Julia Frank

Before I get started, I wanted to say, yes, I am safe and came out victorious against a close encounter with some pigeons. I thought I was a goner for a minute there, or at least need some sort of painful shot. But alas, I am still here to tell the tale. 

Last time I came to London, the main thing I remember was that I didn’t like it. And I think this is in big part due to me blowing my nose. It was so smoggy that I was blowing soot out of my nose. This time around, London has not disappointed me. I wouldn’t go as far to say it’s a favorite of mine, but I did enjoy my time here. After spending only one whole day here, I think it is safe to say that I am a seasoned pro at using the tube. I tap in, I tap out, I can do it all! I definitely wasn’t confused at all at any point. Something I don’t understand about London is their lack of organization though. I don’t know which side of the sidewalk to walk on! Pick a side! I was weaving through people like the true athlete that I am. And just from observation, I think they are terrible drivers. Thank you for listening to my Ted talk on my issues with London. Otherwise, great time. 

My first day there consisted of me doing laundry. Super exciting and one hell of a time, I know how to have fun. Now the most outrageous part of this thrilling time I was having was that it cost me 10 pounds to wash and dry my clothes. It had to be done, but that was a punch to the gut. 

My full day in London started at Notting Hill, and what a thrill it was. One thing about me, I will go into every tourist shop that has the exact same things in them. I’m on a budget, I need to find the cheapest version of the magnet I want, obviously. I went into a jacket store and the man who owned it really wanted me to buy something. He was buttering me up, asking why I don’t have a boyfriend with a face like this. He said he would give me a really good discount, but like I said, there are only certain things I plan on buying, and this was not one of them. But thanks for the empty compliments!

Side note: As I am writing this blog post in the Gatwick airport, I have had yet another close call with a pigeon. It flew over my head whilst a British family yells at each other and argue. Free airport entertainment at its finest. Why is there a pigeon in the airport? I have no clue, but I’m honestly not surprised. 

Anyways, after I went and checked out every tourist shop in Notting Hill at the Portobello Road Market, I went to Covent Garden. I just like looking at all the stuff there and the pretty buildings. I got lunch and then I left. I’m telling you, this wasn’t the most entertaining day you will hear about, but I am forcing you to read anyways. I then went to the Churchill War Rooms, because who doesn’t love a bit of World War II history. I know I do. They basically give you a phone and headphones and you walk through the area while listening to the description of each room. It was definitely interesting to see everything there. When I had finished that, I just walked around until went to the West End. I walked by the London Eye, Trafalgar Square, and Big Ben, and wandered around until I got to Chinatown. The Prince of Wales theater is only a block away, so I got dinner in Chinatown, and I have had better. I saw Book of Mormon and then went back to my hostel. And miracles do happen, because I don’t know how I keep getting everything to fit in my backpacks. Yes, I do have to sit on my backpack in order to get it to zip closed, but I did it! 

This wasn’t a super long read, you’re welcome. But it is likely going to be the shortest one I have. I know what you want though, so here are the pictures you greedy vultures.