London Zoo

Today we ventured out to the London Zoo.   The weather was a brisk 16 C (about 61 F) which to be quite honest is just not right for August, but we'll need to get used to it.  I was a bit nervous that it would not meet expectations as it cost a pretty penny to get into the Zoo.  (Everything is really expensive here so I'll try not to harp on costs too much).  All in all, I think we were all really pleased with the zoo and enjoyed it so much we applied for a membership so that Brady can visit more frequently with his nanny during the week. 

For those interested in the history of the Zoo it opened in 1828 and is the world's oldest scientific zoo.  It has 16,802 animals and 755 species.

London Zoo Entrance

Highlights of the Zoo:

• 15 minute walk from our flat - We are just west of Reagents park and the Zoo is located within Reagents park towards the northeast corner
• Lots of monkeys - Brady kept saying Big monkeys, Oh Oh Ah Ah.
• Awesome new Gorilla exhibit
• Very clean
• Interactive children's area where CORY and Brady petted sheep and other animals
• Great cafe for lunch
• Having a lady and her five year old stare at me like I was a crazy lady for asking them if they were in line.  FYI, there are no lines in London, only queues. 

In front of the otters

Big 2 humped camels

Laundry

We're three days in and laundry is already proving to be a bit of a challenge.  You're probably thinking we must have to go to a laundry mat.  No, that's not the case, but I'm beginning to think a laundry mat would be more convenient than the setup that we have.  We are actually fortunate to have a separate washer and dryer so perhaps we're just American snobs.  :-)   It's very common for families to have combo washer/dryer units and they are almost always in the kitchen which I find very odd.  Our washer is in the kitchen and the dryer is in a small utility closet.  The problem with the whole process is that our washer fits approximately 10 articles of clothes at a time and it takes 2.5 hour to run a normal cycle.  The dryer is a bit bigger, but it also takes over 2 hours to run.  I think we're quite possibly going to have either the washer or the dryer or both running at all hours of the day to keep up with our laundry.  This is an area I'll have to keep everyone updated on as I'm starting to think the corner laundry/dry cleaners with free pickup/delivery is looking more and more appealing.  I guess another option would be to just not wash our clothes!

If only we understood the controls!

Washer in the kitchen



No, that's not a clock, that's the time remaining and it's already been running 20 mins.



At least someone enjoys laundry!

The Flight Over!

Well we've made it!  I can't say that we made many friends on the plane ride over, but at least that part is over.  Brady did really well on the flight from Kansas City to Minneapolis and I had high hopes that the flight to London would go just as well.  I convinced the gate agents that we needed to have the bulk head row so that we had extra space with Brady.  The space was really nice, but I can't say that it made the plane ride much easier.  After dinner, Brady feel asleep for awhile, but decided around 1am that he was no longer interested in being on the plane.  He couldn't get comfortable and was upset for several hours.  We were those parents, with that child that no one wanted to sit by.  I just felt bad for the little man because he didn't understand why he wasn't sleeping in his crib.  It didn't help that he had gotten an ear infection just before we left so his ears could have been bothering him too.  When we landed I think all three of us were relieved and Brady was in much better spirits.  We had a car waiting for us at the customs exit which was a huge relieve to not have to take the train into town with all of our things.  Our driver took us to our new place and the keys were waiting with the Porter.  Pictures of our place are soon to come.


Having a snack waiting to get on our first flight!



Watching the big planes!

It's Official!

Cory, Brady and I are set to move to London next Tuesday.  It almost feels unreal, but then I look in my closet and realize that my clothes are already in route to London and the reality sinks in.  We've always had a passion for travel and exploring new places so are thrilled for the professional and personal experiences we will have over the next year.  The plan is for us to be in London for 1 year.

When committing to the work assignment I don't think Cory or I realized how much work it would be getting ready to leave.  We finally have the major things worked out so we can get on the plane knowing that:

1. We can get in the country and are official UK Visa holders.
2. We have a place to live and it even has two bathrooms.  (I was really nervous thinking about Cory and I getting ready in the same bathroom for a year so this is a good thing)
3. Brady has a Nanny that will take great care of him.
4. Our belongings have been packed meticulously into 2 large containers and should be waiting for us upon our arrival.
5. I shipped enough salsa and taco seasoning in our container to last at least through Christmas.
6. Brady has an adorable new pair of Welly boots that he wants to put on every day (see pic below). 

Everything else we will figure out as we go!  I am going to admit I am new to this blogging thing so I make no promises on the frequency of the updates, but I will try my best and I'm going to get Cory to help so hopefully that improves the chances of this blog living on.  Wish us luck and we would love to have visitors!

Cheers for now!


Brady sporting Welly boots and Dalmatian spots!



Packing for 1 year!



We even packed 2 air mattresses!