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!!!