All posts filed under: London

Lovely London – Day 3

Published by

“All good things must come to an end.” What a terrible quote, but it’s fitting since this is my final post on my European adventure. Thanks to everyone who followed along! Kate and I made the most out of my third and last full day in London. First on the itinerary – grab a bite to eat at Borough Market, London’s popular outdoor food market. What a beautiful and vibrant place. The sights and smells were just as colorful. We had fun checking out all of the yummy goods. Not pictured but available in abundance were different types of cheese, baked goods, tea, fresh-squeezed juice, fruits and vegetables. Needless to say, I had a pretty big lunch. Honey-roasted almonds and pecans, an egg custard pastry, fresh juice and a duck confit sandwich. Someone ship me back! I love this storefront. Above, at right, is a picture of my duck confit sandwich in the making. Can you see me drooling? After the market, we strolled along the River Thames. Above, at right, is a view of …

Lovely London – Day 2

Published by

On to my second day in London! My trusty tour guide and London host, Kate, started our day by taking us on a walk through several of London’s beautiful parks. And boy did we walk. I must’ve missed London’s peak fall by a week or so judging by how many leaves had fallen, but it was still lovely. Kensington Palace Gardens Kensington Palace, which happens to be the home of Will & Kate. Unfortunately there were no sightings. My brush with fame will have to wait. Tell me this isn’t your worst nightmare. Just kidding, sort of. Aggressive giant birds aren’t scary at all, right? Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain I believe we walked into Hyde Park at some point to head toward Buckingham Palace. Buckingham Palace I want to say the above photos were taken in Green Park, but I couldn’t keep track of where we walked. All I know is that squirrels will climb on you if you feed them. This might be more terrifying to me than the birds. Notting Hill …

Lovely London – Day 1

Published by

I flew into London’s Gatwick airport on a Tuesday. It was intimidating to travel alone in Europe, especially since I lost my travel friend the day before (she left for London on Monday), and I was leaving my husband behind in Rome. (He had to work – boo!) Regardless of the many travel challenges, such as Rome’s chaotic Fiumicino airport, no cell phone, no contact with my host in London, and traveling with only a backpack, I made it. After touching down in Gatwick, I took a 30-minute train into London, rode the Underground a couple of stops and walked several blocks to my destination, which I accomplished, with (gasp) no phone. It’s nice to know I can still survive without modern technology. So after finally arriving at the beautiful flat that I stayed in for three days, I dropped my bag and went right back out the door. There was some major sightseeing that needed to be done! A silhouette of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. St. Paul’s Cathedral sits on one …

One big adventure

Published by

After almost six full days in Rome and three days in London, I’m finally home. It’s been an adjustment returning to work after being able to do whatever I wanted for the last 10 days. How long is it until retirement again?? :) My trip was amazing. It was basically one big adventure where I took way too many photos (almost 3,000 pics – I might have a problem). Rome is packed with amazing sites (which are even better in the evening!), not to mention that their alleyways are even picturesque. Needless to say, I couldn’t help myself. One of my favorite aspects of the trip was probably the most unexpected – making a great friend and impulsively traveling to London (yup, that wasn’t in the original plan) to spend time with her. (Hi, Kate!) With Jay busy working, I couldn’t have asked for a better partner in crime. On to the photos! Here are some “teasers” until I can logically sort and edit the rest. :) On Saturday, we took a day trip and …