO much better than the “blah” instant coffee in America.
Random observations about Europe:
- I miss large supermarkets with 20 different options for every food item. I know that’s such an American thing to say. 🙂 The Husband says that London does have larger shops, but they aren’t on every corner.
- Vegetarian options are everywhere – the food is so much better in general in England! Even ‘fast food’ has better options.
- I find it amusing how most Europeans have tiny fridges and not a big, massive fridge like Americans have. The version of a fridge that David and the Husband’s grandparents have is the same size of my “beer fridge” in college.
- People in flats do not seem to have clothing dryers, just washers! Everything is hung up to dry.
- The public transportation in London is amazing. Amazing! I wish Orlando had a public transportation system that was half as good.
In short, every time I travel outside of America (I’ve been to Europe five times now), I’m reminded how big and convenient many things at home are. We are definitely spoiled by how much space we have. But bigger is not always better, of course – the way Europeans live is much more environmentally friendly! Additionally, America is definitely lacking in other key areas – like public transport and quick, healthy food options!
What has traveling taught you?
See you in 2010! Stay safe, and don’t forget to designate a driver!
Bulgur wheat YUMMM! You can make a simple pilaf with it… Saute an onion in some oil or butter, add the bulgur and toast. Add water or veggie broth (same proportions as rice). Cover and cook! Top with some toasted nuts and enjoy! Yum.
I am really enjoying your posts on this trip. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your vacation. It makes me miss overseas traveling so much. I can’t wait for Jordan in June!!!