Sunday December 1, 2024.
It was an overcast morning as Erin, Keilyn and I prepared for our trip to London. Our plan was to visit St Pancras International, as my girls wanted to see the giant Emerald City Christmas tree, from the movie 'Wicked', which they went to see last week.
As we were about to leave rain, which had been threatening, decided to pour from the sky, so a taxi was ordered.
We decided that, for a change, we would take the Lioness line to Euston, as Keilyn and I had been waiting for the new signage to be unveiled.
Once aboard we sat down and watched as the rain began to diminish the closer we got to our destination. And, sure enough, as we exited Euston station the rain had all but stopped, making our short walk to St Pancras International a drier affair.
Once inside we headed through the crowds towards the giant Emerald City tree, taking lots of photos, before we took the escalator up to the next level, so that we could get a different view of it.
We then went for a wander to see the statue of Sir John Betjeman and the Meeting Place statue, which towers over the upper concourse.
We then used the lift and went for a proper look at the tree, which has a model of Oz inside it.
More photos were taken before we headed towards the eastern exit, where we discovered life-size models of Glinda and Elphaba, which were made of Lego.
On leaving St Pancras International we crossed Regent's Canal and reached Granary Square, heading off towards Canopy Market, in search of some lunch. After a brief look at what was on offer, Erin decided on a Cheese Burger, made with dry age beef, with cheddar cheese and ketchup. Erin decided against having the pickles and mustard.
With Erin waiting in line for her food to be prepared, Keilyn and I went and ordered a coffee and hot chocolate.
When Erin had received her food, we found a table, where Erin and Keilyn sat, while I went to get food for Keilyn and myself. Keilyn decided to have Duck Fat Chips (freshly cut potatoes, double fried with a drizzle of duck fat), while I had the Petit Prince Burger (Brioche bun, butter infused grilled duck, stilton, gherkins, fried onion and burger sauce).
With us all full with food we took a look around the market stalls, before we headed out towards Coal Drops Yard, to peruse more stalls. Keilyn spotted some unique keychains, which were soon purchased, while Erin was saving her money... for now.
The clouds were began to break and the sun was beginning to break through as we left the Coal Drops Yard and made our way back towards St Pancras. We took the escalator down to the Light Tunnel and then used the escalator, at the far end, to enter St Pancras International.
The crowds had increased as we made our way to the 'Lush' pop-up shop, where Erin wished to purchase something 'Wicked' related. After what seemed like an age, Erin finally decided on a bath bomb in the shape of Glinda's Wand, while Keilyn was busy spraying test strips with various body sprays.
We then made our way towards the exit, passing the tree once more, and soon found ourselves on Euston Road. After stopping to take a photo of the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, we continued westward towards Baker Street.
On our way we popped into the grounds of the British Library as, since Erin and Keilyn are now published authors, they wanted to see where their books would be kept.
We then passed Euston, Euston Square, Warren Street, Great Portland Street and Regent's Park stations, as Euston Road became Marylebone Road.
The sky had begun to cloud over again, partially obscuring the top of the BT Tower. Soon enough, though, we found ourselves at Baker Street station and while Erin and Keilyn disappeared to buy sweets and snacks, from the platform shop, I went and got Keilyn and myself a Starbucks.
Sitting on a bench, on Platform 1, we waited the few minutes for our train to pull in. However, the power that be decided that the next Watford-bound train would leave from Platform 4, causing us to take the stairs and walkway to reach platform 4.
Once we were seated the train pulled out and we were on our way home.
It was a Wicked day out, which both my girls thoroughly enjoyed.
Distance travelled:
Bus - 0.0 miles
Cable Car - 0.0 miles
Car - 0.0 miles
DLR - 0.0 miles
Ferry - 0.0 miles
Overground - 14 miles (Lioness)
River Boat - 0.0 miles
Taxi - 0.8 miles
Train - 0.0 miles
Underground - 18 miles
Walking - 2.7 miles
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