Although they don’t celebrate Thanksgiving in the U.K., because they were the ones who kicked out the Pilgrims, it was an extraordinary place to enjoy the American Holiday.  4,000 miles away, across the Atlantic, London was a dynamic place to visit. Extremely similar to the United States, only that they drive on opposite sides of the road and have British accents.  London one of the most visited Cities in the World, was a beautiful place to see and experience with my family.

After a quick five and half hour flight from Newark, we were ready to begin our journey. 90 miles out side of London and only an hour drive from the Airport, Stonehenge was the first stop on our itinerary. After surviving driving on the opposite side of the road whilst going 70mph, we arrived at Stonehenge, early Thanksgiving Morning. Because London was five hours ahead, we had to wait to call until it was 2 in the afternoon to call home  and wish our other relatives and friends back in Middletown a Happy Thanksgiving.  Stonehenge was breathtaking, the massive stones, mysteriously constructed 5,000 years ago, where impressive to witness. And after a short ride back to the airport and a train ride  from Heathrow airport, with a quick layover at Windsor castle, we were back in London before evening.

At night the city was hard to navigate, and cross walks were confusing and dangerous, when you’re not looking in the right direction. Walking along the Thames was striking at night, marveling at Parliament, Big Ben and the London eye was a precursor to the things to come.

After finding a restaurant nearby Piccadilly Circus (London’s Version of Time Square), we passed out at 8 o’clock local time after a long day of traveling and jetlag.
Walking up, in a foreign city although daunting was incredibly excited, after a short walk to Buckingham palace, and to Westminster Abbey we were back on the river. Just across from parliament, The London eye, “the world largest observation wheel”, was worth the trip itself, to see the London from 500 feet above the Thames. After finishing our half hour ride, we walked down the river, on the “Queens Walk” which lasts miles; it includes spectacular views of the city, as well as many street fairs, restaurants and shopping. Grabbing fish and chips for lunch, we were able make it to see the crown jewels, before returning to the hotel on a taxi.

With only three days in London, with extensive planning we were able to see the majority of attractions, and monuments. However, tired from walking, the famous double-decker buses became our main source of transportation by day two. Thankfully the one aspect of London we didn’t experience was the rain, clear skies and sweatshirt weather was the norm. The pleasing people, and friendly locals we meet, London surpassed expectations. I highly recommend visiting if you have the opportunity.