TUBE DAY:

June 26th

     Our fist day in London was filled with tube traveling. We had the task of taking the tube to the Embankment stop where we would then cross the Golden Jubilee Footbridge over River Thames where the National Theatre, the London Eye and the Globe are all located. It was an adventure! After deciding that we would travel as a group to go see all these places, we headed out. At first I was confused at how each tube was named and directions they were going, it took me a few trips and taking the time to study the map to understand the steps I need to think about first before heading out.

*I personally learn subways systems or tube systems by taking the small maps available and just studying them and seeing where I need to go before getting in the station. I like to have a plan before stepping in. And people move fast when traveling anywhere really in London, and I always hate to be the person holding people up unintentionally so I wanted to make sure I was prepared.

     We found the way to Embankment and then crossed the bridge stopping along the way to take pictures of the bridge view and just enjoying the wonderful weather and sights that we have always seen on a tv screen but never in person.

     The first stop was the National Theatre and they had a huge pointer finger on a wall where you could take pictures with, so naturally we all took pictures. It was to promote Everyman, which is a show we will be seeing later on the trip.

     The London Eye was next. It is huge and expensive to ride (we didn’t ride it) but yet so unique and cool. After figuring out where to walk to get to the Globe we walked along the coast/pier side.

     There were lots of performers and places to eat and just people having a good time out in the sun. It was a nice leisurely walk.

     We finally arrived at the Globe and got our group picture and then walked across the Millennium Bridge.

*Harry Potter Reference: The Millennium Bridge is the bridge that the death eaters attacked and destroyed on The Half-Blood Prince.

     Once we crossed the bridge we realized we didn’t really know where to go. None of us had a detailed map showing us the closest tube station so we wandered a bit till we found a map and got back on track to where we wanted to go. Once we arrived at the closest station I felt comfortable and had a good idea of which tube to take and in which direction. Overall I think this day was the best way to start out our trip because it really forced us to learn the tube so we could travel confidently on our own without being scared that we will travel in the wrong direction. It also feels nice when walking through the stations and (hoping) people think I’m just a normal person traveling and not a blubbering tourist, even for only when riding the tube.

*Also I want to note that I saw The 39 Steps later that night and it was great. It was such a funny show with great specificity and uniqueness, and a wonderful show to end a wonderful first day.

Tune in the next couple of days with a post about The Merchant of Venice at the Globe.