by Wendy
There were a lot of stairs on the Iceland and England trip. Not like running up and down my basement stairs to deal with laundry. Not like walking up and down a few flights to my office floor instead of waiting for what must be the city’s slowest elevator. This was more in the line of trudging up hundreds of steps in a narrow corridor or next to a steep drop-off. The work was usually rewarded with an impressive view, but that didn’t stop me from complaining.

Or stop me from trying to be funny, pretending I was a stairs enthusiast. I LOVE stairs! I’m new in this city, so can you tell me about your stair options? At least 250 or more. Really high stairs that cramp your calf muscles and make your knees ache. Ones that are crowded with lots of tourists – those are cool and not at all claustrophobic. And winding staircases that make you dizzy? Awesome.

There were a lot of stairs to climb in Iceland, mostly outside. It was beautiful, but tiring. I felt downright joyful when the docent told us the elevator was the only option to the top of the famous Reykjavik Church Hallgrimskirkja.

So I figured I would be done with serious stairs by the time I got to England. But there was Dover Castle. And then there was St. Paul’s Cathedral.

I might have skipped this attraction had it not been for my parents suggesting it. St. Paul was right around the corner from our hotel, with its unmistakable dome and loud bells that ran frequently on the weekend. We walked past it every day. Its location is apparently the highest point in London. So of course there’s an exclusive vantage point that can reached by tackling just a few steps…like over 500.

Totally worth it! For real, I’m not being sarcastic. A little stuffy in the crowded stairwell, but so glad Dad encouraged us to keep climbing. The outside views were amazing, even if it was windy and I got a weak feeling in my knees from being up so high.

Did I not mention that? I’m not crazy about heights. No, wait. I LOVE heights! Let’s get that adrenaline coursing. I can always quickly make my way back to street level if needed. Oh, Mom wants to go on the London Eye? The giant ferris wheel that takes about 30 minutes to go around once? And you’re essentially stuck in a capsule with lots of people way above London?

I was a little nervous about that one. When I was a teenager, I was crazy about roller coasters and scary rides – now I get ansy on ski slope gondolas.

Even though the London Eye was not an activity I would have done on my own, I was willing to go along. Mom and Dad are always game for trying a restaurant or bar or museum that might not have been on their personal must-see lists. The London Eye is a popular attraction, so order tickets in advance. We booked the Champagne Experience – it was only a few pounds more than a regular ticket, and I figured a drink might help me relax. We chose early evening in hopes of seeing the lights of the city sparkle during a sunset.

Our tickets gave us access to a private lounge with couches, chairs and a bar. We knew champagne would be served in the ferris wheel capsule so we decided not to order a drink beforehand – can you imagine having to pee during the 30 minute ferris wheel ride? Can’t talk yourself into thinking that is fun.

Our guide entered the lounge and whisked everyone outside and straight into the capsule. It was worth the extra money not to have to wait in line, especially since it was raining lightly.

The other perks of the Champagne Experience include a private guide, glass of bubbly (obviously), and apparently fewer people in the capsule. I was surprised at how roomy it was, with plenty of space to walk around and a long bench for sitting in the center. I did not feel claustrophobic at all. The guide was excellent – pointing out specific buildings and sharing interesting facts. There was even a trivia quiz for an extra glass – Dad and Jack won! My anxiety melted away while gazing at unique views of my beloved London and sipping on champagne. It was cloudy and grey outside, but I still think the photos are beautiful. It was such a memorable evening!

Part of the rewards of traveling with others is access to different ways of looking at things. I love traveling with my family. With all companions building a trip itinerary, you’ll often wind up enjoying an activity that you wouldn’t have considered previously. Or possibly develop a new love of stairs and heights.