Oyster Card
Every minute counts when traveling. So, intending to save some time, I tried to purchase an Oyster Card through the Transport for London website before my trip, but was unable to. Luckily, it was easy enough to pick one up at Heathrow Airport. I'm not sure if Apple Pay or contactless credit cards based outside the UK work at the Tube station turnstiles. I didn't want to risk holding up the line by trying to find out.
Catching the Bus
Stick your hand out (like you're hailing a cab) to catch a bus in London.
Making my way back to the hotel from the Globe theater, I saw the bus I needed to catch across the street at the stoplight. I was alone in an unfamiliar city and it was late, so I ran to try and get to the bus stop before the bus did. I thought I made it because I was standing at the stop seconds before the bus arrived, but the bus drove right past me! Two older gentlemen came walking up to the bus stop a moment later. Still bewildered by what happened, I told them that we just missed a bus. They texted something on their cell phone and got the time for the arrival of the next bus - about 8 minutes. When the next bus appeared, I noticed both men stuck their hand out to signal the bus driver to stop. I asked them if that was the customary way to catch a bus in London? One of them answered, "It's always good to assert yourself." I considered it for a second, then I laughed and replied with understanding, "Yes, it is." What the man said was so broad, but his simple bit of advice resonated with me. It was like he saw right through me - to the nature of my entire life's problem - and it made me laugh to think that it could be put so succinctly. Also, just think of all the buses that might've passed by me if they hadn't shown up! We ended up having a nice conversation about the Globe and other topics, until the bus reached their stop and we said goodnight. I was truly happy to have met them. Did you know that an American actor had the idea to build the present Globe theatre?
If you have luggage, and you are using public transportation in London - take the bus instead of the Tube - if possible. It's much easier to manage walking on street level with your suitcase to a bus stop instead of lugging it up and down the stairs in the station!
Catching the Train
If you purchase advance tickets online for a train departing at a certain time, your seating is reserved. Otherwise, it may be open seating. If you pre-purchase tickets and you want to take a nap on the train, you can chose seating in the Quiet Car where there is no talking above a whisper or cell phone use. You can pick up your pre-purchased tickets at one of the automated ticket machines in the train station.
Arrive at the station about 40 minutes prior to departure time. Watch the departure board - the platform number will be displayed about 20 to 30 minutes prior to the train's departure time. If you arrive at the station a bit early (like I did, 2 hours early!), you can always grab a cup of coffee or a bite to eat for on the train or do some people watching while waiting.
