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Blazer: Lauren Conrad for Kohls (option) (option) // Top: c/o Wallis (exact) // Denim: Lauren Conrad for Kohls (option) // Shoes: Payless (option) (option) // Bag: Target (option) // Necklace: Forever 21 (option) (option)
In about thirty-six hours Ross and I crammed in about three days worth of sightseeing. Even though we did not get to experience more of the magic that London had to offer, I think we should win a gold medal for what we were able to accomplish for the short time we had.
Today, just call me your personal London tour guide.
After we finished our morning and afternoon with Wallis, we hit the tourist pavement.
First stop the London Eye, a 443' Ferris wheel that offers the most spectacular views of the entire city. I recommend doing this at night, but because of our limited time we hopped on in the late afternoon. I still can't believe I got on that thing....I am petrified of heights.
After a fifteen minute ride we went straight for food. We stumbled upon an Italian restaurant called Prezzo. In my opinion this was the best meal we had during our stay and the prices were actually lower than some of the other places we ate at.
It was time to walk off the pasta, pizza, wine and dessert. We took a couple hour stroll and explored all that was close by; Big Ben, The Parliament, Parliament Square, a park and logically I hopped in a telephone booth. I couldn't resist that one. London still has booths scattered around the city. Crazy to me.
We headed back to our room, freshened up and hit the town...again. I have to hand it to another cab driver for taking us to another hot spot; a place we would have never found on our own. It was a super hip cocktail bar and club called Eclipse. They even made me my very own special request that wasn't on the menu. Talk about some service. Highlight of the night, some locals buying me a yellow rose because they knew I was from Texas by my accent and my overuse of "y'all".
We woke up early Wednesday morning to see the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. The actual "changing of the guard" wasn't that earth shattering, but something you have to do if you go to London. What baffles my mind is that this production, and I mean production, takes place every single day at 11:30 AM. The two guards that have to stand "guarding" the palace for 24 hours straight can't eat or use the restroom. They just stand there, no movement, no expression and those hats...can you imagine how uncomfortable they must be? Oh, and I told the Queen hello from all of you.
Moving on by foot, we made our way to Westminster Abbey where Prince William and Princess Kate were married. We didn't go inside because that whole timing factor I mentioned. We popped back by Big Ben to get a better glimpse during the day. In case you didn't know, you cannot tour this building nor the Parliament that is attached to it. I actually thought we could and felt a little uneducated and silly when I asked where we bought tickets to get in.
And then it happened. An angel flew down from the sky and landed smack dab in front of us. We were contemplating buying tickets for a boat tour and couldn't decide if we wanted to spend the time doing it. That's when the angel walked up and gave us two tickets for an all day pass to one of the tours. He said he got them from work and wasn't going to use them. I thought it was a little shady and have the mentality of "if it's too good to be true, it probably is." Well, I was wrong this time. The tickets were legit and before I could blink we were on a boat.
Best way to see hundreds of things in a short amount of time. We cruised along the Thames River and witnessed both modern and historical architecture. We floated under the London Bridge, which was nothing like I expected. It was super small; not the big one you see in the top right picture below. That is actually the Tower Bridge, much more impressive.
We stopped and journeyed to the Tower of London; the place were William Wallace (Braveheart) was beheaded along with numerous other royalty. The history on those grounds was chilling. It was an eery feeling to learn all what had taken place over the years. This is the original fortress where Kings and Queens used to reside. The Crown Jewels are still on display and I almost fainted when I saw all the diamonds and gemstones. I never thought I could engulf so much history that actually intrigued me. I seriously want to read books and learn more about it's past. If there is one place of history to set your sights on in London, this is the place. We devoured every lesson and story while we were there.
Now comes the part where I wish we had a video. We decided that we had to ride the Tube (aka subway). Neither of us have ever been on one before, so to us it was a tourist attraction; a thrilling one at that. It just so happened that we showed up at the station right at rush hour. The only two words that come to mind to describe it is "haul ass". Because if you don't, yours is going to get handed to you or trampled right to the ground. I have never seen people move so fast. We were "those" people. Lost, confused, trying to figure out where we were going, what we were doing....it was hilarious. We stood out like bright little Texas stars and received plenty of not so nice looks. And all I could do was sing, "Come on ride that train...and ride it." What a cheap 15 minute rush.
Besides having our last supper at one of the most sophisticated and sexy restaurants I have even been too, Amaya, our trip has tearfully come to an end.
Reliving it this week with all of you has been the best. I feel like I went to London twice. Thanks for sticking with me. I know my posts have been crazy long this week, but I wanted to document as much as I could for personal reasons and for those who might be planning a trip to London in the future.
I hope you enjoyed it as much as I have.
I do have one last little bit left for tomorrow...all the things I learned while in London. You know, when in London do what the Londoners do.
