We got a take away breakfast sandwich at the Snax Cafe. We noticed the day before that all the utility workers and delivery guys were going in and out there, so figured it must be good, or at least cheap. We were correct! Sandwiches were nearly too big to eat and surely the cheapest meal we've had on the trip.
The tram ride from the city to the airport was easy, clean, fast. Our ticket was included with the city pass. We had some confusion as to how to validate that ticket, but the tram attendant barely looked at us, waved it off.
Final thoughts on leaving the UK...
People in the UK, and especially Londoners, really like oversized mirrors (like, 5x8 foot mirrors). I suppose they were a sign of wealth in the old days, plus good at distributing scarce light.
Electrical outlets are oversized, but there are not enough of them. We always had to unplug something else to plug in our phone chargers. Every outlet also usually has its own on/off switch.
UK Toilets aren't as good as in the US. They rarely flush fully. However public stalls do have full, floor to ceiling doors, which is very logical.
Gin and tonics (and all bar drinks) are weak unless you order a "double." Standard UK single shot of alcohol is 25 ml, which converts to .85 oz. Standard US shots are 1.5 oz... Supersized, just like Americans! It was fine really. Who really needs all that alcohol?
"Walk/Don't Walk" signs are merely suggestions. Jaywalking is common and not ticketed. Traffic lights don't align with roads and vary from corner to corner. The whole system seems very inefficient with long periods where all lights are red and no one is moving. Just accept that you don't know the system and use survival instinct.
Although they drive on the left, people don't walk on the left side of sidewalks, it at least, aren't consistent about it. It's more of a jumble, "walk wherever you can," arrangement. And forget about accessibility! I feel sorry for anyone who needs wheelchair access in the UK. You can't walk 10 feet without a curb, cobblestone or major obstacle to overcome.
As mentioned before, the "no tipping" culture should be adopted in the US, as well as the widespread use of handheld credit card readers. The US needs to get rid of the after dinner bill pantomime where they bring the bill, let you look at it, then they take away your card, then bring it back with a receipt to sign, etc.
European beds are too small. Also, I really like duvet covers, but why can't we have both duvet covers AND top sheets?
I also discovered I like Yorkshire tea, zero alcohol Guinness beer, Smithwicks, regular alcohol cask ales, bacon with brie or camambert sandwiches... I will have to seek all these things back in the States.
That wraps up this blog and this trip. Thanks for following along!
