three hours in london

Well, we're off. For Isaac and I, our "year abroad" begins today. If you're wondering what the heck I'm talking about  or if you don't know why we're going to Uganda (AND if you actually care to find out) you can check out my previous post about the details here. 

I didn't post much about our two months at home in Ontario (we were busy!). The short version: we had a great time with friends and family and I've cried a lot the past few days saying good-bye to my people.

Now we are en route to Uganda --- looking forward to the next adventure, allowing ourselves to get excited, but also taking Gravol to force us to sleep on the flights.

We had a long layover today in London at Heathrow airport, so we planned to take advantage of the opportunity to explore the city. Our flight was delayed this morning, so instead of arriving at 8:30 am we finally got off the plane close to 11am. Despite the delay, we were still determined to "do London."

We took the underground into the city centre (17 pounds for both of us to buy a day travel pass) and spent some time walking around. When we first arrived, we were thrilled to be there and quite sure that the hour-long subway ride was worth it. We got off at Picadilly Circus, and were amazed by the double-decker buses, gorgeous white stone buildings, statues and red telephone booths.

However ... after about two hours we both hit a wall. It's 34 degrees in London today, and while we were thankful for the sunshine the heat did not help our sleep deprived bodies, nor our jittery stomachs. We both just kind of ... wilted. Literally. On the sidewalk. We draped our stuff and ourselves on stone steps and shared a Sprite.

While we both thought London was a great city, we figured, "What's the point of pushing ourselves if we feel like garbage?" So we took a few more pictures, skipped Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey (even though we were SO close!), and hopped back on the subway to head back to the airport. All in all, we still think the short visit was worth it. But dragging ourselves around for a few more hours just because we're "here" and risking throwing up in public? It would not have been worth it.

After cooling off, changing and getting a Starbucks we're feeling much better relaxing here at the airport. We love you, London, but we'll have to enjoy you another time!

And the thought that haunts us now: We are going to melt in Uganda.

(Note: photo documentation of our three hours in London to follow in a future post -- having trouble with it now)