John, my trusty (and free!) ride from the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal on Vancouver.
Onboard the Spirit of Vancouver Island, headed for the mainland.
The Gage Towers at UBC. We picked Andrew up from the SUB, but I thought i'd take this picture for Kaja and Colby who are in Australia right now.
British Airways Boeing 747-400 G-BNLJ, my ride to England.
Landfall over the UK.
The moment of touchdown on British soil.
The tube station at Heathrow's Terminal 4. Waiting for the train here, I met a fellow who was also headed to the Maple Leaf pub last night.
The Holiday Inn London Kensington Forum... a nice hotel in a BEAUTIFUL neighbourhood. I stopped here briefly to checkin, shower and change before I made my way to...
... COVENT GARDEN! From here I began my search for the elusive Maple Leaf Pub.
As Borat would say, GREAT SUCCESS!
Richard and Liz, friends of Randy (the fellow from the tube). These guys are both from Vancouver (hence the Canucks/Bertuzzi thing). I'd say we hit it off well, especially considering I was wearing...
... my Flames jersey! The fellow in the middle is Craig, a fine Aussie chap from Melbourne and Richard's flatmate (roommate). It also happened to be his birthday.
The reason we were all at the Maple Leaf (although I didn't actually know this until I got there) is that Sunday night is hockey night here. They broadcast the Hockey Night in Canada doubleheader from the night before... its not live, but it did the trick for us... especially since the Flames won :)
From the pub, I made my way back to the Gloucester Road tube station adjacent to my hotel. For the next 8 days, Gloucester Road will be home base for yours truly.
That's all for now folks... will update you on the first full-day of fun in London first thing tomorrow (which will be about midnight in BC)!
4 comments:
Blake! You're alive!
I figured out from BA's website that your flight was a little under an hour late arriving, but I couldn't stop worrying about safe your navigation of the New World. Have you planted a Canadian flag yet?
I'll forward the link to your blog in my dad's direction, I know he'll appreciate the sentiments... Couldn't help but wish for pictures from inside the lounge, though no pre and post-shower shots? ;)
-Andrew
McVie... i'm not sure there's anything MORE tacky than taking pictures inside a private airport lounge... no wonder they won't let you in the Maple Leaf Club ;)
Yes Blake
YES!!!
YOU ARE IN THE WORLDS GREATEST CITY.
Please, do send my regards to Liz.
And remember...go to the Cabinet War Rooms / Churchill Museum with more than two hours left in the day.
I wish I could hop a flight right now.
Well written article.
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