Not only did I not hate London, I actually loved it and want to go back. I never considered studying abroad in London because I always thought it was a sort of cop-out. I thought the fact that Londoners speak English was too easy and not enough of a cultural challenge. But, experiencing the local flavors of language and food in the Queen's town was a refreshing change of pace from Rome, a city with so much culture it can be overwhelming. In fact, that's exactly what my weekend in London was: refreshing.
Courtney's dad was in London for the weekend on business and graciously allowed us to stay in the hotel with him. We stayed at the Marriot at Canary Wharf. The big, comfy beds and generous water pressure in the shower was very welcomed. So was the ease of the Tube, the cheeriness of the cab drivers, and the convenience of having friends (Courtney's sorority sisters, Jackie and Lauren) studying in London who could show us the ropes.
We flew RyanAir from the Ciampino airport in Rome to London-Gatwick. Flying RyanAir is a unique experience but flying in Europe alone is an experience. It has probably been close to 10 years since I haven't needed to take my shoes off to go through security. I didn't need to take my toiletries out either. While easy and quick, getting through security in Europe doesn't quite have the comforting effect that the thorough US searches do. Once we got through security we proceeded to our gate, which is only open for 30 minutes prior to boarding during which everyone clamors for a spot and a standing line forms...it really made me miss Southwest's number system. Once our tickets were checked we were directed towards a bus that would drive us to the plane where we would be boarding on the tarmac. All very different ideas to me. I was told that flying RyanAir was like "flying for your life" but the ride was surprisingly smooth. The flight attendants came around multiple times with drinks and snacks FOR PURCHASE (an annoying difference from US flights). These weren't just flight attendants though, they were sales people, pushing everything from scratch tickets to electronic cigarettes that you could smoke during the flight. Someone could easily go broke on a RyanAir flight. Luckily, and quite frustrating, RyanAir only lets you carry on one bag so my wallet was tucked securely away in my carry-on above my head.
Once we landed we bought a train/Tube ticket that would get us to Canary Wharf. Once we exited the Tube station I was shocked at how pretty London was at night. There were hundreds of tall, illuminated glass buildings, making the city glow. It was unusually warm so hundreds of people were out having drinks along the wharf.
We checked into the hotel room, met Courtney's dad, and got ready for a night out in London Town. Courtney's dad kindly offered to take us out to dinner at Hi Sushi, a restaurant recommended to us by a friend who came to London the weekend before. There was about a half hour wait so we went next door and had a pint at an English Pub.
After dinner we went back to Jackie and Lauren's flat and were left speechless. The place was like a palace compared to our apartment in Rome (but I'm not complaining, Mom). It was really cute and a comfy place to live. Their flat was on a street lined with brick buildings called "Abbey House" or "Morley House". It was quaint and comfortable. Just around the corner was dozens of restaurants and shops, looking very much like Georgetown. We went out with Lauren and Jackie for a FREE night out on the town. Lauren and Jackie know lots of club promotors so we went to one called Luxx. We got in for free and drank for free. It was great and lots of fun but certainly left its mark the next morning.
The next morning who rose and shined, or rather Teryn and Courtney shines and I just Rose. Nonetheless, we got breakfast and set out to see the sites. We caught part of St. James Park, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the London Eye, the Tower of London and the Tower Bridge (which everyone thinks is the London Bridge).
We had two definite pictures we wanted to take: one with the Buckingham Palace guards and the other in a red phone booth. I was disappointed to learn that the guards weren't out but we did manage to take some pictures in a phone booth.
After lots of site seeing and a long hike to Kensington Palace where we were hoping to see Diana's dresses, we took a load of and had tea. You can have tea at The Orangery at Kensington Palace, which used to be a greenhouse. It was a warm and relaxing break from what was becoming a very cold and gray day.
We were too tired to brave the London club scene for a second night so we had a late dinner and crashed. The next morning, our last morning in London, was rainy. We spent it trying to spend our British Pounds (something I quite enjoyed) and searching for fish and chips. Getting fish and chips in a pub was one of my non-negotiables for London yet I negotiated. We went to a restaurant called the Canteen where I had haddock fish and chips. It was delish!
I really did love London and want to go back desperately. There was so much I wanted to do and see that I didn't get to. Maybe one day I will get to...
1. Ride on the London Eye
2. Ride a double-decker bus
3. Go to Hyde Park (and some of the other 3,000 parks)
4. Make faces at the Buckingham Palace Guards
5. Go to Harrods and shop!!!
6. Eat fish and chips in a pub
7. See Diana's dresses
8. Go inside Westminster Abbey
9. Take a cruise on the Thames
and although this isn't in London...
10. See Stonehenge.
Maybe in my next life!
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