London!

Last Thursday, after two days of unpleasant midterms, Miranda and I fled the country.
We arrived in London at about 11:30pm and bolted for the Gatwick express. We took the train into the city and then walked from there to the flat where Gabby and her mom were staying. Except we didn't know which flat number it was! We had about 15 minutes or so of confusion, but the man at the desk was very helpful and we eventually got wifi and sent a message to Gabby to get the room number. I was so excited, I ran all the way up the stairs and down the hall. It was so good to see her :) and it was so nice that they let us stay in her flat for two nights!
The next morning, Miranda left to spend the day with Stephane. Gabby, her mom, and I headed out to see all the sights by foot. It really did not take long.

We passed by the palace just as the changing of the guard was taking place. It was almost too crowded to handle.

Green Park

Westminster Abbey. I decided not to go inside because I've seen A LOT of churches and cathedrals recently.

Parliament

Did I mention I was glad to see her?

China town

We went to Haagen Dazs. This treasure is named the Brownie Explosion.

For dinner we had fish and chips and mushy peas. Soooo good.

After dinner, I went with Gabby, her friend Casey (who is studying abroad in London) and her cousin Kasha (who is originally from Poland, but is working in London) to a bar/ club for Casey's friend's birthday. Her friends are all very nice and we hung out and danced for a few hours before going back to the flat. Miranda didn't show up until 3am and I was freaking out!! But she was ok, she just had gone out dancing without telling us.
The next day, Gabby and I said our sad good byes and Miranda and I left to meet up with her friend, Robby, who is also studying abroad in London. We had a hard time finding him, but when we did, we went to drop our stuff off at the hostel and then walk to the British Museum.

I love how in older cities, you can just stumble across things like this.

THE ROSETTA STONE

Stolen from the Parthenon

Been there!!

I just thought these were so cool. I had to hold my lens directly against the glass to keep it still for the long exposure.

I walked into the clock room just as it was turning 1:00. So many chimes around the room. Very cool.

Ahh, red figure pottery, my old friend.

One of the greatest highlights of the weekend for sure.

 After the museum, we went looking for this tea house I had looked up. It was called Soho's Secret Tea Room. A little too secret, I'm afraid. We couldn't find it. Instead we happened to stumble across a restaurant that Miranda's parents had told her to go to. So I had ham hock with savoy cabbage. It was good, but I was so excited for afternoon tea.. :(

After lunch, we went to King's Cross station of course. I was so ready to disappear onto that platform. Only 10 years late!

After browsing a bit in the Harry Potter shop, we decided to split up. Miranda and Robby wanted to go to Harrod's but I don't like shopping so I went back to the hostel to rest. In hindsight, I should have bought a new peacoat. Oh well. That evening we met up for dinner near the hostel at an amazing Indian restaurant. So yummy. The next morning we checked out of the hostel EARLY and went to the airport. We didn't miss our flight this time! Yessss.

I really enjoyed my time in London. Eventing Magazine has its headquarters there, maybe I'll be back one day to work!