Other than landing in London almost a month ago, I haven't really been in London. So I was very excited to take my first real trip last Sunday. A few things I learned:
CLICK THE READ MORE BUTTON! I am not sure why we were under the impression that going to London Liverpool Street was what we should do. We stepped out of the station and started walking and saw not a single person. I was beginning to wonder if this was even London at all! After walking for a bit we finally saw people and just migrated toward them. Unsure of where we were or where we should be, we decided to get back on the train and make our way to Piccadilly Circus (ultimate shopping stop). BUT, just as we were getting on the Piccadilly line at King's Cross Station, I realized Harry Potter's platform 9 and 3/4 was at this station.... we waited in line for a half hour for the photos below. Totally worth it. Once my inner Harry Potter nerdy self was satisfied and happy, we made our way to the ultimate shopping area of London: PICCADILLY CIRCUS! Although we didn't get to do much shopping at all because we were starving and decided we needed a real meal in the city. We all got 8oz steaks with a side at a place called Angus Steakhouse, and I tell ya, my wallet isn't happy now, but my stomach sure was in the moment. (Another totally worth it moment). After we ate we walked around for a while just to see how beautiful the buildings and the stores were. Most of it was waaaaay out of my budget, but I felt glamorous just being there. The main streets were gorgeous but I fell in love with the hidden light ally ways in London. It was mesmerizing. I took photos of my two favorite streets and I can't wait to see them again. I wish we had waited to eat because these ally ways had cheaper meals and a much better atmosphere. And I of course had to take a picture with the red telephone box. (And yes, I did intentionally wear a red jacket because I knew it would match). **Included below is the first telephone box I saw in London. 5 minutes off the first train and this was what I saw. I wanted to include it on here so everyone can see that even though it is magical and beautiful, it still has some ugly hidden around it too** Even though it felt like we had only been there a little while, before we knew it.. it was 6pm and we only had two hours left in the beautiful city. We needed start heading back to our bus by 7:50pm. We all couldn't leave without seeing Big Ben so we made our way back to the tube station and headed for Westminister street! It actually took quite some time but we made it there eventually. Right when you step out of the station, Big Ben is right in front of you. Sadly, he is covered in scaffolding because he is getting a wardrobe update (probably needed, but still bummed we couldn't see him that well). The parliament building was stunning. Even in the dark you could see how much detail was put into making the building absolutely breathtaking. Being directly on the water bank made it that much prettier to look at. Turning around from Big Ben, we walked right into view of the London Eye. It was lit up and looked incredible reflecting off of the water in front of it. Even in the dark, these sights were amazing to look at. I am excited to one day (hopefully soon) get there in time to see more of the city in the day light. Once we had used up every minute we could enjoying the view, we had to make our way back to the station and head for the bus. By this time, I was ready to go. My feet were killing me and I promised myself right then and there that I would never wear heels to the city again. No matter how small of the heel! It felt like we had done so much, but really we had done so little. Thats when I realized that next time, we needed to have a better plan. To me, this trip prepared me for future trips into the city. I am confident I know London Underground pretty well now, and I know which routes get me back home. All travels come with learning lessons and I think having a laid back day like this before taking on a bigger adventure in London is exactly what I needed. Thanks again for taking the time to read my experiences! I will post on Facebook when I update the blog! XOXO
Maddi *PS. Almost forgot. I bought a cupcake as I was leaving London (carrot cake of course) and it was delicious. Not as good as Denine's Cupcakes in Chico, but it was from London so that made it even better.
4 Comments
Aunt Mary
26/10/2017 19:24:21
Sounds like you are having a great time! I love your outlook and enjoy sharing in your experiences! Love you sweetie!!!!
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Pat Denton
26/10/2017 20:07:39
Oh, Honey this is wonderful. Your classes sound perfect and challenging. I love you dearly and and so happy for you. I will message you with some personal stuff tonite! Thank you for letting me share this with my Friends. Love, Grandma
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marlena
27/10/2017 21:49:24
those cupcakes though!!!
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Grammy
30/10/2017 04:38:27
Love your blog! Feels like I’m there
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MadeleineMy name is Madeleine Sarner, and I am an American student living in Britain's oldest recorded town, Colchester. After many months of saving, extensive planning, and a few break downs along the way, I have finally started my journey of living abroad. On this blog you can keep up with my adventures, my culture shock, and my new and exciting experiences! Archives
December 2017
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