A morning hotel check out before a late afternoon flight is always a bit awkward, as we were hours away from our next airport and had to drag our luggage with us as we did a few final hours in London. I am very grateful that we each have a rolling suitcase and a backpack, so it’s not too inconvenient, but I already can think of things I could have left at home.
Gatwick Airport could only be accessed through Victoria Station, so I looked around the area to see how we could entertain ourselves for our last few hours in London. A few royal gardens (parks), Buckingham Palace, and Trafalgar Square were all within walking distance, so off we went, luggage trailing behind.
We stumbled across Buckingham first, and I think the flag signaled that the Queen was at home.
Even Dwayne couldn’t find fault with the Trafalgar Lions—they were impressive!
A little lunch in St James Park before heading back to the station and making our way to our least favorite part of our adventure: catching a cheap flight to Split, Croatia (“EasyJet” is woefully misnamed). Forget the pseudo-wisdom “journey is the destination”; sometimes the journey must be endured to get to the prize.
Fare thee well, London! I am more inspired to show our kids New York now.





