Hi Everyone - I am now in London!!! The flight was very tiring and I can't wait to get to my hotel room and just sleep. The flights from Brisbane to Singapore was pretty good, I didn't sleep though - I think I was too anxious/excited/nervous. There was a little kid that was making a bit of noise too, so that didn't help. We were able to get off the plane at Singapore for about an hour, so it was a good chance to stretch the legs. Then we were off to Abu Dhabi. I was really quite shocked at this airport - it was really disorganised and quite dirty. The toilets were filthy and quite busy. I was tired and couldn't even be bothered with Duty Free!!! The sign came up for our flight onto London, so myself and a lot of others stood in a long queue to be told that they were only taking the people for another flight. There was nobody assiting people anywhere. We were eventually able to do through the gates to the boarding room and that was even more disorganised as they were still only taking people for the other flight - so there were people for London having to try to move to the side and let other people sqeeze through to the other flight. Anyway, that was an eye opener - I was thinking "I hope I don't come across this often". I was finally able to get a little sleep on the flight to London - I was finally in a deep sleep and then I got woken up for food - oh well, a girls got to eat :)

I had a long wait at the Heathrow Airport to get through the huge customs queues, but finally I made it with no more problems. I quickly caught a cab to my hotel. The cabbie was really friendly and we had a good chat - made me feel welcome, and gave me a few pointers. I haven't been able to check into my room yet, but I was able to drop off my bag and backpack.

My hotel is near Hyde Park, so I have had a bit of a stroll through the park. Local artists have paintings displayed (and for sale of course) along the fence of Hyde Park today, so I have had a look at them - some of them are so beautiful and creative.

I am off to get some food for the week now from the shops that are also in walking distance of my hotel, but the shops have only just opened so I have had some to fill - which was lucky, as I was able to find this place that has internet service. I haven't taken many photos yet (just a few of Hyde Park) and I haven't got all my cords, so I will send through some photos next time I get in touch.

If some of this doesn't make any sense - I am not surprised, I am sleep deprived (I know - it rhymed!).

I am off to do the tour of Leeds Castle etc tomorrow, so I best be off and get my self organised and get some sleep.

I am missing people already - as sad as that may be. I am out of my comfort zone and feeling a little nervous at times. I just need to keep thinking how great it is to be here, and to just admire the surroundings.

Bye for now - Haylee