15 July 2010
Last day in London
My flight isnt until 10pm, so I have plenty of time to kill.
I start out by arguing with some hotel staff before, the guy never turned up for my meeting, much to the shock and embarassment of the staff at the hotel.
So I went to their corporate office which was nearby, and informed them that they were too unprofessional to even turn up.
They would not let me see anyone. I have now called them many times to remind them of that fact. All I wanted was a meeting to discuss how unprofessional their staff were, and the management are worse. I intend to continue with this matter!
It was blowing a gale in London, and a bit rainy, despite this I walked around and froze. I think theres a hitory that on my last day any place it rains.
Eventually I went to the London Museum, where I had not been before, which is a history of London. It was of a very high quality and of course free. I learnt stuff, I didnt know London didnt exist at all before the Romans built it, it was largely farmland or forest before then.
It was now time to go back and pick up my bags, the long way, walking in a non direct manner. I again informed the hotel that despite assurances people were waiting for my calls and emails (which I had done), no one had bothered to respond to me. I also told the desk clerk from the night before (since he had now returned) that he was a dispicable liar. To which he agreed! And told me he didnt know why he lied so much, he cant help it. This is of course a tactic to get rid of me, and he no doubt knew I was going to the airport anyway. They are hoping I just shut up now.
I caught the fast train to the airport that leaves from Paddington, this isnt my preference, it saves you 15 minutes but costs you 18 pounds. My original hotel choice was on the slow line that costs 3 pounds.
I think I set a world record for check in, security, immigration, arrive at qantas lounge of 7 minutes, I timed it.
Do you think there could be any more drama? Yes. I was let into the first class lounge as always, im entitled. I am sitting by myself enjoying a glass of water, without even having my laptop out, and being very quiet. Someone comes over and asks for my card again, which I show. Then tells me I am not allowed in here, get out.
Now I am allowed in there, but the reception told me its up to the discression of British Airways (who qantas share the lounge with) who they let in. So I was thrown out based on appearances. Thats pretty awesome.
This time I got my meeting, with the duty qantas manager at Heathrow, they are following the matter up, I guess I can expect some sort of note or something in the mail.
Flight boarded and left on time.
I know I promised not to show too many car photos, but this is the brand new Ferrari 458 Italia, it nearly ran my over. I really like the red color, similar to my car, looks great on a Ferrari.
This is the salad I had at Selfridges for lunch, very delicious with Parma ham.
I found this sign to be amusing.
Inside the London museum, a chart of global warming through the ages. It seems to repeat in cycles, some people nearby were accusing the museum of being in global warming denial and how it was disgusting this was being shown to school children.
Like the various museums in Tokyo, the London museum has some very impressive models.
The place is built on the original Roman wall that ringed old Londinium as it was called, heres a piece that survived.
A recreation of the Garden of Pleasures, it was dark in here, check the exif data for details.
I enjoyed these long exposures so you get 2 to look at.
They mayors stagecoach is on show, they still use it once a year.
On my walk back to my hotel I walked along an elevated walkway that went for a long way and was completely deserted. This bit of ancient wall, covered in weeds and not sign posted was hidden along there. A spooky place with all empty 1970's buildings and no humans, in central London near Bank station.