Flip Side: Thailand to London in 24 Hours

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Wednesday.

All-you-can-eat BBQ buffet with D’jeane and the gang in Chiang Mai.
Fresh fruit.
Broiling tropical heat.

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Thursday.

24 hours in greasy airports and clammy planes… and I’ve gone from here:

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To here:

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Yep. That’s Big Ben and a pair of Bobbies. I’m in London, mate!

The plane lands at 6 am. I’m exhausted and jet lagged, but I get on the tube, and go into the city.

It’s my first time in the UK and I’m pretty excited.

The morning light is amazing, and the streets are nearly deserted. And it is cold. Really cold. Especially compared to Thailand.

As soon as the shops start to open, I find a hiking shop and start trying on mountain jumpers. I’m in luck. They are having a sale. I get myself gloves, a beanie and a rain jacket as well. I haven’t had a rain jacket for a while. They aren’t much use in Thailand. You get so sweaty wearing them you may as well stand in the rain.

Huh. This restaurant looks weirdly familiar… and also really not.

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Jet Lagged Sightseeing:

I’m semi delirious from sleep deprivation, but I got to take a look around this amazing city.

I walk over to Trafalgar Square. I get myself a bagel and have breakfast. The sun is finally starting to show itself, so I take off my new gloves to eat.

Nelson’s Column:

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That’s a big freakin’ lion:

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Westminster Abbey. Fancy.

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Parliament:

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Piccadilly:

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After four hours of tramping around the city, my excited energy finally abates. I collapse into a cafe booth and call my new couch-surfing friend Alex.
I only contacted Alex a couple of days ago, but he welcomed me warmly, and invited me to stay at his flat in Kilburn Park.

The thought of a couch, coffee, and food is almost as exciting as Big Ben.
I’m gonna sleep well tonight.

I descend into the underground again, and take the tube out to Alex’s place.

More news from jolly old Britain soon!

Goodnight! (And good morning Chiang Mai).

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