Destination: London

London. What can I say? I've been dreaming of this trip since I first set foot in Austria as I spent a solid two hours in Heathrow. Though jet lagged, dazed, and confused, I knew I wanted to move beyond the Harrods gift store in my terminal. That I finally did!

I planned this trip for immediately after the holidays as I knew I'd be a bit bummed. Perfect timing! It was so refreshing to see lovely ladies from Ithaca College, speak English, hear English, enjoy Hob Nobs and tea, drink legitimate chai, eat scones, enjoy some sunshine, pet a few dogs, make small talk with the grocery clerk, have a Bulmer's, fly in a jetplane, see a movie whilst eating Ben and Jerry's (I know, right?!), stay up all night chatting, and read a trashy magazing in my langauge because, well, I can.

In lieu of writing a journal style entry, I'll let the pictures do the talking:


English flag!






Big Ben and Parliament







The London Eye



I began my wanderings in Westminster, famous for Big Ben and Parliament, The London Eye, and Westminter Abbey, amoung other things. I couldn't wipe the smile from my face! Since Cora had a stress fracture in her foot, I was left to my own devices and explored the city on my own. While there were a few minor challenges (am I going the right way?) I felt great walking by myself and was comforted by British English. I had no problems getting around and didn't get lost once! These pictures were taken from a bridge above the Thames, again in my first outing. I was greated by a rather good looking rugged Scotsman playing the bagpipes. Obviously this made me exceedingly happy as I snapped away and took in the scenery. Big Ben! He's right there! Ah! I then walked along the river and took a few minutes to just stand in the sun and soak in the English atmosphere. This is when Amazing Grace began floating through the air and naturally I had to cry. These were not sad tears. There I was, in London, in Westminster, surrounded by English, hearing bagpipes and standing near Celtic territory. This trip was long over due to say the least. I pondered dancing the fling next to him.



By the Thames




Walking towards the Abbey





Westminster Abbey



I then made my way to the Abbey and spent a solid twenty minutes in the smaller church which neighbors the more famous building. It felt, just, ancient. There is this magical, celtic (ok, ok, I know I was in England..) historical, anciety, fairytale like feeling I get when in this part of the world that I just can't put into words.



Buckingham!



St Paul's.

  I spent a large portion of the day strolling in the parks surrounding Buckingham Palace. This is where I locked eyes with an adorable pub and he ran straight for me. Dog!! I also mingled with some swans, strolled beneath the trees, and fancied myself very royal. Ok maybe not, but one can dream.



On my second night we went to the local pub (a block away from Emily, Krystal, and Cora's very Londonlike flat) and I had a burger and Bulmer's. So. Content.

I crossed Abbey Road!! This is actually a very trafficked crossing in a gorgeous neighborhood. I also had to take a few minutes just to stand and comprehend this situation. Here comes the sun.....

I visited King's Cross, though didn't find Platform 9 3/4, and the Tower of London/Tower Bridge. Of course there were plenty of other nerdy Harry Potter moments, but I shall leave that up to your imagination. (The bridge where the dementors attacked in the last movie, the wand shop in Harrods, etc). Oh, Harrods! Harrods, the multi level department store with a golden egyptian themed escalatorway (that's a word now), mulitple food halls, everything you could need for polo/your horse and more, a toy kingdom, and a room full of grand pianos is insane. I was there twice for the scones alone.

Needless to say I was quite sad to leave. Thank you Cora and IC ladies for such a wonderful time! I miss you!!

Cheers..

Muffin