So have you ever had one of those days when nothing really goes wrong, but nothing really goes right either? Well, that’s how Friday was for me. It wasn’t a bad day by any means, but I guess everything just looked better on paper than it did in person.
We started off the morning with a trip to the Tower of London (because we don’t have classes on Friday, so I didn’t have to worry about getting up for those!). The tower is so fascinating and definitely must-do if you’re ever in London. Not only is the tower almost 1,000 years old, but there’s something in there for everyone – the crown jewels (meaning the Queen’s crown, the Queen Mum’s crown, Queen Victoria’s crown… you get the picture) for the ladies, weapons and armory for the guys, beefeaters (who are retired military personal, so they’re very grandpa-ish) who tell fabulous stories, and just tons of history to see and learn about. Of course the crown jewels were my favorite part because they look so big that you keep saying to yourself, “There’s no way those can actually be real!” But somehow, they are.
After that we ate at a restaurant called Giraffe, which has a really cute slogan – Live, Eat, Love. But that was all about all it had. The food was unfortunately not the best ever and it was kind of expensive… which is never good for a college kid living in London. So yeah, not the best ever. After that, we went to Covent Garden. It’s sort of like an enclosed market, but definitely not as good. And who in their right mind only puts one restroom in a place where women shop?! This is just not good planning by anyone involved.
So we left there without any purchases and went on a journey to find a teahouse that Mel’s sister Mollie LOVED when she was in London a few years ago. After walking all over Oxford Circus and Regent Street for almost one hour, we concluded that apparently the teahouse no longer exists. Then we decided the day should not be lost, so we went to the nearest McDonald’s and had an ice cream cone with a Cadbury chocolate flake bar tucked in the side. It’s amazing how ice cream always makes everything better. :)
Today (Saturday) was another day packed full of excitement. Going to markets has become one of my favorite things to do since I’ve been in London. They’re always so much fun and you can always find something completely random that you just can’t live without. The market for today was Portobello Road Market in Notting Hill. Now, I know the question you’re all dying to ask… What came first, the mushroom or the road? And I really don’t have an answer because I wondered the same thing! ;D
The reason you may have heard of this market or road name is because the movie “Notting Hill” was set in this area. I haven’t ever seen the movie (although, I will definitely watch it when I return to the States), but I did happen to stumble upon The Travel Bookshop, which is apparently quite important in that movie. So that was pretty cool. The market itself is extremely amazing and stretches along that road for what seems like miles. This market was different from the Camden Market (the first market) because Portobello mostly has antiques. I’m not a huge antique fan, but somehow I still managed to find a few cute things to buy for my friends and family back home. Oh, and there was also a store that had tons of matroska dolls from Russia. It felt like home. :)
Lunch today was absolutely fantastic because market food is the best ever. That’s it. Bottom line. I had a spinach, mushroom, and cheese crepe. I know some of you may think that sounds disgusting, but it was amazing and delicious. After we left the market, I decided to go on a run at Hyde Park because it’s so beautiful there and it was such a sunny, happy day that I didn’t want to waste.
That’s about it. I still can’t believe how much I’ve already seen and learned since arriving a week and a half ago. Oh, I talked to my momma on the phone today! I know I’m almost 20 years old, but I love my family and enjoy talking to my mum about what’s going on with everyone at home and to confide in her about any worries or concerns I have. And I know that even though she’s miles away right now, when we talk on the phone it seems like she’s right here next to me. Just like she’s always been. Thanks, Momma.
Until next time,
Rachel
5 comments:
Rachie,
LOVE the jacket! Definitely a good purchase.
Glad we had a chance to catch up. Love ya,
mum
Hey Rachel
Uncle Matt and I just got back from visiting with James. We had a great time shopping, going to a movie and eating at Olive Garden; but mostly just laughing and having a good time. The boys are both doing well but are getting over a nasty cold that they say everyone at Ball State has! HA!
Glad you continue to do well and I love all the pictures. I am assuming your mom is commenting about the green coat in one of the pictures? It is adorable! I just bought a red one for Jackie last week when she and I went shopping, they look very similar and I am wondering if you purchased them at the same store, HA! Probably did, knowing you two.
Alright, know that I love you and glad you are having much fun!
Your "mum's" sister! (Aunt Nat)
Hi Rachel,
So have we all gone to British names and I am now Grandmum? Okay, I can do that.
I am glad you got to Portobella Market because that is not far from the apartment I had in London ten years ago. I am told that the area has become upscale since I was there with rich people buying and renovating the apartments. I will be interested in seeing that area when I visit again.
No mention yet of any museums? You know how I am with museums. There are tons of great ones in Lonon so go visit! Many are free and that is especially the case on Sundays and even if there is a charge, students get in cheaply (as do the "pensioners" which is me, a senior type).
So did you see the Queen while in running Hyde Park? She is just across the street so you'd think you'd be invited in for tea or something?
I am surprised you found nothing in the markets at Covent Garden. Do realize that they have different things on different days so try again. I can remember times when almost every table was filled with jewelry and another when there were neat paper products (note cards and such that I bought a lot of) and other times when there were clothes of diffent types, some of which were very strange.
I think you went with Pam and me to a Thai restaurant there (Yellow Tree maybe) and it was excellent. That was the same day, I believe, that the restaurant bar was full of football fans and then we later saw them (fairly drunk and disorderly) in the fountains at Tralfalgar Square celebrating because England had won the match and the entire city was going crazy. Poor policemen were trying to drag them out of the water.
Your blog is great. Keep telling us, your loyal fans, about your adventures and your classes.
Love, Grandmum Jane
It's Mom, not Mum... retard.
Haha, sometimes your descriptions crack me up! I love your food reviews. So far everything you have ingested sounds yummy! You KNOW how important our food is to us! ;)
I'm glad you got to chat with your momma. I know she misses you, but is very proud. And she's right, the green jacket is cute! Keep up the good shopping!
Peace,
LB
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