E concourse was on my ticket but there was no E concourse on the airport map. My flight from Raleigh, although very comfortable in bulkhead, caused my ears to be clogged. With my muffled ears I asked directions (several times) then struggled to listen as  people with multinational accents explained to me the way to the mysterious concourse. It was a long and welcome walk to a find this huge concourse. I was relieved when I finally found my gate, I knew once I got on that flight I would be in London.

Dreading the flight because I thought I would be packed like a sardine, I found the plane clean and comfortable. They even supplied a pillow, blanket, eye mask and ear phones.

See the photo bomber in the back haha!

I flew out on Virgin Atlantic. The food was really good. The any beverage service was unlimited; the friendly stewards and stewardess were my first experience with the British accents. I would recommend this airline. 

Sadly, even though I had reasonable enough room, I couldn’t sleep. I tossed and turned for a few hours. Happy to call it a night when the light started shining through the windows. It was a beautiful sunny moring above the clouds. We landed about about 8:30 AM. We made it!! As we were landing, I noticed out the window that it looked just like NC. Lots of trees and houses.

I found a couple unusual sites at the London airport. The restroom is called the toilet. The symbol for women showed a rounder woman Ha! I thought that was amusing, as I walked in I saw that the toilets were functional with no extras, no fuss and tightly spaced for a person with luggage.

 My next step was to find an ATM; according to Rick Steves (Thanks for the recommended, Cindy) that is the best place to make your money transfer. I used my debit card, made the transfer and now I have 40 pounds. Kimberly said I spend a pound like we spend a dollar. That’s simple enough.

 Look what preciousness was waiting for me! What sweet reunion. When I saw them, Henry ran to me. My arms were as full as my heart. I was on my knees hugging young ones. We had a great airport group hug!

 Those two young men pulled my huge suitcase and my carry on suitcase through the tunnels and halls of the public transportation. We got on the tube and drove through London. Kimberly is amazing. She knew how and where to go, she also knew how to manage 4 children and even sometimes got stuck with suitcases while holding Penelope! Wow! I learned we hold Lucy’s hand. Lucy loves to explore and see and run ahead but mom reminded me that holding Lucy’s hand is a serious job.

This is Zackary sitting in the living room, reading; He’s the oldest and loves to read. 

I have noticed I have a shortage of pictures with Kimberly so I am going to make sure I get a lot this trip. 

On the streets of London with the cutest little pixie you ever saw.

This is a mural for the ACTUAL founder of the internet. 

Kimberly and Ben live in East Sheen and this is where Sir Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web was born and raised. 

To keep me awake so I can get on a proper London schedule we walked to the local library. I loved it! I wish you could have been there to hear all the different languages being spoken as parents helped their children pick out books. This is Lucy and me in the red double bus in the children’s department.

I added this one because they are so cute. Just comfortable in their international setting, reading books. 

Penelope spent a couple minutes with her patient big brother. Local candy, some we are are familiar with some that are new.

Local news paper 

Zackary models what we call cheese puffs. 

After a long but exciting day I couldn’t keep my eyes open. My bed was so comfortable, it’s a big bed covered with a puffy comforter, there was a fire burning in the fireplace. I laid my head on my pillow and was asleep in a moment.

Every now and then,
when the world sits just right,
a gentle breath of heaven
fills my soul with delight…
~Hazelmarie “Mattie” Elliott, A Breath of Heaven

Thankful