//------------------------------//
// Chapter 5: The first of many trips on the London Underground 
// Story: A Summer Trip to London 
// by Hourglass 
//------------------------------//

After a HUGE haggle in Customs the whole Canterlot High group met up in the baggage claim to get their luggage.

"I am so glad that my bags didn't get bumped around on the airplane." Exclaimed rarity.

"My hat is still intact after all this trip." Applejack sighed in relief.

"I just want to get into town to our hotel, I've been needing a good rest." Rainbow Dash yawned as she picked up her duffel bag from the conveyor belt.

"Are you crazy, I want to see the whole city!" Pinkie exclaimed.

"Not that it would make any difference, but I think that we all need to get into town before too much longer." Fluttershy spoke calmly.

"We will get into town well before too much longer." Sunset Shimmer assured the group as Principal Celestia called the group over for an announcement.

Principal Celestia spoke. "We are now about to make our way into the heart of Central London to our hotel. It is located just across the river from the Houses of parliament, it is where we will stay for this whole trip. We have bought us all some oyster Travelcards that will allow us to travel on some public transit systems. To get to our hotel, we will be taking the London Underground into town to our hotel. My sister will explain everything."

Vice Principal Luna continued. "We will go to the Underground station and enter it here at the airport. Be sure to tap your Oyster Card on the yellow circle at the ticket barrier so you can get in. We will be traveling the majority of the trip on the Picadilly Line from here to Green Park, once we get to Green Park we will transfer to the Jubilee line which will take us the last remaining city blocks to Westminster station. Once we exit there we will walk across the Westminster Bridge to our hotel. Does everybody got that?" They all nodded. "Then let's get into London." Luna finished.

The Underground station was 30 feet below the airport. Once everyone had made in through the ticket barrier they all took the escalator down to the platform. It was a long platform that was very well lit and that had a yellow line running along the edge that dropped into the tracks. These tracks were not like regular train tracks...they had an electric third rail that gave power to the trains. Lights showed up in the tunnel as an announcement signaled the arrival of the train. The whole group got on the back car of the train where no one was sitting so they could get seats or stand by hanging onto the hand rail. The train departed after the doors closed.

At Osterly Station, Rarity was speaking about what she would like to visit in London. "I do hope that we get to see Picadilly Square, Madame Tussands, and some other wonderous attractions."

"You've been telling us that for the whole day if you haven't noticed." Rainbow Dash groaned.

"Don't let her get to you, you've got your own things to think about." Derpy told Rainbow Dash who of which was sitting right next to her.

At Earl's Court Station the group was starting to either fall asleep or get restless. Principal Celestia tried her best to get everyone up. "We will be getting to Green Park soon." She spoke as she patted Silver Spoon awake.

"Ugh, alright." Silver Spoon moaned as she came out of her sleep.

"Don't you even try to mess with my sister." Vice Principal Luna scolded.

When they finally reached Green Park Station they all left the Picadilly Line behind and transfered to the Jubilee Line. The train on this line thundered into the platform at a speed that was much greater than the Picadilly Line train, it came to an abrupt stop and the doors opened. They all got onboard quickly and headed to the few seats that were available as the train started to travel very quickly through the tunnel. Five minutes later the train arrived at Westminster Station.

Pinkie Pie was excited to see what was towering above the station entrance as they came out. "It's Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament! I can't wait to see those places!"

"Calm down Pinkie," Rainbow Dash groaned with sleepy eyes. "We've got to get to our hotel first. Where is it?"

"It is just right there across the bridge. That circular one with windows." Sunset pointed out.

"Well everybody, let's get to that hotel and get some sleep." Applejack said as they went across the bridge...