My First International Adventure: Exploring London

From Pune to London: My Dream Journey During the 2019 Cricket World Cup

It was during the 2019 Cricket World Cup in the UK that I finally embarked on my long-awaited journey to London—a dream come true. After applying for my visa in India, I eagerly began packing for the adventure ahead. Being a hardcore vegetarian, I knew the trip would come with its fair share of culinary challenges, but my excitement outweighed any concerns. 😊  

The day of departure finally arrived. From Pune, I traveled to Mumbai to catch my Air India flight to Heathrow. The journey took 9 hours and 40 minutes, but time seemed to fly by. With my camera in hand, I made the most of the experience, capturing every memorable moment. The flight attendants were warm and attentive, regularly serving food and drinks. Seated by the window, I couldn’t resist gazing outside frequently, marveling at the view from above and snapping countless photos.  

I found the entire experience enchanting—from the thrill of the flight to the kindness of the crew. Here are a few snapshots that capture the magic of my journey. 📸

Somewhere on the earth

After a long but thrilling flight, I landed at Heathrow Airport on June 9, 2019, at around 1 PM local time. Stepping into the massive airport, I was instantly struck by its grandeur, bustling with travelers from around the globe.  

It took a while to retrieve my luggage due to the long queues at immigration, but the airport's cleanliness and tight security left a good impression. Once I finally collected my bags, I swapped my SIM card to connect to the local mobile network. The first thing I did was call my family to let them know I had arrived safely.  

As I stepped outside, I was greeted by the cool London breeze. The temperature hovered around 17°C, and the crisp air added a refreshing touch to the moment. I hailed a cab and made my way to my apartment in Archway, London, located about 40 km from the airport.  

The apartment was situated above the owner's Italian restaurant, giving it a charming and cozy vibe. It was a stylish and comfortable living space, conveniently close to a nearby Tube station, making it easy to explore the city.

View from my apartment

After settling into my apartment, I took some rest before heading out to King's Cross Station to purchase a Travelcard.  The station, much like Heathrow, was massive and bustling with commuters. As one of London's major transport hubs, it offers Tube connections to nearly every part of the city.  

I bought a weekly travel pass for £102, which gave me the freedom to explore London without worrying about individual fares. With my pass in hand, I set off for my first sightseeing adventure.  

By evening, I had already ticked off some iconic landmarks: the London Bridge, the majestic Tower Bridge, and the surrounding area. Strolling along the River Thames, I admired the breathtaking views and captured plenty of photos. The blend of modern skyscrapers and historic architecture created a stunning contrast, making it a perfect start to my London exploration..

Tower Bridge on Day 1

The writer...aka myself

And that’s how I wrapped up my first day in London. 😊 Since I had brought along some homemade food and snacks, I didn’t feel the need to splurge on meals outside—definitely a smart move for a vegetarian traveler!  

With my travel pass in hand and a camera full of memories, I was all set for the exciting days ahead. Stay tuned for more stories from my London adventure in the upcoming posts.  

Happy reading! ✨