England: Day 3 & 4 - London

 Only slightly hungover, we arose from bed to go to the charming Primrose Hill. It is literally so cute and we stopped at a bagel shop to get food and coffees before sitting in the grass at Regent's Park. I should mention now, that we had unseasonably amazing weather ALL weekend long in London. It was sunny and warm and dry for all four days we were here. Abby and Nate assured us that this wasn't the norm. 

We rented bikes and started our biking tour to and through Saint James' Park. Max and I walked through Kensington Palace grounds to see the Sunken Garden that memorialized the Princess of Wales. It was really beautiful yet also sad to be there. I love the way they created this space to honor her life.

We biked over to Covent Garden and split from Abby and Nate there. We had a 4pm tea-time at The Wolseley-at the Ritz Carlton. I was delighted by all the tea sandwiches, scones, my Primm's cup, place settings and the atmosphere. This checked this off my bucket list and I was glad Max joined me for this occasion. I would say, it wasn't his favorite food we ate in England, but he survived.

Intentionally we walked through Piccadilly Circus and then on our way to Chinatown, we (Max) stumbled upon a familiar street. Out of all the streets in London, how Max realized that we were a mere 100 ft away from the ironic tailor and suit shop from The Kingsman is still beyond me. He posed for a picture and then we were on our way! We met up with Abby and Nate for another drink on the street outside of a pub in SoHo. Trekking over to Chinatown (my first one ever!) we ate a few bao buns before our goodbyes with Abby and Nate. It was an amazing three-day tour of London from them! I am forever grateful of the time we spent together and the thoughtful itinerary they put together for us.

The night was still young so we wearily decided to find one last roof-top spot to soak in the last of the London Skyline.

The following morning we made arrangements to go to Westminster Abbey. First stop though, was a proper English Breakfast (Max's checklist! in Camdentown). I didn't partake but I watched as Max devoured black pudding, blood sausage, beans on toast, fried potatoes, pan-roasted tomato, and eggs. I didn't know one could smile so much while eating beans. 

I am glad we made the time to go inside this amazing cathedral. They had a fantastic audio/video tour to go along with all the sculptures, entombed bodies, oil paintings, gothic architecture, and stained glass. We stayed over an hour and also climbed to the top of a tower that held the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Gallery. I was disappointed when I only saw replicas of the precious jewels and crowns. Max was impressed with the poet's corner that held the burial site or commemoration of several large and also lesser-known poets that shaped history. 

Max had second thoughts about a Cuban cigar in Covent Garden so we hurriedly biked over to grab a few before our departing train to the airport. Things got a little delayed but we made it on our flights by the skin of our teeth and only a near-stroke from Max. 

I love a city adventure and London was certainly one for the books. With all the traveling I've done and now with my partner in crime, I do have to say that traveling with friends has its own special place in my heart. A big, big thank you to Abby and Nate for an unforgettable weekend!

England: Day 1 & 2 - London

 Long weekend in London? Count me in!

Abby and Nate were approaching a year in The Big Smoke and I was determined to make a trip to see them. We worked out that we could take a direct flight leaving Thursday to arrive Friday morning and leave Monday morning to arrive back in Nashville by the evening. Thus this trip materialized. 

Of course, we had to book something upon landing in London. We had tickets to the British Museum. Much like the Louvre, we could have spent HOURS here. We saw the Rosetta Stone and walked through what seemed like miles of history and decades of artifacts.

We went back to the hotel in Archway and freshened up before meeting up with Abby and Nate. We met them at a pub and had a few rounds of drinks before heading to Notting hill. We then had some cocktails below the restaurant at a speak-easy-style tequila bar called Naked&Famous. After a drink, our table was ready and we ascended the stairs to Zephyr. It was so fun to catch up with Abby and Nate. We always have the best conversations about world news, politics, and family dynamics. I love Nate's 'devil's advocate' perspective. 

The following day we got up and did a guided tour by Abby and Nate to show us London's most iconic spots! We walked past the Tower of London, across Tower Bridge, took pictures at the best vantage point for Big Ben, saw the London Eye, waved at PwC, and then stopped for lunch at Borough Market. We ate sandwiches at The Black Pig and I got a Humble Crumble custard with Rhubard. 

Later in the evening we took our spots in the queue for Dishoom. It was well worth the wait as we ate to our hearts' content. London really does have great Indian food. We stayed for hours and then popped down the street to a classic English pub that played American music. It was so lively and we got bottle after bottle of white wine and danced into the night, like the good ole days! 

Max and I had to make a pit stop at Mackers after our late evening 👀 Just call us typical Americans, I don't mind