Time to 'sling your hook' as the Cockneys (further information click here), the traditional inhabitants of the East End, would say. It just means get out of here. The Cockney's have a distinctive accent, dialect, and use alot of rhyming slang. However, over the years there have been a great Cockney diaspora in a number of waves. Particularly, after the end of World War 2, because a large part of the East End was in ruins from the bombing. London has become more multicultural, and East London is changing with the times. In truth my family are part of that Cockney Diaspora, as my grandfather was a true cockney, born within sound of the 'Bow bells", and immigrated to Australia. Though, it's good to go back to see where you came from, even if where you came from, no longer really exists.
Good article about the Cockney Diaspora called 'Death of the Cockney' - http://www.timeout.com/london/things-to-do/death-of-the-cockney-1
It was time to get my pregnant turtle on, and sling my backpack on, with the daypack on the front, and waddle to the Underground. We just had enough on our Oyster Card (the Underground travel card) to get to Kings Cross Station. International trains, like the Eurostar, the high speed rail to Paris, go from Kings Cross St Pancras, and the train to Gatwick airport. We are flying with Ezyjet, a low cost airline, to Barcelona. The trips costs 10 Pounds, and seemed to take about half an hour.
Ezyjet have flights to Barcelona for around $180-$250, though you may be able to get a cheaper fare during a special. It's about a two hour flight, but it's a long train trip. Normally, I prefer catching the train for short trips. I've caught the Eurostar to Paris before, and it's so much easier than flying I can tell you. It's only four hours to Frankfurt, so I would definitely catch the train if I was going there. Those who followed my USA trip will remember I caught the train from New York to Washington. I highly recommend it.
Gatwick airport is London's second busiest airport. Ezyjet seem to use it, along with the other low cost carriers. I would recommend probably either eating before or bringing your own snacks, as there was nothing very inspiring about the food choices at the airport. I've got nothing bad to see about Ezyjet. I would fly with them again.
Arrived in Barcelona to brilliant sunshine, and that bright light, that is distinctive as you approach the Meditteranean. You'll know what I'm talking about if you have been to Provence in Southern France, that light immediately seems to elevate the spirits as you leave the often grey skies of Northern Europe. I caught sight of some good beaches on the approach, and the city sprawled out from the port towards the green hills beyond. It looks very inviting.
There is no paperwork to do at Customs. We just show them the passport, and pick up your bag and we're through and into a taxi. It takes about five to ten minutes, and costs 20-30 Euros.
Our two bedroom apartment is in the El Poble Sec area of Barcelona. It's a climb up to the six floor (no lifts), but the view is fantastic (see picture above). This is our private rooftop patio that faces towards the North, and the famous Sagrada Famila.
This lounge looks like a great spot for a siesta, which is between 2pm and 5pm in Spain, when shops close, and many people, probably me included, have a snooze. Our amazing host provided Champagne and strawberries (for the record I had water) for our arrival. We used airbnb again.
We went shopping, and bought some cheese and salami. Although it's warm, nobody wears thongs, and not many men wear shorts. It's okay to wear canvas shoes like Vans, or those European style sneakers.
Groceries are very reasonable by Australian prices. A coffee or expresso as it is called here is only 1 and 1/2 Euros.
We will be here a week, and I already know we are going to have a good time.
Travel information & tips:
Barcelona info - http://www.lonelyplanet.com/spain/barcelona
Leave enough time to travel to Gatwick airport.
Just be aware that European airlines are stricter on the size of carry on luggage than other parts of the world. There is a metal container, where you drop your bag into to see if it can fit, if it doesn't then it has to be booked in. My daypack easily fits in, if that is any guide.
If your trip is shorter than about four hours just spare yourself the hassle of flying, and catch the train.
