It’s amazing how fast a week can go. Have you ever though about something that happened a week ago, but couldn’t believe a week had gone by since that happened? It can go fast! At this point in my life, I have now lived through roughly 2,100 weeks. Honestly, it doesn’t seem like a lot when you consider how fast they seem to go. It feels more like 10,000! Either way, my week in London was perhaps the most enjoyable week I’ve ever had.
There was one more day left! Well . . . more like a half day. Today we were going home. Our 4pm flight allowed us one last morning of adventure. There were many places we had failed to visit, but there was one in particular with a proximity that allowed us to squeeze into our limited time schedule. That was to visit 3 Savile Row, the sight of the Beatles famous rooftop concert.
Old Bond Street
Our walk to Savile Row took us down Old Bond Street, a shopping district in the Mayfair section of London known for it’s prestigious and expensive outlets. I admit I was surprised to find American sports apparel showcasing the display windows. We came to London to support our hometown Philadelphia Eagles, who had played the previous day at Wembley Stadium, so we knew the NFL had made it’s way to London. Baseball, on the other hand, seemed to be an unknown in this country . . . until we found a display window containing NY Yankee’s apparel in a manner you’ll never find it back home. Talk about bling!
If only they had this getup in a Phillies theme—mens outfit, of course—I would have stood out when I walked off the plane, because I would have been wearing it!
Walking down this prestigious street, I expected to find super cars lining the street. Perhaps an Aston Martin, Bentley, Rols Royce, or even a Maybach. Instead, I encountered this . . .
The first time I ever saw a Smart Car, I was amazed. Could it be possible that a car that small could drive amongst the the big boys? This car, whatever it is, enters a new level altogether. Believe it or not, there are two seats in there. One windshield wiper, two seats. One would imagine it would make quite an uncomfortable Uber ride.
The Beatles Rooftop Concert
The purpose of our morning adventure was to find 3 Savile Row, the old Apple Corps building, perhaps better known as the headquarters of the Beatles during the late 1960’s. It was here, in 1969, that the Beatles performed their famous rooftop concert, which would ultimately become their final public performance
Seven days spent in London, I never realized this historic location was just a ten minute walk from our hotel. Now, with just a few hours to spare before departing, we made our way to pay homage to the most influential band ever.
I have written a separate article on our visit to the old Apple Corps building, now an Abercrombie Kids store. Click here to check it out!
A Walk Through Piccadilly
We had walked through Piccadilly Circus several times throughout the week, yet it never seemed to get old. It’s was simply the place that was always “happening.”
Alas, our time in London had come to an end. One final stroll down Regent Street, making our way through Piccadilly Circus, we were headed back to our hotel. It was time to depart.
Bye Bye London
First Hour in London: I Lost My GirlfriendIt was a good week! If the opportunity to re-live another week of my life ever presented itself, I’d struggle to choose one over this. That’s not to say it’s the best place I’ve ever visited. I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to visit some pretty amazing places, many of which I’d re-visit before London. I have certainly undergone some incredible experiences that exceeded those of my previous week in London. But these past eight days unfolded in a manner that was quite unique.
London is a great destination choice on any occasion. In fact, I had been here before, and had already seen a majority of it’s largest attractions. So what made this trip special? This time there was an element of home along the way; a common bond if you will. We came to be a part of NFL UK experience, more specifically, to attend the Philadelphia Eagles game at Wembley against the Jacksonville Jaguars. That’s what made it so special. It’s always great to be in London as a visitor. It’s always great to be a part an Eagles event of any sort—that is of course, if you’re an Eagles fan—otherwise, replace this concept with your favorite team. We had the privilege of experience both of these elements together. To walk around London, experiencing all it has to offer, surrounded by fellow Eagles fans—an “Eagles vibe” everywhere you went—was simply amazing. A visit to Abbey Road, the Churchill War Rooms, or even Windsor Castle, are incredible experiences in their own right. But to join in on “E-A-G-L-E-S, Eagles,” chants at all of these locations, well … it’s a bit mind blowing. It was a London vacation and Eagles pep rally all in one. Heck, I’m excited just writing about it.
I’d like to say this was a once in a lifetime experience—which as of now it has been—however, my hope is that the Eagles will return to London one day, so that I can return with them, and re-live this experience all over again. Though I do believe they are bound to return, there are elements of this trip that will be difficult to re-create. You see, the Eagles came to London this year as Super Bowl champions—enhancing the whole experience, as you might imagine. Surely, should we all return again one day, returning as Super Bowl champs is the way to do it—but that too, unfortunately, has been a once in a lifetime event.
Until then, it was time to go. Sadly, we entered Green Park Station, our main transportation hub all week, one final time. We boarded the train to Heathrow Airport and made our way out of the city. This time, the train was Kathie proof. If you’ve yet to read about our arrival in London, you probably wouldn’t understand that statement—trust me, it’s worth the read. I lost Kathie on the train. That’s right, I got off at our stop, she didn’t. I swore I’d never see her again. Needless to say, she showed up eventually. The train we now found ourselves on concluded at the airport. I couldn’t lose her this time!
As we passed through the Northfields stop, I was compelled to take a picture. There’s a town back in Jersey named Northfield I happen to be quite familiar with. I should clarify: New Jersey in the USA, not Jersey, UK. I just found this kinda funny. In the brief moments while the doors were open, I snapped off a few pics. I’m sure it confused anyone who witnessed me doing so, as I can’t imagine this has a high photo rate attraction. But, who knows, maybe it is.
Heathrow Airport
I developed a love of “real ale” during my week in London, or should I say, cask beer. Different than a keg, cask conditioned beer is manually pumped out of a cask—and unlike beer from a keg, contains no additional nitrogen or carbon dioxide pressure. This means pretty much no bubbles. If you’re unfamiliar with it, this may not sound appetizing, but trust me, it’s amazing!
With some time to kill at the airport, we grabbed a bite to eat, and of course, took the opportunity to grab one last “cask beer.”
Flight Home on British Airways
We departed London’s Heathrow Airport en route to JFK in NYC. I’ll try to sum up the flight as best as I can: we sat in our seats until the plane landed. I know, not very exciting. Either way, I’ll provide you with an insight of the culinary delight that awaited us over the Atlantic.
Philly fans flocked to London to support their beloved Eagles. We arrived in numbers, and our presence in town couldn’t go unnoticed. I’m not sure if this was a good thing or not—that is, in respect to a future invite. Philly fans were everywhere, spending money. I thought, they’ll bring the Birds’ back every year. But the same influx of fans had “Eagles chants” going at every possible landmark in London, including the home of Her Majesty the Queen. Then I thought, they’re never brinning us back again! Well, I hope they do. There’s so much more to see. I need a reason to come back!