Lots of London

I went to London with barely any preconcieved thoughts or set itenerary. Of course there are places to go and things to see that any tourist has to put on their To Do list, but I had also heard that London is one of those cities you just have to take in and do it your way. Sometimes, this is simply just the best way to travel. (Also, I am returning to London to meet my parents at the start of winter break, so I saved some of the main tourist-ey things for them).

Therefore, my days went a little something like this: I sipped on cider, chatted at hip cafés with friends, listened to British accents and shopped til I dropped all of the pounds I gained eating desserts and apple crumbles.

Thursday night (THANKSGIVING)

First experience on the "tube," or the "Underground"

What we Madrilenas call the metro. My thoughts: very small, not as nice as Madrid's, but cushioned chairs and fun accents to listen during the ride.

A hunt for turkey

Strolled the streets of London looking for a place that offered a good Thanksgiving dinner deal; then ended up at a small Italian restaraunt (total Christmas Story situation if you've seen that movie).

But the food was divine and I ended the meal with apple pie so I say that counts as a Thanksgiving meal! Right?

Sip of Cider

After dinner we found a kind of "Fish and Chips" bar where I ordered my first Cider. I almost asked for a beer at the bar but was told I would be shunned and kicked out if I didn't use the word "logger."

Friday

Visit to The National Gallery

A museum of 13th-20th century paintings. I'm no Art History major, but I was pretty dang excited to see Monet's paintings in person, especially "The Japanese Bridge." There were also pieces by Michaelangelo, Rembrandt, Goya, Van Gogh and more. Very cool!

A Stroll through a park

London is beautiful in the fall...

Meeting Big Ben

We only saw it from the street but even that was amazing.

A walk through the Churchill War Rooms

I've never been biggest history buff, so I'll be honest and say that at first I wasn't too pleased when my friends persuaded me to throw down 14 pounds to see some bunker rooms.

Now I even feel stupid just writing that. Some bunker rooms? Way, way, way more than that.

The Churchill War Rooms literally transport you to the time of the Second World War in London. The Cabinet War Rooms are part of a historic underground complex that housed a British government command center during the war. There's also a small museum that is dedicated entirely to the life of British statesman Winston Churchill.

There was never a dull moment during the entire hour-long walk through time. I even got to see the Cabinet room where in 1940, Churchill stood and declared, "This is the room from which I will direct the war." I saw the wartime maps, war phones they used, beds they slept in during airtime raids and so much more.

A night out! Or not...

Maybe living in Madrid where people don't even eat dinner until 10 p.m. has gotten to me, but in London, it's a lights-out-at-11pm-time-for-bed situation and I think that's just crazy! And totally unexpected...London is one of the most popular and "most happening" cities in the world; yet its nightlife is lacking...After dinner we weren't even trying to go to clubs, but more just looking for a place to get a couple of beers. Unfortunatley, we literally ended up pub crawling, but not in the good way. Everywhere was closing their doors or making last calls, and it wasn't even midnight on a Friday. Hmmm...

Saturday

A walk through a Winter Wonderland!

My first Christmas market abroad turned out to be in Hyde Park in London, called Winter Wonderland. Very cute, great food, lots of people, unique gifts and a theme park connected to it as well. Loved it!

Shopping

Yes, I shopped, as would any girl when visiting London! The shopping was great, obviously, but especially in Chelsea. This neighborhood has fab places to eat and is simply put, a nice place to stroll through and take in the London environment.

An actual night out

So I never said that London's nightlife was nonexistent-you just have to do it right. We went out (a little earlier this time) with some friends from home who are also working abroad, but in London.

Sunday

Shopping

Okay, okay I went shopping again...

Dinner date with Bayley

I loved Chelsea so much that for dinner Saturday night I researched some of the best restaraunts in the area so I could make a reservation somewhere great! We ended up at The Bluebird, which is a cafe during the day and nice, trendy restaraunt at night. I splurged on a set menu including an onion & cider soup, macaroni truffle, a glass of red wine and apple crumble for dessert. I felt very English and very full.

Monday

Went to Royal Wedding!

Ugh I wish...But I got as close as I ever would! We knew we couldn't leave London without stopping by Westminster Abbey, where the Royal Wedding took place for Kate and William. As cool as that is, the Royal Wedding was only one day out of the church's more than 1,000 years of existence. Yes, 1,000. Founded in 960, the Abbey has actually been the nation's Coronation church since the crowning of William the Conquerer in 1066. It is also the burial and memorial place for many historical figures from British history, inlcuding authors and artists. I even got to the see the burial place of Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin.

I also got to have a first-hand witness of the coronation chair used for the past century of Kings and the royal crowns. One word: surreal.

Shopping

I have no shame. We ended the trip a little lighter in the wallet, and a little heavier in our luggage.

#travel #holiday