One last lap around London

Well, well, well… after 35 days on the road, the time has finally come to head home. It still doesn’t feel real. After 2,134 photos, 27 videos, 9 countries, 7 stops, 3 (internal) flights, 2 trains, and 2 buses… just like that, this adventure draws to a close. So, to celebrate a truly incredible trip, I decided my final day in Europe should be a whirlwind lap of London’s greatest hits - a highlight reel to wrap it all up. 🤩

I started the morning wandering through Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, letting my legs find their rhythm one last time. I passed the Albert Memorial, looped around Wellington Arch, and eventually arrived at Buckingham Palace. From there, I strolled up The Mall for a quick coffee before weaving my way through Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square, soaking in the familiar hum of the city.

Next came Horse Guards Parade and a hello to Big Ben. Then it was onto the Tube and eastward to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. The tide was out, revealing “London’s only beach” at Horselydown Stairs - a very cool vantage point to see the bridge from. I followed the Thames to Borough Market, where the crowds and chatter felt like classic London at full volume. 🤣

After ducking back to my hotel for a short rest, I somehow still had energy to spare, so I had fish and chips for an early dinner and set off again - this time to see London after dark. I wandered through Hyde Park past the colourful glow of the Winter Wonderland, then drifted towards Buckingham Palace once more. Along Birdcage Walk, the edge of St. James’s Park was quiet and peaceful, and Big Ben lit up against the night sky felt like a great farewell.

With a little more time to play with, I hopped back on the Tube to St. Paul’s Cathedral, then returned to Tower Hill - all of it shining beautifully after sunset. Usually on these trips I’m tucked away in my hotel by this hour, so getting to see London by night felt like a rare treat in itself. 😅😂

And for the last hurrah: a Tube ride out to Leyton to watch Granddad’s O’s - Leyton Orient - take on Luton Town in League One. Everything was going perfectly until Luton scored a 96th-minute equaliser! Not exactly the ending the home team wanted, but definitely a memorable finish.

After 36,000 steps, I’m more than ready to collapse into bed before my early flight home tomorrow. I think it might be a while before country #30… but honestly, I probably would’ve said the same last year, so who knows. I’ve loved every moment of this trip through the UK and Central Europe, and there are so many stories to one day tell the grandchildren.

As much as I’d happily never go home, I’m also looking forward to what’s familiar (and to not living out of a suitcase!). And I know I’ll be back. 😉 Until next time, Europe - I’m already counting down the days.Read more