How much can you do in a four hour layover?

Big Ben in London!

     Plenty. As Rebecca and I stretched from our seats, we contemplated wandering around England instead of impatiently waiting for our next flight in the airport. Walking through customs, the stamper questioned our staying in England for 4 hours. Yes, we know it's a very short time. Yes, we just want to see some tourist things. And off we went into the blundering gaggle of tourists attempting to figure out the English subway system.

     Between oyster cards, one way tickets, and the overpowering Euro, we managed to buy tickets and made our way to our subway line. The Piccadilly train took about an hour to get into the city, and we excitedly sprinted off the train. lugging our carry-ons. We walked by Big Ben and Westminster Abbey, snapping a plethora of pictures. We made our way to Buckingham Palace, taking a picture in a bright red phone booth on the way. Buckingham Palace was overcrowded, but we were able to watch the guards marching around. By this point, our time in London was coming to a close. We made it back to the subway and made it in plenty of time for our next flight.

     Goodbye London, hello Amman!

Leaving for Jordan!

      An important travel lesson: dress how you wish to be treated. As I stretch across my newly acquired extra seat and enjoy the doting attention of the flight attendant, I recall a chat with my father from that very morning. He was positive that the cashmere dress with the dressy sandals was entirely too uncomfortable for a day of flying. We discussed my desire to be taken seriously, and who will treat a twenty-something in sweatpants and a tank top like an adult? This proved to be beneficial, as I was promptly moved from a torturous middle seat to the front exit row by a dimpled attendant that proceed to call me “honey” for the duration of the eleven hour flight. As I settled in amidst the sighs and consternation of those around me wanting those very seats, I thanked Banana Republic for keeping me classy and comfortable on this international flight. Oh hello London…

Sunrise at Mendota Terrace

Goodbye Madison! 
Itinerary of places to come:
Jordan- May 22nd to July 3rd
Israel- June weekend
Egypt- July 3rd to July 7th
Greece- July 7th to July 11th
Turkey- July 11th to July 16th
Back to Chicago on the 16th!