So we jetted off to London on Thursday, starting our journey nice and early at the Garda station, registering to live here for more than a month. Now, I'm not going to get deported, so that's a good thing! So, we were up at 6, getting out london on. We got the bus to the airport, and ran into some friends who were also traveling to London. So, we sat with them on the bus, and took the hour ride to Shannon. When we got there, we met up with a bunch more Arcadia people who were doing the same thing as us, on the same flight. After waiting around for a little while, we made it passed the scary Ryan Air people, who actually turned out to be incredibly nice and didn't charge us anything extra for stupid things like we were warned. It seemed almost too good to be true, but it worked out. Being the nervous flier that I am, I plopped myself right between Zach and Abby, grabbing their hands as we took off. Zach was the lucky one sitting to my right, so his hand got a little bit red and squished. Oops. Abby kept me busy by singing little songs to me, and squeezing my clammy hand with her equally clammy and tiny baby hand. Clearly, I will be sitting next to her on every flight.
So, we finally landed, and we started to look for a way to get into London, because we were still an hour away from the city. The rest of the group we traveled with were more prepared than we were, so they ran to their train, which took them right there. Abby and I decided it would be a good idea to take the bus because it was cheaper. Bad idea. It started off fine, but just to sum it up, I ended up sitting next to a very scary man, who was very forward and wanted to help me with everything, including getting me to where I was staying that night. I, of course, was not going to let this happen, but he was pretty insistent. But, Abby and I were smart girls, told him a lie, and he ran away. But, it was not the best way to start off our time in London.
So, our first night just kept getting better...not. We were planning on staying with Abby's friend, but of course his phone wouldn't work and we could not get in touch with him. So, here we are, sitting in the bus station with no where to go. So who do we call? Just our dad, Zach. And of course he comes through and saves the day, asking the rest of the group we traveled with if we could crash at their place (they were staying at one of the girl's cousin's house) So, Abby and I took a cab there, so happy to be away from the bus station and scary london men. When we got to the apartment, it was honestly so beautiful...like I'm talking sex and the city good. Beautiful furniture, art gallery style photos on the wall, and just such a nice atmosphere. They were so sweet to take us in, and obviously we were so thankful. They wined and dined us, and took us out to an adorable little pub near their house. It was so nice to finally have a roof to sleep under, and great hospitality. They seriously saved our lives.
The next morning, we woke up early to go to Buckingham Palace to see the changing of the guards. Definitely so cool, and I am totally convinced I saw the queen. She just didn't see me, or she would have invited me in for a drink. We found a great spot to watch it, and the men all dressed up even decided to play Thriller as one of their musical selections. They obviously knew Abby and I were going to be there, only the 2 biggest MJ fans ever (besides Maura) who totally believe that he is the second coming. But anyway...after that, I set off to do some touristy things. We started off at Big Ben, which was so pretty! Then, we did a little tour of Westminster Abbey, which was also incredible. Obviously, I died in the Poet's Corner, where my man Chaucer is buried, and there are tons of other plaques and things devoted to every other freat writer. So great! Then, I headed off to the Tower of London! I totally felt like I was in the Parent Trap, running around like Annie and her mom. It was perfect!
Finally, we met up with Abby's friend, who lived in the Marble Arch district. We made it to his apartment, which was actually so nice. There are 5 boys that live there, 3 bathrooms, a beautiful living room with leather furniture, a flat screen tv, wireless, and a washer and dryer. And, turns out, 3 of the roommates were in Berlin for the weekend, so we even had our own bed! So much better than a hostel! When we got there, we were so hungry, so the 3 of walked down the street to get Shwarma...some sort of pita filled with lamb or chicken and other delicious things. They were perfect. Then, we went out to a pub for a little while, and then went to bed...we were EXHAUSTED!
Then, we were up early the next day to do some more traveling. We met up with our friend Isabelle to go to Camden. This was such a cool little place in London, with all the crazy alternative people, living the non-mainstream lifestyle, if you get what I mean. So obviously, I fell in love with them. Abby and I went shopping at a little market, and I bought 2 dresses, with the money I don't have. But, they were totally worth it! Then, Abby and Isabelle and I went to Portabello Road, a lovely little market with so much yummy food and things to buy! It was the sweetest little place! I bought a doughnut, which was sooooo delicious, and totally worth the 1 pound! Then, we headed off to Picadilly Circus to meet up with some more of the girls to do some shopping. We went into Top Shop, which is actually the most perfect, beautiful, amazing clothing store. A little bit of a cross between Anthopologie and Nordstrom...so basically, it's incredibly expensive. But, obviously I fell in love with everything in there, and almost bought a bag that was way out of my price range. I guess the london atmosphere got the best of me. But I didn't end up getting it. If it hadn't been for scary Ryan Air and their one bag rule, I TOTALLY would have bought it. But, I didn't. I'll probably buy it online because I am still dreaming about it. We stayed in that night, and had a little party with the boys and a few of their friends. It was so nice, and tons of fun!
It was up again, but a little later this time. We slept in this day, and kind of lounged around for a little bit. It was nice. Then we got some lunch, and headed off to Abbey Road for a little Beatles photo shoot. As you can imagine, I was in HEAVEN! However, it is not a tourist attraction like you would think. Actually, it is just a street, where real people live, and real people drive. Obviously, we were not aware of this, and were shocked when we saw cars driving on the road. But, nothing was going to stop me from getting my picture on Abbey Road...not even traffic. So what did we do? We stop traffic, and cross the street about 200 times, just to get the perfect picture. It was so funny! But, we got it, and of course, I was the happiest ever!
That night, it was the Superbowl! We stayed in the apartment again with the boys, watching the game. Sam, our host, was nice enough to make us chili, which was AMAZING! The perfect way to watch the Superbowl...in London and with chili! It was delicious!
Finally it was our last day in London. So we woke up and headed over the the Tate Modern...the famous modern art museum! It was perfect! Right up my alley! We stayed there for a few hours and then started making our way back to the apartment to get our stuff and head back home to Galway.
All in all, it was a great trip! We learned a lot, and had a great old time! We all decided that we definitely have to go back, because there was so much more that we didn't see! It's a huge city. It's definitely nice to visit, but I am so glad I did not study abroad there. Yes it is beautiful, but I know that I would be fat and broke if I lived there...2 things I do not want to be when I leave Ireland.
Hope things are good back in the states! I miss it!
Countdown till my family gets here: 11 days!
love you!
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