Three Thousand Miles To You(8)

"Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, we are just under thirty minutes from Heathrow please if you need to use the facilities please, do so now."

I rush up and look at my dad still sitting there with his paper work, he turns and smiles and says

"Nearly there." I smile back.

I undo my seatbelt and head for the bathroom, as I enter I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror. I cannot look like that, my hair is a total mess; it is all sticking up and frizzy. I take it of the ponytail and try to smooth it out best I can. I look in my carry bag and find some smoothing serum, I run a few drops through my hair and quickly it bounces back and I decide to leave it loose. I also take out some green tea face wipes and give my face a quick wipe, I pop on some glowing moisturizer and quick dollop of lip balm and I am ready to go. I swiftly head back to my seat and just in time as the captain has turned on the seatbelt sign. As the plane is heading in to land, I brace myself, as landing is always one of the worst things I hate about being on an airplane. I am always terrified that the plane will hit something. The plane touches down I feel a sigh of relief not only that the plane has landed safely but I am in London finally.





Five



We have now settled in our hotel and from what I have seen of London (the cab ride from the airport), it is exactly the way I pictured it. Historic, lively, and full of life, luxury, passion and London is a city of love. We are staying in London’s Knightsbridge area in the Sheraton Park Tower Hotel. My dad has booked three rooms, a separate one for him and me, and another for my dad’s business colleague, Julian, who has also come on the trip. My room is ultra-modern with chic fittings and a wonderful view out into the city. I stand by the window and I gaze out, London, can only be described as the most beautiful city I have ever seen. It’s one thirty in the afternoon and I feel like I have to explore I grab a change of clothes and head for my dad’s room.

"Dad," I say as I open the door. He asked for extra keys for the rooms in case of emergencies

"How you liking London?"

“It really is amazing; actually I was thinking about going out and maybe exploring the city a little bit.” My dad looks at me a gives a little cheeky smile

“Okay then sweetie, but please remember to take your cell and give me a quick text or email to let know your safe.”

“I will Dad”

“Lanna before I forget you must be back around six.”

"Why." I say looking a little nervous

“Tonight is the gala; I thought you were going to come along?”

“I wasn’t aware there was an event tonight.”

“Yes all the local businesses will be there, it’s perfect for pitching the products to the market over here.”

“Okay Dad don’t get all business with me, I will be there okay?”

“Don’t forget.”

“Don’t worry I won’t.” I say as I head out the door too excited to look back. I make my way down to the grand lobby and I feel mesmerized by the sheer luxury of the hotel. Everything is so shiny and glamorous, all white and gold with massive flower displays, huge windows with gold drapes hanging from them.

"Good day love." The door attendant says as he opens it for me and here I am Alanna Hart out on the streets of London, swinging around as if I own the place. I really wish someone were here to pinch me. Even though I am on cloud nine, I still cannot escape the fact that I have no idea where to go, what do or how to get there. I walk further down the street and I spot a tourist information point. I do not really feel like going over and looking like the crazy American who cannot find her way around. However, I bite my lip and head over. There is a long tall stand of pamphlet’s and guide books I pick up one that has a picture of Buckingham palace on the front. I scan through a couple of the pages and it takes me no time to figure out that is where I want to go first.

"May I help you?" A small grey haired woman asks.

“Yes I really want to go see Buckingham palace but I’m not really sure how to get there or how far it is away?”

“Okay love, I would say the best thing to do is yell a taxi down and the driver will take you there.” The grey haired woman says in an accent so strong I almost did not understand anything she said.

“Okay.” I say with smile. “Thanks.”

"Wait" the woman says

“Yes mam?” I say with a little swiftness in my voice.

“Where are you from love?”

“New York.” I say with a smile.

“The Big Apple.”

“Yeah,” I say trying to hold back a giggle.

“London welcomes you love.”

“Thanks.” I say turning away and heading down the street.