The airport has changed a great deal from my last trip.
It is now equipped for the connected world. Ipads mounted in very "War of the World" claws, all set into lovely marble tables, all at bar height.
I spent a good half hour trying to sign into hotmail, never finding out if it was me not figuring out the machine, or the machine that was malfunctioning. Probably me.
The flight was uneventful. A very large airplane, an airbus of sorts with 7 across seats.Managed to get a bit of sleep.
We were in the dark for the full flight and only saw the landscape as we made the final approach.
Gatwick is set out in the countryside south of London, all green fields with hedgerows.
So green.
Even the paving stones and chain link fences are green.
Actually, so very much like New Zealand. I now understand why the British took to NZ almost instantly,
so much like home.
We landed a bit early, tailwinds you know, and were out and through customs in record time for such a large
flight. Buying train tickets and the "Oyster card" for tube travel was easy peasy.
Train to the City, subway to our digs, all went well though a little confusing since we were now a bit tired.
Picked up our keys for the flat from a delightful Estate agent and explored.
The area is called Clapham, the housing mostly Edwardian.
London is, as all must know, an incredibly expensive city. I'm really not sure how people manage, but manage they do and seemingly quite well. I suppose it also explains the popularity of the Airbnb.
So many big mortgages to pay and the rooms let out are a great supplement.
The area is littered with grocery stores with all kinds of prepared foods. Lovely food, lovely coffee to discover.
We've made a good start.
A walk later in the evening to see the sun go down, watch the geese and parrots (parrots?) in the park,
How does it feel to be in this incredibly historic place? I am in awe.
Even the mundane is surprising.
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