Day 1 & 2 - YC Malawi 3rd Advance Trip Log (29-30 April)

Introductory Note:
YC Malawi is an interdenominational youth outreach event occurring in Lilongwe, Malawi during July and August. Pastor Mike Freake and I are travelling to the south-central African nation as part of continued preparations for the event. Note links for further info.


Hi everyone!

Yesterday night Pastor Mike Freake and I flew out of St. John’s on Air Canada to begin the 3rd Advance Trip as part of our preparation for YC Malawi. Our flight to London was via Halifax. Somewhere over the Atlantic we managed a couple of hours of economy class sleep.

Following our arrival at Heathrow we caught the express train to downtown London where we purchased a double-decker bus tour of the sites. Highlights included Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, St. James Cathedral and the West-end Theatre District. I would suggest dressing for miserable weather if you get stuck on the second level where there is no roof and the wind and rain and drizzle set in. London’s weather is no better than the Avalon!

Seriously, if your team is going through London and is considering a tour, timing is everything. Consider the following…
1. 20 minutes from arrival to customs
2. At least 15 minutes in customs for a team if there is limited lines
3. 5 minute walk to Express Train
4. A possible wait for its arrival of up to 15 minutes
5. 20 minute express to Paddington Station (home of the famous bear)
6. 10 minute walk to store to buy tour bus ticket
7. Up to 20 minute wait for the tour bus
8. 180 minute scheduled tour can take up to an hour longer in traffic
9. 10 minute return to Paddington Station
10. A possible wait for its arrival of up to 15 minutes
11. 10 minute walk to Departure Area
12. Suggested by Heathrow to be at Boarding Pass line-up 150 minutes prior to boarding

Total - minimum 7 hours/ up to 9 hours

Tickets for the Express Train and Tour bus can be purchased ahead of time at a reduced rate.

Back to the trip… we boarded our Kenyan Airways flight for London and departed about 8.30p local time. We enjoyed the in-flight movie and excellent service before falling asleep early in the morning.