Anecdote #50

Ever since we arrived, Saturday was one day that was always on our mind. It was not only our day off but we were going to London for an excursion. All of us were pumped in the morning to explore the capital of United Kingdom. It was my third time in the UK so it was not London that had got me excited. I was looking forward to experience London with Manmeen and Urmeen. I knew that together we’d manage to cook up a storm there too!A coach was booked for all the students going to London. Apart from London there were excursions to Stratford-Upon-Avon and The Great Yarmouth. London was an hour and a half long ride from our accommodation. We left around 9 AM and I have to admit, the beautiful countryside provided the most pleasing background.The ride felt so tranquil that Urmeen and I slept for a good hour. Though the motorways brought us to the City in an hour, the traffic within London was ruthless and we only got off at 12. 

The coach stopped at the designated spot and a tour of the city was what we started with. We covered a large part of central London on foot and got to hear interesting anecdotes related to monumental structures such as the Buckingham Palace. The tour ended conveniently at Oxford street. The only problem was we had covered the entire area of central London on foot and it was 2 PM by the time the tour guide left us. The entire distance we covered on foot that day was 14 km (as read on our smartphones). The next half of the story will help you understand why.

At Oxford Street we were desperately looking for a place to eat. We are fussy eaters and our minds and hearts were set on eating at a good Italian restaurant. We began searching Oxford street for one. I think you may have a question, why weren’t we using the internet? Well my friends had finished their top up of 20 pounds in just two days and my Data pack only had the first 5 GB free for the entire trip. 
On our search for a place to eat we made a stop at Kingdom of Sweets. I was so famished that I started picking candies and began gobbling them at the store hoping no one would spot me. My friends decided to exit the store quickly. After all it would be embarrassing to get arrested over  candy.
The trip to Kingdom of sweets turned out to be fruitful because finally we found a good looking place.

The restaurant, Granoia was established in 1874 and offered a fine dining experience. 
We did not think twice before going there as we had eaten out at fine dining restaurants several times back home but apparently the hosts had a problem.
Our Indian accents had given us away and the hosts acting extremely high handed. They gave us a table with extreme difficulty. 
They had problem with attaching an extra chair to a two seater table which they had given to other customers. Alternatively we asked to be seated at a 5 seater table which honestly was not big enough accommodate five people but again, they refused. By this time we were irritated, I finally told asked them with a whiff of anger, “It seems as though you don’t like having customers at your restaurant.”
This did the trick. They realised that we were not afraid to speak up.

We ordered our food at last and it was exactly what we were craving, authentic Italian food. We’ll always remember that restaurant for their wonderful but small portions and the bad ambience.

After lunch we realised that we were not left with much time. It was quarter to three and our coach would leave at four from the designated spot which was half an hour away.

Our minds were set on shopping but our destiny was not the right accompaniment. The purpose of coming to London was leisurely spending time at Hugo, Massimo and shopping at these luxury brands during the season of discounts and offers. Now, window shopping was our only option as there was no time to try on stuff. Coming in and out of Massimo Dutti, looking at the rare bargains and not being able to buy anything due to the lack of time was the most heartbreaking.

We thought of consoling ourselves with a Gelato and ran to the closest store. Sadly it was packed and so crowded that we decided to not risk it and head back. By now it was almost 330 and we were nowhere close to Victoria Garden, from where our coach was leaving. 

Danny who was sent with students was irresponsible enough to leave us go.
There was only one option. R U N.
 
The scene was as follows, three young girl sprinting through the streets of London jumping red lights as if it they were in their common neighbourhood. 

Naturally like anyone else in the world jumping red lights was the highlight of the day for us. It was our source for cheap thrills and the adrenaline pumped through our body uncontrollably such that bouts of laughter were inevitable. 
At this point of the story let me give you a health warning, laughing and running can be the most exhausting exercise in the world. It is cardio at it’s best.

Our touristy spirit fortunately or unfortunately was still undiminished. When we saw a palace guard on a horse in the street, we made sure to stop and get our pictures clicked. You could call us daredevils for playing with time. 
Thankfully, when we reached the last leg and we increased our speed and reached Victoria guard with everything except our breath. Danny stood there nonchalantly with no sympathy. We asked him were the coach was and guess what, it was late!

The entire experience of London with my friends was not only fun but deepened our bonds. When you learn to laugh freely without any inhibitions with, you finally let loose. The unison of our laughs still rings vividly in my ears.
The way we talked about London from that day onwards made us feel that some part of London was our’s too, etched securely in our hearts.