Plays, Shopping, and Tea...LIfe is Good.

Today is the day we went to Liberty of London where they have all different designers and their own line of fabrics and just tons of beautiful things.  Usually I feel super out of place when I go into stores like that but for some reason I didn't feel out of place in the least bit!  The workers were so nice. SO we went to that store and it was really really fun.  After that we met with a guide who took us to some high end designer stores.  We went to Vivian Westwood, Stella McCartney, and one other one that I can't remember.  He told us about the designers and each of their labels.  Super interesting, but it still blows my mind to think that people spend that much money on clothes.  The clothes were beautiful though.  Fun to look at.  We look at some other stores too like Burberry, lots of super pricey boutiques.  It was beautiful.  We walked around for a few hours and then went to a presentation at Fortnum and Mason.  Look that place up on the internet.  Honestly one of my favorite places we have been to in London.  Everything was just so beautiful and had so much history.  Loved it.  Loved the store itself too.  That is where we had tea.  That night we saw Les Miserable.  I had no idea what I the story line was and honestly knew nothing about the play.  I loved it.  It was such a great story and the music and songs are really great too. 

Young Forever

 This was our first Sunday abroad and our only Sunday while in London, so I met up with a cute friend from High School, Jenna Allen, and we went to church together.  She is nannying for a family in London this summer so she goes to a cute singles ward.  I loved going to church.  I love that it is the same everywhere you go, and it is true no matter where you go!!  We tried to keep the day as mellow as possible so we hit up some pretty neat museums.  We went to the science museum and the natural history museum. Both were WAY to crowded for our liking so we wandered around for a bit but didn't do too much of the activities available.   We grabbed a most delicious waffle for lunch and headed over to the tower of London to see the crown jewels.  Unfortunately....we didn't get to see them that day. (don't worry, we went back to see them another day)  But while we were wandering around taking pictures of tower bridge I ran into some friends from High School who are just traveling through Europe for the month.  So crazy and random!!   That night we were continuing with our "mellow" theme for the day and took a spin on the London Eye.   People who have gone on the London Eye told me it was either one of their favorite things while in London, or they felt like it was a total waste of time and money.  I personally thought it was fantastic.  Loved it actually!!  I would highly recommend it and I would also recommend going at night.  Seeing the city at night was such a treat!  It was a happy and peaceful day.

Stonehenge and Bath

Don't mind the squinty eyes and hard core tourist outfit.  This day was probably one of my favorites.  Stonehenge was absolutely amazing.  I wish I could have experienced it more but I was so cold and miserable I could only handle being outside for a little bit.  We had an audio thingy to tell us more about it was actually pretty interesting.  I wish they had more information on why it is there...it is crazy that it is still standing though. 
    After Stonehenge we went to Bath.  I really really wish we could have spent more time there.  It was a beautiful city.  The ruins were incredible and the churches were honestly jaw dropping.  Annnd the sun was actually shining a little bit!!  We were all desperately craving the sun.  It has been raining and cold every day.  Not the funnest weather to be in.  But we walked around the museum and some shops to see their different business strategies/their marketing techniques and had a fun little lunch in a pub.  That is basically what our days consist of everyday.  I actually really enjoy it. 

Stonehenge...don't mind the asian eyes

so. cold.

Attempted Jumping Shot

Roman Baths

Bird Poop in the hair...YUCK!

The City of Bath

All Day...Everyday

Appointments.  Thats what we do all day, everyday.  But we only had one in the morning this day so Alie and I were able to explore our little hearts out.  We liked to get lost, walk, and shop around.  Probably the best way to see the city is to just get lost in it.  It is also the best way to find where you are going.  When you don't really have a plan, it makes for a much better adventure.   Walking around trying to find something, or anything, is really how we explore.  The pictures are of us "lost" at a subway stop, taking a picture with what I literally thought was a real statue (it wasn't...it was a creepy man), nutella the size of my head, crepes crepes creeeepes, REAL coke, the national gallery, and the olympics countdown.  This was such a fun day!! 

London Calling

This morning I woke up super early and could NOT fall back asleep.  Of course right?   So I decided I am going to catch up on my blog from the past couple weeks I have been in Europe.  Where do I even begin???  I have done so much, see so much, and had soo much fun!!  I am just so grateful to be having all of these amazing adventures.  The first day we arrived was a whirlwind.  I was able to sleep the entire flight so I really didn't have much jet lag.  It was great!  The first thing we did when we got out of the airport was a bus tour of the city.  Holy moly.  It was amazing.  We saw almost the entire city in one afternoon.  We were able to see the changing of the guards and Buckingham Palace during this mini tour.  I loved it!  We then arrived out our hotel and my immediate reaction was (to say it in a nice way) not too positive.  The hotel use to be a military hospital and was preeetty creepy.  The beds were harder than rocks (I have bruises to prove it) and the people next to me liked to smoke something funky every night.  But, it turned out to be just fine.  It is located in a great location right next to Hyde Park.  We explored our barrings a little before heading off the bed that night.  The next day was started off great.  We went to the beautiful Kensington Palace.  It has been turned into a museum featuring Princess Diana, Prince Albert and Queen Victoria, Queen Ann, and another king (I can't remember his name right now).   Such a fun way to start our journey!!  While we were waiting in line we saw Matt Lauer from the Today show!  I was able to meet him for a second and even take a quick pic!  After browsing the museum we walked around the park, got some fish and chips, and were off to our next appointment.  We met with a couture hat maker named Prudence.  She was a nut.  She makes all of her hats my hand and works with some of the greatest designers.  She taught us how she goes about doing her business in such a small market.  When we were finished there we explored the city and called it an early night.  Everyone was still pretty groggy from the plane.