The First Day in London

Originally, I decided to forgo travelling with Molly and Kathy, but after I couldn’t even find the train, I decided to stick with them. So much for being independent… On the train, I learned more about Molly, a fifth year broadcast-journalism major at UGA, and Kathy, an energetic, sweet, antique dealer. We also learned more about London’s transportation system from the train conductor, Conrad. I caught glimpses of the London suburbs, which reminded me a lot of Privet Drive (just wait. More Harry Potter references to come!) We finally got to Victoria Station, took in the London sights and smells, and boarded the Circle Line to Gloucester Road. Kathy and Molly walked me to my hotel, and then I was officially on my own! I checked my bags at the front desk and freshened up in the bathroom before heading out on my own. It wasn’t long before I saw Molly and Kathy again! We decided to walk around while also searching for a place to eat breakfast. After about an hour and a half of walking, we finally found a cute, little bakery that had amazing looking pastries. I ordered a hot chocolate, while Molly and Kathy both ordered pastries. We ended up talking for about two hours before heading back to our respective hotels. It wasn’t long sitting in the hotel before I fell asleep in the lobby after being awake for over 30 hours straight! An hour and a half of sleeping, my mom woke me up, so we could finally go up to the hotel room. I ended up sleeping for another two and a half hours. (Oops….sorry mom ☺) After I woke up, I took a shower, changed, and mom and I went out to explore! We went to Starbucks, where I got an English breakfast tea, and got to check Facebook.
Then we walked down the main road to where it ended in Hyde Park. Mom told me she had a surprise for me in Hyde Park. We came to the top of a hill, and low and behold, I was staring right at Kensington Palace!!! (aka Kate Middleton’s house!)
After a good fifteen minutes of near hyperventilating, we walked along the front of the house. Then we strolled through the shopping area of Kensington before heading back to the area by the hotel. In true English form, we ate at Fuller’s and got fish and chips.
To complete our English meal, we went to Tesco to buy Cadbury, then headed back to the room. My first day in England was beyond words amazing. I didn’t even realize the wonderfulness to come!!!

London Calling

And I answered.. :)
I have full confidence in saying that one of the best feelings in the world is waking up on the first day of a break. Suddenly, everything is a little brighter and all life’s troubles don’t seem quite as bad. I am also fully confident in saying that waking up knowing that you’re going to London that day is by far one of the best feelings ever. I woke up Saturday morning with a noticeable glow. For more than eight months, I had yearned daily to go to London and here was my chance. I was going with my mom on my spring break. I spent most of the morning packing, determining which articles of clothing were both functional and adorable. At around 2, my mom, Lisa, and I left for the airport. We got to our gate E7 about an hour and a half before the flight. After anxiously awaiting hearing my name on the intercom, I finally heard my name called, walked up to the counter, and got my seat assignment. I was placed in 9C!!!

We're going to London!!

Not only was I actually going to London, I was placed in business class for the flight over. The business class of this plane had the seats that you can lay down in. Finally, after many hugs and kisses from my mom (she was working the next flight to Heathrow- I was flying into Gatwick), I boarded the plane to begin my London adventure! I thoroughly enjoyed looking at the people’s faces as they passed through business into coach. (Sorry- pretentious: party of one) At around 5:30, we lifted off the ground and were on our way to England. I immediately tried out the laying down feature on my seat, and let me just say it is AWESOME! During the 8 hour flight, I watched Footloose, read, tried to sleep (HA! Good one. I was wayyy too excited), and ATE. They gave us so much food to eat, and most of it was delicious. Whoever thought the cream of vegetable soup was edible needs some reevaluating. After what seemed like an eternity, we landed in England. I was talking to Sue (the nicest British flight attendant ever!) and the lady in front of me overheard that I went to UGA. Her daughter is a fifth year senior at UGA. They, as I later found out, were staying at a hotel near my hotel, the NH Harrington Hall in Kensington. We decided to meet up off the plane to travel to Kensington together. To be continued…