“Oh mam I forgot where I will get a cab?”
"If you walk down a little there is a taxi rank just wait there and one will come shortly."
“Thanks again.” I turn a head down the street. Taxi rank, taxi rank, I look around but see nothing. I glance over the right and the taxi rank must be that long line of black cars I see. I go over to the first one and an older man is driving with dark black-greying hair
"Hey sir, can you take me to Buckingham palace?"
“Of course my love, hop in.” I sit in the taxi and I look out onto the city ahead and still cannot believe I am here.
"Love, is it your first time in London?"
“Yes.”
“Tell me what does your kind self think of our old town?”
“I think it’s amazing.”
“That’s good to hear, are you here on business or pleasure?”
“Um… a little bit of both.”
“Do you have an English lover?”
“No I’m here with my dad and I’m just out exploring before an event tonight.” “Which event are you going to? If you don’t mind me asking love”
“I think it’s the met gala.”
“Posh lots of powerful people attend there.”
“Yeah I know.”
“Is your father one of them, love?” I laugh.
“He is trying to pitch ideas to the market here.”
I do not why but I feel the need to tell this cab driver the whole story he just somehow makes me feel like I can talk to him about anything. It is a weird felling because no cab driver in New York would give a second thought to what you were saying, never mind be interested in your life.
“Love, make sure you look out for the rich playboys that attend, a pretty young girl like you will sure to be a target for them.”
“I am used to it with the events I attend in the States.”
“Yes I’m sure you are, but the young boys here they are a different story especially.” The driver trails off.
“Especially who?”
“Nothing love just be careful that’s all.”
“We are here love.” I look out of the window and I cannot believe my eyes! Is that really the palace am I finally here?
“That will be £15 love.”
I search for my money in my bag still searching but I cannot seem to find a thing. No purse, no plastic wallet, no nothing. I start to panic and my face flushes hot with shame.
“Sir I can’t believe it but I must have left my cash in my hotel room I am really sorry I don’t know what I can do?”
“Love if you have no money then there is only one thing for it.”
I think of what this man is going to say; surely, he will not get the cops or something crazy like that. He turns fully around in his seat and stares straight into my face.
“Love, flash me a great big smile and we are even.”
Therefore, without hesitation I give him by best smile, which I save for those special red carpet moments. Without a second thought the cab driver says,
"Hope you enjoy London love."
I open the door and as my foot hits the ground, I look back at the driver and yet again flash him another smile.
I walk over to the gates of Buckingham palace and I am still in a state of shock that I am actually here.
BEEP.
Oh, crap I hope it is not my dad hope I have not lost track of time. As I rummage in my bag I find my phone and slide to see it’s a message from Sophie its reads
Hey, Alanna are you landed safely.
I reply, Hey Sophie yes we landed safe just out exploring at the minute London is an amazing.
Sophie is quick to reply
Great what is it like? Are you having fun?
I reply, yes totally amazing having such a great time, but I have a boring event tonight I do not know how I will cope without you there.
You will be fine you are a natural and just think of all the cute British guy’s that will be there.
Yeah I suppose any way I will have to go just now, I will fill you in later okay.
No problem enjoys!
I have a wander around the grounds of the castle and this sight to me is what only exists in fairytales. I think of all the wonderful nights spent in the castle, huge dinners and ballroom dancing the Queen in her finest surrounded by the princes and other royals. It gives me shivers as I look out at the castle. I check my watch and I see it is after three so I decide to head back to the hotel to get ready for tonight but with no money I guess the only thing do is start walking. I figure the hotel, is up this way I am quite good with direction and I did pay attention in the cab to the route in which we came. I remember that old post box; the yellow Mini Cooper that I saw parked at the side of the road. We definitely passed by those stores, and yes here is the tourist point that I visited today. I see the hotel and as I make my way up the steps. I take one look out onto the cold afternoon of the streets of London and yes, I am here.