Day One
The night before I went online and booked my seat. Made sure that my bad was packed, laid out the clothes I was going to wear and packed my carrying on bag. I was all set ready to go.
Once I got to the airport I got my bag wrapped which cost me rough $10.00 Aussie. Than I went and lined up in the online bookings line. It took me roughly 2mins to be served. I was talking to the attendant and he said my flight was fully booked. My first flight was from Brisbane to Bangkok 8 hours..
The plane ended up departing at 2pm.. I was on this very packed plane for about 1 hour before they served lunch. Since I had my name down as a dietary requirement they brought my food to me first. I wasn't feeling very well because of the turbulence so I only ate a little bit. 2 hours into the flight I ended up throwing up. Alot.. I felt sorry for the couple beside me. (Another tip... if you get motion sickness.... take some travel sickness pills before you get on the plane...I learnt this very late into my trip) My 8 hour flight I wasnt well. And when we finally landed in Bangkok at 12am (Brissy time) and 8pm Bangkok time. I was exhausted and didnt want to get on my second plane. I was so hungry from throwing everything up I looked for food. If you have been to Bangkok Airport before you will know it is HUGE. Being a coleica I found the only thing I could eat there was some chips from a burger king (In case of emergence have some cash for the foreign country you will have a short stop over in)
A few tips for the airport I can suggest for you:
- Go online the night before and book your seat. This will ensure that you do not have to wait in a massive line when you arrive and you can line up in the online bookings line which is relatively shorter.
- Get your bag glad wrapped. It costs roughly $10.00 but it is worth it. Especially if you are having a spot over you never know what could happen to your bag from when it leaves your side when you sign in to when you arrive at your destination. Eg. My friend was flying home from fiji and when she got her bag back she realized that all her items in her suitcase were covered in a fish sauce which another passenger had in their bag which must of broken.
- Make sure your lock on your suitcase is locked before you book it in. (sounds stupid.. but check it)
- Make sure you have some cash for the country that you may have a long or short stop over for because you never know you may be hungry when you get there or want to buy something.
- Bring something to do while waiting in the air port because they are Boooooring. A puzzle book, music, and ipad.
- Make sure you get to the air port 2 hours early.
- Make sure you head through customs at least 1 hour before your plane departs
- One of the best things I can suggest for you to do at the airport is buy some snacks to take on the plane. They may only feed you once of twice and depending on the length of your flight it could be 10 hours between when you get feed each time.
- Another tip which alot of people do not know about is sometimes if your flight is not full you can ask the attendants if there is any business class seats available. Sometimes they will upgrade you for free or for a small fee of $100.00 (I got this tip from a Chicago women I met in Rome)
The plane ended up departing at 2pm.. I was on this very packed plane for about 1 hour before they served lunch. Since I had my name down as a dietary requirement they brought my food to me first. I wasn't feeling very well because of the turbulence so I only ate a little bit. 2 hours into the flight I ended up throwing up. Alot.. I felt sorry for the couple beside me. (Another tip... if you get motion sickness.... take some travel sickness pills before you get on the plane...I learnt this very late into my trip) My 8 hour flight I wasnt well. And when we finally landed in Bangkok at 12am (Brissy time) and 8pm Bangkok time. I was exhausted and didnt want to get on my second plane. I was so hungry from throwing everything up I looked for food. If you have been to Bangkok Airport before you will know it is HUGE. Being a coleica I found the only thing I could eat there was some chips from a burger king (In case of emergence have some cash for the foreign country you will have a short stop over in)
Day Two
I had a four hour stop over in Bangkok before getting on my second leg of the flight. I was so tired and sick by this point I even investigated getting a hotel room and moving back my flight. In the end I told my self to suck it up and get on the next flight. I only do this once.
A statue in Bangkok airport
By the time my next flight was ready to bored it was 12am Bangkok time and 3am Brisbane time. I was well and truely ready for Bed. When we got on the plane they feed us and turned off all the lights to let us sleep. I still was a bit sick but this flight was much better. I had no one beside me so I could lay down and sleep over the 3 seats. I'm not sure how long I slept for but I dont think it was for very long because I woke up starving. Since I was sick and had nothing in my stomach I was forced to wait until they served the last lot of food which was 1 hour before they landed. (Bring snacks on the flights.... they will only feed you twice on a long haul flight) On long haul flights alot of people watch movies, walk around, talk to others or sleep. Another tip I can give you is bring ear plugs and a eye mask. Honestly... It helps.
The time ticked away slowly. As the more hungry I become we finally got feed breakfast. You dont realize how cold it gets on a plane. They will give you a little blanket and a pillow but to be honest there is not much leg room so you do not get a chance to spread out. (Tip: Bring a jacket.)
I was so excited when I heard the captain saying in Thai that we were landing shortly. When we landed. I have never been so happy in my life. Seriously I hadnt had a shower in 26 hours, my make up had worn off because of the brief sleep I had and because I was sick and I was sure that I would of looked awful. After 26 hours.... the plane finally touched down in London at 6am their time. I grabbed my carry on bag, my neck pillow and my jacket and got off the plane. It was a bit of a walk to go through customs and the line..... wow... It took over half an hour to get through. In the line I called my transfer company to make sure they hadnt left without me. When I got to the counter they asked me so many questions before they stamped my passport and let me through to get my bag.
When I got my bag and than walked through the gates to find the transfer driver holding a card with my name on it. And he took a few others and my self to the van. It roughly took 30mins to get from the airport to my hotel. Driving through London it looked exactly like the movies. Houses side by side and it was raining. When I got to my hotel I checked in and went up to my room and took a well needed shower. My room was very small but clean and comfortable. The bathroom was nice and modern. By the time I finished my shower the sun was coming up and it was 8am. I packed my handbag with an umbrella, tissues, wallet, cash, maps, tickets, water bottle and lip gloss and I was off. (Tip... it rains alot bring a poncho or an umbrella. Water is hard to come buy. Buy a water bottle when your there your hotel may have a filtered water tap you can use)
Single Room The President Hotel London
I was so lucky that i brought a long bag because the key they gave me was on a long metal rod.
Key for my room- True Story
Being extremely jet lagged and my first day in London alone I thought I would make the most of it. (Tip- before you leave your room make sure your suitcase is locked. You never know what happens in your room when you are not in there) I had brought a hop on and hop off bus pass before I left that was very handy. I asked the man at the desk where the stop was and it was really close to my hotel. When I was at the airport and walked out side I laughed to my self thinking "Is this it? Its not cold at all". Turns out I was wrong. I should of worn gloves. Because it was bloody cold and raining. I walked out the door and headed for the hop on hop off bus. They were fantastic they gave me a map that took me to all the major tourist attractions in London. I started out by jumping off at the first stop at the British museum.
The British Museum
This is a free exhibit. And it is so beautiful. I highly suggest going. I wander around for roughly an hour but you could of spent hours their. The there was so many different interesting displays and guided tours you could take. Or you could even wander around in awe alone like I did.
By the time my next flight was ready to bored it was 12am Bangkok time and 3am Brisbane time. I was well and truely ready for Bed. When we got on the plane they feed us and turned off all the lights to let us sleep. I still was a bit sick but this flight was much better. I had no one beside me so I could lay down and sleep over the 3 seats. I'm not sure how long I slept for but I dont think it was for very long because I woke up starving. Since I was sick and had nothing in my stomach I was forced to wait until they served the last lot of food which was 1 hour before they landed. (Bring snacks on the flights.... they will only feed you twice on a long haul flight) On long haul flights alot of people watch movies, walk around, talk to others or sleep. Another tip I can give you is bring ear plugs and a eye mask. Honestly... It helps.
The time ticked away slowly. As the more hungry I become we finally got feed breakfast. You dont realize how cold it gets on a plane. They will give you a little blanket and a pillow but to be honest there is not much leg room so you do not get a chance to spread out. (Tip: Bring a jacket.)
I was so excited when I heard the captain saying in Thai that we were landing shortly. When we landed. I have never been so happy in my life. Seriously I hadnt had a shower in 26 hours, my make up had worn off because of the brief sleep I had and because I was sick and I was sure that I would of looked awful. After 26 hours.... the plane finally touched down in London at 6am their time. I grabbed my carry on bag, my neck pillow and my jacket and got off the plane. It was a bit of a walk to go through customs and the line..... wow... It took over half an hour to get through. In the line I called my transfer company to make sure they hadnt left without me. When I got to the counter they asked me so many questions before they stamped my passport and let me through to get my bag.
When I got my bag and than walked through the gates to find the transfer driver holding a card with my name on it. And he took a few others and my self to the van. It roughly took 30mins to get from the airport to my hotel. Driving through London it looked exactly like the movies. Houses side by side and it was raining. When I got to my hotel I checked in and went up to my room and took a well needed shower. My room was very small but clean and comfortable. The bathroom was nice and modern. By the time I finished my shower the sun was coming up and it was 8am. I packed my handbag with an umbrella, tissues, wallet, cash, maps, tickets, water bottle and lip gloss and I was off. (Tip... it rains alot bring a poncho or an umbrella. Water is hard to come buy. Buy a water bottle when your there your hotel may have a filtered water tap you can use)
I was so lucky that i brought a long bag because the key they gave me was on a long metal rod.
Being extremely jet lagged and my first day in London alone I thought I would make the most of it. (Tip- before you leave your room make sure your suitcase is locked. You never know what happens in your room when you are not in there) I had brought a hop on and hop off bus pass before I left that was very handy. I asked the man at the desk where the stop was and it was really close to my hotel. When I was at the airport and walked out side I laughed to my self thinking "Is this it? Its not cold at all". Turns out I was wrong. I should of worn gloves. Because it was bloody cold and raining. I walked out the door and headed for the hop on hop off bus. They were fantastic they gave me a map that took me to all the major tourist attractions in London. I started out by jumping off at the first stop at the British museum.
This is a free exhibit. And it is so beautiful. I highly suggest going. I wander around for roughly an hour but you could of spent hours their. The there was so many different interesting displays and guided tours you could take. Or you could even wander around in awe alone like I did.
Inside the British Museum
After the Museum I headed across the road and picked up some souvenirs. Yes... I did this that early into my trip. I honestly had no idea if I was going to get a chance to later on. I brought some key rings, pens, a post card to send back home. I then went to this small Italian restaurant for London right outside the museum. What I was about to do was something that I thought was going to be so unnatural for me. Eating alone at a restaurant. I ended up ordering a risotto turns out they had no rice. I opted out for the chicken breast and veggies. It was relatively cheapish... it cost around 15Pounds with a drink. But I wouldnt say it was worth it. It was a small breast with some string fries and some very oily carrot. And carrot is honestly the worst vegetable known to man... I may lie a little bit about the carrot... but honestly I'm not a fan. But eating at this restaurant alone for the first time wasnt as daunting as I thought it would be. I looked at the menu and ordered. Than got out my map and by the time I thought about what was next my food was out.
After lunch I ventured back into the cold and wet streets of London. I thought I'd walk back towards my hotel. Turns out I'm not the best navigator and I got lost and ended up at a starbucks. It was cold and wet so I took shelter in side with a hot chocolate until I got my barrings.
I asked the barista if she knew how to get back to my hotel but she pointed me in the wrong direction entirely. So not wanting to confuse my self I ended up walking back to where I started at the Museum. I saw a hop on hop off bus coming and jumped on to do one of the loops. I ended up taking the bus to Harrods.
Harrods department store
It was boxing day in London and Harrods was lite up with Christmas lights and trees. It was so beautiful and expensive. But worth a look. They had several different levels. Bedding, shoes, bags, food, sport, massages, jewelry. All designer.
Food Shops- Harrods
If you have money to spend and like luxury items definitely go to Harrods.
By this time it got to late afternoon and the sun started to go down. I hopped back on the hop on hop off bus and headed back to the hotel.(tip- 25 pounds for 2 days, buses run every 15mins they do 3 loops. Cheap and great transportation) I got back to the hotel and walked down to the local supermarket. I don't know about you, but I'm a snacker. I always have something to eat in my bag just in case. So at the supermarket I got some suppliers. I got some banana, corn chips, salsa, a couple bottles of water for 3.85Pounds. I could not believe how cheap it was. I than headed back to the hotel. By this time it was 5pm and it was pitch black. Being alone and by my self and extremely tired I decided I would order room service.
I didnt realise how different the food was to Australia. I ordered nachos for dinner and a plate of corn chips came out absolutely drenched in cheese and olives and peppers. Not what I was expecting at all. I ended up laying on the bed at about 6pm London time. I didnt realise how tired I was until I woke up at 9pm thinking there must of been a war going on in my room. Turns out the walls are very thin in my hotel room and the next room was watching a war movie. (Tip- ear plugs... no explanation needed) I set my alarm nice and early for Day three of my adventurous alone in Europe.
After the Museum I headed across the road and picked up some souvenirs. Yes... I did this that early into my trip. I honestly had no idea if I was going to get a chance to later on. I brought some key rings, pens, a post card to send back home. I then went to this small Italian restaurant for London right outside the museum. What I was about to do was something that I thought was going to be so unnatural for me. Eating alone at a restaurant. I ended up ordering a risotto turns out they had no rice. I opted out for the chicken breast and veggies. It was relatively cheapish... it cost around 15Pounds with a drink. But I wouldnt say it was worth it. It was a small breast with some string fries and some very oily carrot. And carrot is honestly the worst vegetable known to man... I may lie a little bit about the carrot... but honestly I'm not a fan. But eating at this restaurant alone for the first time wasnt as daunting as I thought it would be. I looked at the menu and ordered. Than got out my map and by the time I thought about what was next my food was out.
After lunch I ventured back into the cold and wet streets of London. I thought I'd walk back towards my hotel. Turns out I'm not the best navigator and I got lost and ended up at a starbucks. It was cold and wet so I took shelter in side with a hot chocolate until I got my barrings.
I asked the barista if she knew how to get back to my hotel but she pointed me in the wrong direction entirely. So not wanting to confuse my self I ended up walking back to where I started at the Museum. I saw a hop on hop off bus coming and jumped on to do one of the loops. I ended up taking the bus to Harrods.
It was boxing day in London and Harrods was lite up with Christmas lights and trees. It was so beautiful and expensive. But worth a look. They had several different levels. Bedding, shoes, bags, food, sport, massages, jewelry. All designer.
If you have money to spend and like luxury items definitely go to Harrods.
By this time it got to late afternoon and the sun started to go down. I hopped back on the hop on hop off bus and headed back to the hotel.(tip- 25 pounds for 2 days, buses run every 15mins they do 3 loops. Cheap and great transportation) I got back to the hotel and walked down to the local supermarket. I don't know about you, but I'm a snacker. I always have something to eat in my bag just in case. So at the supermarket I got some suppliers. I got some banana, corn chips, salsa, a couple bottles of water for 3.85Pounds. I could not believe how cheap it was. I than headed back to the hotel. By this time it was 5pm and it was pitch black. Being alone and by my self and extremely tired I decided I would order room service.
I didnt realise how different the food was to Australia. I ordered nachos for dinner and a plate of corn chips came out absolutely drenched in cheese and olives and peppers. Not what I was expecting at all. I ended up laying on the bed at about 6pm London time. I didnt realise how tired I was until I woke up at 9pm thinking there must of been a war going on in my room. Turns out the walls are very thin in my hotel room and the next room was watching a war movie. (Tip- ear plugs... no explanation needed) I set my alarm nice and early for Day three of my adventurous alone in Europe.
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