With a few hours to spare we went back to the Plaza Premium Lounge. This was a different location as we were now in the Departure area. The lounge was large and had a few rowdy guests. We managed to find a really private nook with extra comfy seats where I was able to do some remote work before the flight. We also noshed on some good eats like salad, fruit, cheese, meatballs, chicken tikka masala, Tom kha gai (ต้มข่าไก่), and sticky toffee pudding. Two flights away from Thailand!

PS - it's "possible" that we almost missed our next flight because we underestimated how far the lounge was to the gate.

Lesson learned: Always leave ample time! As we ran through the airport like fools, my lungs nearly gave out and I told DH to go ahead and I would catch up ASAP. At least one of us could hold the plane for the other right? (Theoretically) When I finally huffed and puffed into the shrinking boarding line, he was no where to be seen. Turned out the gate got switched. I saw the updated sign and went to the changed gate, but he went to the original gate only to find a totally different flight boarding there and that he had another jog ahead of him.

Fortunately we made it, but it was a good lesson learned and a lot of exercise I'm sure I needed, but that I wasn't originally looking for. Lol!

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There are a ton of ways you can get to the airport, but we decided to return to Heathrow the same way we came - via the underground. Taking the Tube back to the airport is easy as long as you don't have 35 pieces of luggage. I had a carry on suitcase, and another large bag, plus a purse. I stood rather than sitting because I was afraid my bags would get in the way of people walking past. In retrospect, I recommend just sitting. Plenty of people did it and just tried to keep their bags as out of the way as possible. No one seemed to mind. I imagine everyone is used to it. The ride was quite long, so having a seat would have been great. On the other hand, I just kept telling myself it was my mini-workout for the day, trying to keep my balance and keep hold of my bags because the operator was a bit of a wild driver ;)

I think it's awesome when the public transport runs easily into the airport. It gives you another option instead of hiring a taxi. Of course with Uber, Lift, etc you do have some more options these days.

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And by that, I mean one more Fish n Chips before we head out of the UK!

A lot of places were shut (closed), so we found the Night & Day bar to be opened.

One more crispy piece of Fish with some hot chips and a cool Cider were a perfect way to finish our week here in London. Tomorrow we're off!!

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Zoos around the world have different styles and animals. It's a fun way to spend a day and enjoy creation. Some animals are so comical you could watch them for ages! I have to admitLondon Zoo in the winter was looking really sad. And I'm not even sure if it was the season or a lack of upkeep to be honest. Some exhibits were totally empty (it wasn't that cold, but maybe enough...) but a lot of areas looked abandoned and in need of painting and refreshing.

Evevn still it was enjoyable to roam around with little competition at most exhibits and some of what we saw was really good! My favorites had to be (surprisingly) the bug exhibit, the aquarium, and the free roaming monkeys! But be careful, they are known to steal cameras, phones, and apparently fingers...

Entrance at the London Zoo felt steep at about 30 pounds at the door.
I think it was overpriced, personally. But oh well. I hope my money can add some paint somewhere. LOL

Enjoy some pics below!

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Tower bridge is another iconic landmark in London. This bridge just seems so over the top and fairytale-sequel that you begin to wonder if you are living a fairytale?! I thought these things existed only at Disney World, not in real life?!?!

This Bridge was built between 1886-1894 and has had cosmetic and structural updating periodically.

It looks beautiful lit up at night and made for great leisurely evening strolls and photography-binging.

Enjoy!   PS . You can tour the Tower Bridge! ​

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Oxford Street is home to some high end retailers and world famous mega-department stores. Selfridges and Harrod's are places you should definitely wander around if you're looking for something to do. The sheer enormity of these stores is mind boggling. It's easy to get lost! Most things are laughably beyond my budget, but still fun to look around and people watch. You can grab something to eat in the food hall. You can pick up a bottle of whisky. You can have an afternoon tea. And you can pick up a Barbour Jacket. Don't forget to check out their window displays outside. Elaborate and eye-catching, if you were a fan of the PBS series Selfridge, you'll appreciate the people who work to make these displays come to life!

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The Tower of London is a castle with history as a royal palace, a prison, and a fortress. This is where the Crown Jewels are displayed under guard of the Beefeaters. (They are also tour guides if you enter the tower attraction). There are 12 acres of and within the walls!!!

Here's a crazy fact. Did you know there was once a Zoo at the Tower? Seriously! For over 600 years, the Menagerie was home to a variety of animals kept by monarchs as a symbol of power as well as to entertain the court. Often animals were exchanged as gifts. In the 1600s the menagerie was open to the public until 1831 when most animals were relocated to the London Zoo. Crazy!!
Today animals still remain at the Tower, in sculpted form..

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The London Eye is basically a giant Ferris wheel where the seats are so large that they are actually giant glass rooms that many people can be in at one time. Yeah, that's a big ferris wheel alright!

It boasts incredible views of London and the Thames during the 30 minute revolution. Tickets start at about 24 Pounds and can increase depending on what experience you want to have.. (Champagne, chocolate anyone?) You can save by booking online and combining with other attractions you may be visiting already. 

While I did not step on the London Eye, it is a beautiful addition to the cityscape and it's red lighting at night is enchanting.

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Recognize this famous icon? Yes, it's the Elizabeth tower! Okay, okay, don't get all up in arms. "Eliza-what's-it?!, that's Big Ben!" Is that what you're thinking? That's what I always thought, also!

​But I learned that Big Ben is the name of the Great Bell of the clock in this tower, not the tower itself. For years this was known as Clock Tower until recently, in 2012 during the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II ( 60th anniversary of the Queen's accession) when it was renamed the Elizabeth Tower.

The tower is at the north end of the Palace of Westminster. It's a fascinating Gothic Revival style architecture which was completed in May of 1859.

​Ian Westworth, a clockmaker by trade, describes it as " The prince of timekeepers: the biggest, most acccurate four-faced striking and chiming clock in the world" And arguably the most famous! I wonder how many films and works of art it can be seen in?!

Try to get a glimpse of this palace and tower in both daylight and at night when it is all lit up. Again, don't just take one picture of you with the tower in the background. Look for some creative angles. 

The architecture is so intruiging. There are so many details. It took over 15 years to build this tower (5 years longer than expected) and it was built from the inside out- scaffolding was never seen by the outside world! Take time to appreciate the skill and patience of the craftsman!

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When women travel, it's easy to just let your hair do it's thing. A lot of times you may have it tossed up in a messy bun or pony tail for convenience anyway. However, if you are a clean-cut kinda guy you are going to need to get a haircut while you're away for a length of time.

We decided to try out The Legends Barbershop.

The place had just opened and we walked in. They asked for our name and if we had an appointment. (We didn't.) But no problem, they could take DH! There was a small waiting area of a couple chairs in which I could sit and peruse some free papers that were in a stack.

​After a bit, DH came out looking nice and freshly shorn for about 25 Pounds before tip. This price is quite higher than what we pay in our neck of the woods, but was to be expected at a nice shop in London. Plus, it was partially about the experience of getting your haircut abroad. Sometimes it is straightforward, like this time. Othertimes.... not so much.... hehe ;p

You can check out their Insta to get an idea of their style! Pop in or make a booking if you need a trim in London!

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