We slept in quite late Saturday and got up in time to have a lunch of rice and corn in the cafeteria at Regent’s. Ann despises the food there. I didn’t think it was so bad. Next, we walked to the train station to buy my Oyster card, which is London’s transportation card. I put 20 pounds on it, and we boarded the Tube, but not before I forgot to swipe my card and almost got stuck in the gate like a complete moron. That was embarrassing. We followed Google Maps and found our way to the Billy Elliot theatre. Our tickets had been pretty expensive, but well worth it. West End theatre is England’s Broadway equivalent, and it’s been so long since I’ve seen a show that I could barely contain myself. It was even better to have someone to critique it with!
Our seats were pretty high up in the nosebleeds, and there was only enough legroom for people under 5 feet, but it was fine. The show was pretty good. I had never seen Billy Elliot before, and some parts of it were a bit odd. The little boy was fabulous, and all of the dancing was great. But it was obvious that they didn’t cast for vocals. The set was neat, though, as were most of the character interpretations. I only bawled twice.
After the show, we went to this little bakery café place that Ann has been wanting to try. It was cute as a button! I was going to order something chocolatey, but Ann got this certain tea that comes with fresh biscuits. When in England, right? We got a cute little tea kettle and a plate of the biscuits with butter and jam. It was a divine snack. Then we got back on the Tube and returned to school to relax for a while and to get my phone that had been charging. I didn’t want to miss out on any more photo opportunities. We walked into, (I keep wanting to say we went into town, but London is all huge city… there’s no part that isn’t ‘downtown.’) Well anyway, we went into town to this little burger joint called Tommy’s for a cheeseburger and fries. It wasn’t gourmet, but it was dang good, and satisfied my longing for beef.
We went back to school and talked on her bed for a few hours before going to sleep. It was beyond nice to talk and be close to someone I really know. I missed her so much. In the morning, (well… afternoon), we went to a café for brunch. Ann had a chocolate muffin. I had a chicken, bacon, and avocado sandwich. Iced mocha lattes finished the meal nicely.
We began our adventure of finding the Maritime Museum, which was a few Tube stations, a train ride, and finding an underground mall to pass beneath the marathon that blockaded our path, away. We finally got to our destination and found the museum. It had a few interesting things, but the big exhibits all cost money. It was a little lame; definitely aimed at younger kids. On our way out, we met up with Ann’s friend Tara from her program. I liked her instantly, which I assumed I would. We walked up a huge hill to the place where you can actually see the Prime Meridian marked, but it cost 22 pounds, (about $40) to get in. So we took pictures with a crack in the sidewalk that we pretended was our meridian.
We went to a market to get Tara some lunch, but we ended up getting food, too. At a stand of little chocolates, Ann got cherry and Tara got Bailey’s cream to try. Neither of them was impressed to find that their chocolates were alcoholic, and wanted to get rid of the bad taste. I got a rose chocolate, which actually had the flowery flavor in the chocolate. Super good. Tara went off to get spicy pork rice, and Ann and I got in line for mini pancakes with Nutella and strawberries. They were perfect, but it drove me crazy trying to eat and walk through so many people. There was no place to sit, so you just stand and eat. In Spain, though, we sit for several hours to eat anything. This grab and go idea no longer seems so appealing to me.
Next, we went into an ice cream shop and each bought a baby cone, which was barely bigger than a Bugle. I got mint chocolate chip. We also went to an area of massive old buildings where the scene of General L’Marque’s death was filmed for Les Mis. You wouldn’t have thought of it to look around, but since we knew what we were looking at, it was special. We rode closer to the school and looked around a few shops and bought Mentos, which are one of Ann and Tara’s main food groups.
Ann had told me about this modern church she had gone to once and wanted to take me. I wasn’t all that thrilled, until we got there and I found out that it’s Hillsong’s church! Ann didn’t think I’d know Hillsong. Please. I’m a church camp counselor! The service was pretty good, though the sermon got rather repetitive. I even put my hands up during a few songs, which is something I never ever do. The music was really great, and I’m so glad we went, especially since I haven’t been to a Protestant church since January.
We stopped at McDonald’s for dinner on the way back, and I had my first McNuggets since before my SU roommate Alicia and I made this stupid dietary challenge for ourselves in the fall with rules like, 1) No fried foods, ever. 2) No sodapop. 3) No deserts on weekdays. 4) You must sweat intentionally every day. 5) If you cheat, you must do lunges up and down the hall. Stupid challenge. They weren’t as good as in America, but they were good enough. I slept in Tara’s room that night and the rest, since her roommate was in Barcelona, and really doesn’t live in her room anymore anyway. The 2 of us stayed up late talking and being goofy. I really like that girl.
Ann had class in the morning, but I slept til noon, so it was fine. We had a caf lunch of pork with purple cabbage, and I had potatoes while the others ate fries. I also ate both of their helpings of cabbage. Don’t tell my dad!!! Then Ann took me to one of the main streets. She said we could go into any stores I wanted, so naturally we ended up in the Disney store and the 5-story book store. We kept walking and got my picture taken standing by Big Ben and the London Eye ferris wheel. It was cool to see them, and we enjoyed secretly making fun of the other clueless tourists. After all, Ann is no longer a tourist, just like I’m not in Sevilla.
We felt like we had walked a thousand miles, so we went to one of her favorite bakeries for dinner, where they also sell pizza. We each had a slice, mine with bacon, hers with nothing. We sat and talked for a long time before ordering desert. I got a peach/pistachio desert and a cappuccino, both of which were good choices.
At about 7, we walked down the street to the Les Mis theatre. I was about 10 times as excited for this as I was for Billy Elliot. This time our seats were orchestra level, but way back below the balcony. At least there was leg room. The show was fantastic. The only 2 characters who left something to be desired were Fantine and Enjoras, both of whom were understudies filling in. Also, I didn’t like the Thenardiers, but I always hate them. Javert totally stole the show. What an incredible talent. Eponine was fantastic, too. I was quite distracted by the cellist in the pit who was insanely good, as well.
We went straight home so that Ann could work on her French presentation for the next day. I chilled in Tara’s room singing Les Mis songs and being crazy. I also ate a plain, cold SPAM. My parents had sent it in a box, and I knew I wouldn’t eat it any other time, so I did. It wasn’t so bad, but toward the end I felt a little sick. Tara complained that her room smelled like cat food. Oops. In the morning, Tara had gone to class, and I was still asleep when the unsuspecting roommate returned from Barcelona to find me in her bed. I apologized profusely, but she said she didn’t mind at all. Her friendliness almost made it more uncomfortable.
She soon left, and Ann came upstairs with coffee and muffins for breakfast. She’s perfect. We ate and headed out through the picturesque Regent’s Park. We walked for a long time, finally arriving at Speedy’s, a tiny restaurant made famous by the series, Sherlock. I ordered a chicken and avocado Sherlock wrap, and we found a bench several streets away on which we ate our fabulous lunch. Afterward, Ann took me to King’s Cross Station. Even though we didn’t make it to the big studio tour, I still got my taste of Harry Potter, which made my soul happy. (Sidenote, I’m actually listening to my Harry Potter soundtracks as I write this. Clearly, I have a problem.) (Second Sidenote, I’m actually listening to the 5th HP movie as I type this. I have a HUGE problem.) We checked out the Platform 9 & ¾ spot, and saw the area between platforms 4 & 5, where it was actually filmed. So much happiness.
I was feeling pretty horrible that morning, not because of the SPAM, and Ann had class at 3, so we walked back, passing by the Royal Academy of Music. What I wouldn’t give to go in there! I slept straight through Ann’s class and woke up feeling a bit better. Tara joined us for my final caf meal of noodles with beef. I thought it was decent. They said I’m just desperate for beef. They’re probably right. We had cute little Lindt chocolate carrots for desert.
After lunch we left through the garden again to visit Abbey Road. It took longer than we expected to get there, but the pictures of us on the famous Beatles’ crosswalk were worth the trek. There were a ton of tourists and really angry drivers, so we didn’t stick around very long. Next, we hiked up Primrose Hill to watch the sunset behind London’s silhouette. We snapped a few pictures and left. It was dang cold up there! We took a bus back to Baker Street where we stopped at the waffle truck. I balanced my tray as I tried to walk and cut my waffle with whipped cream, Nutella, and strawberries with my plastic knife. I think I was relatively successful; I didn’t drop anything at least. I still don’t like this walking and eating concept.
We all spent the evening in Tara’s room, double-checking my bookings, going for showers, and singing Disney songs. At about 2:15, I finished my packing and the 3 of us made the hour walk to my bus stop. I was glad we were 3, because it was a little creepy in the dark city. A guy around our age asked us for some change to buy food. How do you say no when they’re right there with you? We shared a few pounds. Soon, my bus came. We hugged and said our goodbyes. I probably won’t see my ginger until we move into our suite in August.
The bus ride to Victoria Station on bus N16 lasted about a half hour. When I got off, the station gates were locked. Luckily, there were a few other confused Brits, and together we found the back entrance. I scanned my ticket and found an empty row on the train. It was warm and cozy – I slept the whole way. I got to Gatwick Airport around 5am, and the sign said that my gate information would be released at 5:40. Hungry for breakfast, I made my way through the huge commercial airport and found myself in an organic café. After all of the soda, candy, and junk food we’d had, I was in dire need of something fresh. If I ate that way all semester in Spain, I wouldn’t fit on the plane back home. I bought a chicken and avocado sandwich (noticing a trend, yet?), and a small coffee drink. I tried futilely to log into the free wifi, and was irritated that I couldn’t update Ann or my mom of my whereabouts. I people watched for a while and then went toward gate 19, as the sign said at 5:40. I had already done security and baggage, so this part was fairly painless, aside from the twinge in my eye, which I later discovered was the result of my leaving my contacts in for 2 days straight, thinking I had taken them out. Moron.
The plane ride wasn’t too bad. I was in the very last row of 3 by myself, though the rest of the plane was jam packed. I sat by the window, dozing in and out. All I wanted was my bed. At San Pablo Airport in Seville, I took the Semana Santa bus special to the Plaza de Armas for 4 Euros. I was squished against the doors, but I did help a few tourists figure out where they were going. From the plaza, I walked the back way into Triana, across the bridge by the kayaking place. It took me about an hour to walk home. Once there, we had lunch, and then at 3, I passed right out in my bed. It had been an incredibly fun week full of many memories, and I was completely exhausted.
Our seats were pretty high up in the nosebleeds, and there was only enough legroom for people under 5 feet, but it was fine. The show was pretty good. I had never seen Billy Elliot before, and some parts of it were a bit odd. The little boy was fabulous, and all of the dancing was great. But it was obvious that they didn’t cast for vocals. The set was neat, though, as were most of the character interpretations. I only bawled twice.
After the show, we went to this little bakery café place that Ann has been wanting to try. It was cute as a button! I was going to order something chocolatey, but Ann got this certain tea that comes with fresh biscuits. When in England, right? We got a cute little tea kettle and a plate of the biscuits with butter and jam. It was a divine snack. Then we got back on the Tube and returned to school to relax for a while and to get my phone that had been charging. I didn’t want to miss out on any more photo opportunities. We walked into, (I keep wanting to say we went into town, but London is all huge city… there’s no part that isn’t ‘downtown.’) Well anyway, we went into town to this little burger joint called Tommy’s for a cheeseburger and fries. It wasn’t gourmet, but it was dang good, and satisfied my longing for beef.
We went back to school and talked on her bed for a few hours before going to sleep. It was beyond nice to talk and be close to someone I really know. I missed her so much. In the morning, (well… afternoon), we went to a café for brunch. Ann had a chocolate muffin. I had a chicken, bacon, and avocado sandwich. Iced mocha lattes finished the meal nicely.
We began our adventure of finding the Maritime Museum, which was a few Tube stations, a train ride, and finding an underground mall to pass beneath the marathon that blockaded our path, away. We finally got to our destination and found the museum. It had a few interesting things, but the big exhibits all cost money. It was a little lame; definitely aimed at younger kids. On our way out, we met up with Ann’s friend Tara from her program. I liked her instantly, which I assumed I would. We walked up a huge hill to the place where you can actually see the Prime Meridian marked, but it cost 22 pounds, (about $40) to get in. So we took pictures with a crack in the sidewalk that we pretended was our meridian.
We went to a market to get Tara some lunch, but we ended up getting food, too. At a stand of little chocolates, Ann got cherry and Tara got Bailey’s cream to try. Neither of them was impressed to find that their chocolates were alcoholic, and wanted to get rid of the bad taste. I got a rose chocolate, which actually had the flowery flavor in the chocolate. Super good. Tara went off to get spicy pork rice, and Ann and I got in line for mini pancakes with Nutella and strawberries. They were perfect, but it drove me crazy trying to eat and walk through so many people. There was no place to sit, so you just stand and eat. In Spain, though, we sit for several hours to eat anything. This grab and go idea no longer seems so appealing to me.
Next, we went into an ice cream shop and each bought a baby cone, which was barely bigger than a Bugle. I got mint chocolate chip. We also went to an area of massive old buildings where the scene of General L’Marque’s death was filmed for Les Mis. You wouldn’t have thought of it to look around, but since we knew what we were looking at, it was special. We rode closer to the school and looked around a few shops and bought Mentos, which are one of Ann and Tara’s main food groups.
Ann had told me about this modern church she had gone to once and wanted to take me. I wasn’t all that thrilled, until we got there and I found out that it’s Hillsong’s church! Ann didn’t think I’d know Hillsong. Please. I’m a church camp counselor! The service was pretty good, though the sermon got rather repetitive. I even put my hands up during a few songs, which is something I never ever do. The music was really great, and I’m so glad we went, especially since I haven’t been to a Protestant church since January.
We stopped at McDonald’s for dinner on the way back, and I had my first McNuggets since before my SU roommate Alicia and I made this stupid dietary challenge for ourselves in the fall with rules like, 1) No fried foods, ever. 2) No sodapop. 3) No deserts on weekdays. 4) You must sweat intentionally every day. 5) If you cheat, you must do lunges up and down the hall. Stupid challenge. They weren’t as good as in America, but they were good enough. I slept in Tara’s room that night and the rest, since her roommate was in Barcelona, and really doesn’t live in her room anymore anyway. The 2 of us stayed up late talking and being goofy. I really like that girl.
Ann had class in the morning, but I slept til noon, so it was fine. We had a caf lunch of pork with purple cabbage, and I had potatoes while the others ate fries. I also ate both of their helpings of cabbage. Don’t tell my dad!!! Then Ann took me to one of the main streets. She said we could go into any stores I wanted, so naturally we ended up in the Disney store and the 5-story book store. We kept walking and got my picture taken standing by Big Ben and the London Eye ferris wheel. It was cool to see them, and we enjoyed secretly making fun of the other clueless tourists. After all, Ann is no longer a tourist, just like I’m not in Sevilla.
We felt like we had walked a thousand miles, so we went to one of her favorite bakeries for dinner, where they also sell pizza. We each had a slice, mine with bacon, hers with nothing. We sat and talked for a long time before ordering desert. I got a peach/pistachio desert and a cappuccino, both of which were good choices.
At about 7, we walked down the street to the Les Mis theatre. I was about 10 times as excited for this as I was for Billy Elliot. This time our seats were orchestra level, but way back below the balcony. At least there was leg room. The show was fantastic. The only 2 characters who left something to be desired were Fantine and Enjoras, both of whom were understudies filling in. Also, I didn’t like the Thenardiers, but I always hate them. Javert totally stole the show. What an incredible talent. Eponine was fantastic, too. I was quite distracted by the cellist in the pit who was insanely good, as well.
We went straight home so that Ann could work on her French presentation for the next day. I chilled in Tara’s room singing Les Mis songs and being crazy. I also ate a plain, cold SPAM. My parents had sent it in a box, and I knew I wouldn’t eat it any other time, so I did. It wasn’t so bad, but toward the end I felt a little sick. Tara complained that her room smelled like cat food. Oops. In the morning, Tara had gone to class, and I was still asleep when the unsuspecting roommate returned from Barcelona to find me in her bed. I apologized profusely, but she said she didn’t mind at all. Her friendliness almost made it more uncomfortable.
She soon left, and Ann came upstairs with coffee and muffins for breakfast. She’s perfect. We ate and headed out through the picturesque Regent’s Park. We walked for a long time, finally arriving at Speedy’s, a tiny restaurant made famous by the series, Sherlock. I ordered a chicken and avocado Sherlock wrap, and we found a bench several streets away on which we ate our fabulous lunch. Afterward, Ann took me to King’s Cross Station. Even though we didn’t make it to the big studio tour, I still got my taste of Harry Potter, which made my soul happy. (Sidenote, I’m actually listening to my Harry Potter soundtracks as I write this. Clearly, I have a problem.) (Second Sidenote, I’m actually listening to the 5th HP movie as I type this. I have a HUGE problem.) We checked out the Platform 9 & ¾ spot, and saw the area between platforms 4 & 5, where it was actually filmed. So much happiness.
I was feeling pretty horrible that morning, not because of the SPAM, and Ann had class at 3, so we walked back, passing by the Royal Academy of Music. What I wouldn’t give to go in there! I slept straight through Ann’s class and woke up feeling a bit better. Tara joined us for my final caf meal of noodles with beef. I thought it was decent. They said I’m just desperate for beef. They’re probably right. We had cute little Lindt chocolate carrots for desert.
After lunch we left through the garden again to visit Abbey Road. It took longer than we expected to get there, but the pictures of us on the famous Beatles’ crosswalk were worth the trek. There were a ton of tourists and really angry drivers, so we didn’t stick around very long. Next, we hiked up Primrose Hill to watch the sunset behind London’s silhouette. We snapped a few pictures and left. It was dang cold up there! We took a bus back to Baker Street where we stopped at the waffle truck. I balanced my tray as I tried to walk and cut my waffle with whipped cream, Nutella, and strawberries with my plastic knife. I think I was relatively successful; I didn’t drop anything at least. I still don’t like this walking and eating concept.
We all spent the evening in Tara’s room, double-checking my bookings, going for showers, and singing Disney songs. At about 2:15, I finished my packing and the 3 of us made the hour walk to my bus stop. I was glad we were 3, because it was a little creepy in the dark city. A guy around our age asked us for some change to buy food. How do you say no when they’re right there with you? We shared a few pounds. Soon, my bus came. We hugged and said our goodbyes. I probably won’t see my ginger until we move into our suite in August.
The bus ride to Victoria Station on bus N16 lasted about a half hour. When I got off, the station gates were locked. Luckily, there were a few other confused Brits, and together we found the back entrance. I scanned my ticket and found an empty row on the train. It was warm and cozy – I slept the whole way. I got to Gatwick Airport around 5am, and the sign said that my gate information would be released at 5:40. Hungry for breakfast, I made my way through the huge commercial airport and found myself in an organic café. After all of the soda, candy, and junk food we’d had, I was in dire need of something fresh. If I ate that way all semester in Spain, I wouldn’t fit on the plane back home. I bought a chicken and avocado sandwich (noticing a trend, yet?), and a small coffee drink. I tried futilely to log into the free wifi, and was irritated that I couldn’t update Ann or my mom of my whereabouts. I people watched for a while and then went toward gate 19, as the sign said at 5:40. I had already done security and baggage, so this part was fairly painless, aside from the twinge in my eye, which I later discovered was the result of my leaving my contacts in for 2 days straight, thinking I had taken them out. Moron.
The plane ride wasn’t too bad. I was in the very last row of 3 by myself, though the rest of the plane was jam packed. I sat by the window, dozing in and out. All I wanted was my bed. At San Pablo Airport in Seville, I took the Semana Santa bus special to the Plaza de Armas for 4 Euros. I was squished against the doors, but I did help a few tourists figure out where they were going. From the plaza, I walked the back way into Triana, across the bridge by the kayaking place. It took me about an hour to walk home. Once there, we had lunch, and then at 3, I passed right out in my bed. It had been an incredibly fun week full of many memories, and I was completely exhausted.