Travelling is an interesting thing. We can get from almost anywhere to almost any destination by hopping on a plane, train, car, bicycle, etc. It allows us to see other places, and in my case, move there! Our plane ride was less than perfect. I was claustrophobic and couldn't sleep. The lady in front of me had her seat reclined all the way back. The movies were boring. Babies were crying... I think you get the picture. After 7 long, restless hours, and a bumpy landing, we made it to Gatwick! Thankfully, going through the UKBC (customs) was a breeze. The man signing us in was delighted to hear that I'm a teacher and will be working in Dartford because it's also where he lives! With a friendly smile he welcomed us to the UK and we were off to claim our bags. As luck would have it, our bags were just coming out and around the carousel so we quickly grabbed them and then stopped to ponder our next move. It was time for our next UK experience: trains.
We were able to purchase our tickets for the Gatwick Express from a travelling salesman who was wandering about the baggage claim area (how convenient!) and with that we were off with only a few minutes to spare! It was here that I discovered that having to lug 4 bags around is not an easy task. Needless to say that all was well and we got on the train in time and it even worked out that upon reaching Victoria Station, we were able to hop on the next train that would take us to Dartford! Upon reaching Dartford Station, I realized that my careful planning had one flaw: how to get from the station to the hotel. Thankfully, people seem willing to help distressed looking Canadians. We manged to hail a cab from Freedom Taxis which was being driven by a lovely woman named Emma. She and her father own the company together and also lives within the area so she had lots to say about where to eat, live, etc. She was even well aware of the reputation of my school! This was very comforting to hear. Now, driving here is not like it is at home!! Most vehicles are stick shift, and in case anyone is wondering, the clutch is on the left side of the brake like it is back home. THEY HAVE ROUND ABOUTS EVERYWHERE. This is what probably confused me the most about the roads here. Back home, they are rarely seen but when they are, it's only one lane. Here, they're two lanes so cars are literally going round and round in what seems like every direction. Needless to say, Emma was a good driver and even gave me their contact info to get in touch directly in case I was ever stranded somewhere. We then settled into the hotel and decided to get the front desk to call us a cab to take us to Bluewater Shopping Center. Sadly, this time it wasn't Emma's cab, so we had a very interesting experience with a driver who likely shouldn't have his license, let alone be driving a stick shift. I guess this is how it's going to be for a while until I figure out the bus system. Anyway, while at Bluewater we saw many amazing stores that back home would only be found in downtown Toronto, and I also noticed the lack of the ever abundant Tim Horton's (how Canadian of me). I made some purchases from the Apple store so that my laptop and phone would work over here, and I also got set up with my new UK phone plan (which I might add are dirt cheap in comparison to home).
All in all, it was a very long day but certainly now that I have gotten some sleep I am feeling much more refreshed and ready to take on today. The weather is sunny and not a cloud in the sky! For now, I will leave you with a line from the movie Up: "adventure is out there!"
This was around 4am Ontario time. Mom and I enjoyed a spot of tea!
The wall outlets here are so funky.... Definitely not in Canada anymore!
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