Day 1: Walking around London

We purchased an Oyster Card at the airport, which is a prepaid card that can be used on the bus, Tube, trams, DLR, London Overground and some National Rail services in London. We decided to buy a card for £22, which would allow us unlimited access to the tube for the first week. After we walked around for a bit we decided to check into the BUNAC office and use a computer there to contact home.

After checking in with BUNAC, we decided to eat dinner. My first meal in London was a convenience store sandwich that cost £2.50. We took our sandwiches and walked along the river Thames.

Home Sweet Hostel

We made it! The flight was long and I didn't get much sleep on the plane but we finally made it to our hostel. I met Christine at the airport and we took the Piccadilly Line into central London where we lugged 90 lbs. of luggage (each) down the street to our home away from home. The room we are staying in has 4 bunk beds. I feel very safe here; we have security cards to get into the hostel and our room. Each bed also has a locker under it so we can lock up our computers. The first night here there were 3 girls and 2 guys staying in the room with us. It feels sort of like camp. After a quick shower we headed out to walk around London...

"Enjoy a complementary coffee with your stay"

My friend, Christine, and I have booked a hostel for the first 7 days we're in London. The hostel is called the Orient Espresso and it's situated over a funky coffee house. It's apart of the St. Christopher's hostel chain and it's centrally located in London. The nearby tourist attractions within walking distance are the River Thames, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, the London Dungeon, St. Pauls Cathedral, the Tate Modern Gallery, Shakespeares Globe Theatre and Borough Market.