The Boatwrights Abroad: First Day in London

Wilder in front of the Wilde Aparthotel!

We arrived st 7:30 in the morning, and it was a beautiful sunny day! We took a famous Black Cab to our hotel in East London. The kids thought that was very fun—especially the fact that they’re electric now! 

Our hotel is called Wilde Aparthotel Aldgate Tower Bridge, in the Tower Hamlet area. Our hotel was so nice. The staff was really accommodating, especially since we got there earlier than checkin time. We left our bags with them and went to a nearby Tesco Extra, a small grocery store. We got fruit / veggies and breakfast items for the week. We chose lodging with full kitchens and used them partly to save money - the breakfast at the hotel was nearly 17 pounds for each adult - 9 pounds for kids, for example. But also, to provide some familiar foods in a lunchbox for Wilder, who has some dietary sensitivities. Both kids were willing to try new foods and often enjoyed them, but having some familiar foods as well was peace of mind for us to make sure they had full tummies.

 

Much-needed coffee in the eating area at the hotel

Back at the hotel, we unpacked in our room. We had a small bedroom and kitchen with a stovetop, microwave, sink, dishwasher, fridge and freezer, nespresso machine, hot kettle, toaster and plates/cups/utensils. The living room had a table and a pullout couch, with a huge picture window overlooking East London. The whole setup of this hotel was similar to Resident’s Inn in the U.S. and it was very comfortable and convenient—plus a good price. We were on the 13th floor, the “Penthouse” and it was super quiet, with a spectacular view.

Our view from the top floor was beautiful!

Once we got settled, we made some food for the kids in their lunchboxes, and took an Uber to Zach’s sister Autumn’s house, about 30 minutes away. We got to the Harston’s, and Wilder and Felicity got to play with their cousins Hayden and Bobbi, who just turned four that day!

Such jet lag

It wad a beautiful day so the kids played in the backyard. We sang Happy Birthday and had cake. We took a walk around the neighborhood, and went to the park to play. We came back and had fish and chips for dinner—a London staple! It was very tasty.

Playing with cousins

Happy birthday Bobbi!

Chocolate cake with Bobbi and Hayden

Bubbles

The Harston's neighborhood

Holding hands

Zach, Wilder, Simon

Playground

Wilder loved the bridge where trains went by

Trying Squash!

Dinnertime

Fish and chips

After dinner we took an Uber back to our hotel. Jet lag made us EXHAUSTED so we fell into bed!

The sofa bed situation - comfy!