Tools of the Trade

The transportation system in London is terrific. Do not put off mastering it, because it opens up soooooo many possibilities. At orientation, we received our Oyster Cards and learned about the London Pass. These are pre-paid passes for the underground tube and bus system and a variety of historic places, critical to any visitor to the area. EUSA and Villanova provided us with these, but you will want to explore the available options for anyone planning to visit while you are in London. They are real money savers!

We're in week three here, and while I have pretty much mastered reading the large maps available in every tube station, I still need a little help with changing lines and getting off at just the right stop. An internet site called London Town has turned out to be very useful. If it lists the site or business you need, it almost always includes the "nearest" tube stop and other tips.

We've learned the hard way that a lot of construction takes place in the city on the weekends. Already our favorite tube stops have been closed and whole tube lines have been shut down. Since there is lots of duplication in the system, you can almost always get where you need to go with just a little extra thought. We will not be deterred!

Beyond London, the national train system is excellent, so is Gatwick airport. Though I have yet to use it, several classmates have. It's a little farther away than Heathrow, but a train called the Gatwick Express makes getting to our neighborhood pretty easy.

A word to the wise - The tube is not very handicapped accessible. There are LOTS of steps, and only some tube stops have ramps and elevators. Some have escalators, but many are steep and really long. More words of wisdom - travel light and wear comfortable shoes.