London, England, Great Britain Trip May 2008

Ready to go.  All accessories bought and organized.  Weather for the week looks fantastic.  Uncharacteristic of London it's going to be high 70's and sunny Monday-Wednesday.  In fact, possibly no rain anywhere in the trip.  Getting really excited now!  (and wondering WHY am I bringing this umbrella....)

Doing a "One-Bag" style trip.  BA allows 1 carryon plus "purse" .  My carry-on is super light, wheeled, expandable (for souvenirs).  My "purse" is a medium courier bag with several zippered compartments both under and on the flap.  It's a light but strong cotton, nylon lined, with this really wide, mesh-covered shoulder strap that goes across  your body.  Tough to cut or grab.  Hangs very flat empty, but expands like crazy! 

It will be different haviing such a "purse" draped across me, but my raincoat can actually be folded up and stuffed in one of the pockets (along with umbrella, camera and water bottle).  Who cares what it looks like?  Got to be better than a "fanny-pack!"  I've read people stand behind tourists and take things out of their back packs without them knowing it.   So this is in front where I can see it. 

Bought a cute quart zip-lock bag full of tiny plastic bottles and jars.  Even has a sheet of clear press-on labels.  Using about half of them to eliminate big bottles (shampoo, woolite, sunscreen, oil of olay...).  Travel size toothpaste, etc. going in as is.  Everything seems to fit.  (Are mascara and lipstick "liquids"?  I'm guessing they are and putting those in as well.)  Big question...Will they confiscate my  Mentos at security???  Never go anywhere without Mentos and water.  Maybe Mentos are for sale on the other side? 

Have printed out pages on the tube/bus routes, google maps of areas I'll be, some color maps of the sights from their web pages (Tower  of London, Hampton Court Palace, etc).  No need for an entire guide book.  I found Google Earth, especially it's ability to show all the coffee shops, groceries, ATM's etc., really helpful.  I like how you can see whats across the  street from your hotel.  Or do a "Path" and get the exact walking distance from your hotel to someplace.  I can play with Google Earth all day!  :)