I am not really sure where to start...there is so much to say, yet I am not sure I can put some things into words. I guess I will start by saying that I have officially seen the outside of every large or well known monument in London and Paris.
My first week in London I explored the inside of a few places, but I quickly discovered there is no way to take in everything this city has to offer in only a month. I will just have to try my best though, or pray that I get to come back! Some of my favorite things that I have done so far (there is too much to list everything) include: Attending the choral Evensong at Westminster Abbey; it was one of the most beautiful things that I have ever witnessed! Words cannot describe the experience. I also ran in the British 10k with 25,000 other people, most of whom were British. This was very cool as I got to meet "natives" and talk to them about their lives and the UK. I have also had the privilege to enjoy Starbucks with a beautiful view of the River Thames right under London Bridge, thanks to a friends suggestion. Another fun thing I have done was meet up with my friends cousin who lives here. He and his friends took us to a pub and filled us in on all of the "ins and outs" of London. It was so helpful! I have visited multiple museums and seen the outside of each palace. I took a field trip to Stratford-upon-Avon. Last, and certainly not least, I have explored some of Kensington park. So far, it is my favorite place in all of London. I love it so much I even go there some mornings to run. I find it so lovely because it is a little slice of peace, quiet and beauty in this amazing city.
Now on to Paris. Lets just say it was an adventure! I thought it was beautiful, but I was definitely glad to be back in London. I even got that "home sweet home" feeling when it came into view on our Eurostar ride back. Don't get me wrong, the food and sights in Paris were superb, but I felt a little nervous most of the time I was there. When we first got there, all of the CCSA students got a coach tour of the city. We were then dropped off at our hotel and they basically said see you Sunday at 3:30 (it was Friday at 5). This would not have been so bad, but no one we were with really knew any French or knew their way around the city. After a rough first night, we went to bed early and woke up early to set out for the morning. We walked the whole city! We hit up the Eiffel Tower and got crepes (banana and nutella!) Then we walked to Champ elysees and watch the military parade for France's independence day (Bastille Day). After the parade we headed toward Notre Dame and happened upon the Lock Bridge. We then made a stop at the tunnel in which Lady Di's car wreck occurred. After Notre Dame we went to the Louvre and spent a few hours there. At the end of the night we went back to the Eiffel tower for the Bastille Day fireworks. Parisians really like American 80's and 90's disco music! Then last day in Paris we just kind of chilled. Oh, we also ate macaroons from Pierre Hermes and had more crepes!
Also, I can't forget why Paris made me nervous! There were small children trying to pickpocket everywhere! I saw someone's junk as they peed in broad daylight. We witnessed someone get beat up after he got caught pickpocketing. There was a bomb scare in the room of the Mona Lisa and they had to clear us all out. And last, a girl on our trip got her iPhone pick pocketed as she looked at a little kids clip board with a "petition to aid the deaf and dumb." But hey, I made it back okay and got some good experiences, sight-seeing, and food!
Back in London, I have a busy week ahead. I had class today. Tomorrow is a field trip to the Globe theatre, St. Paul's cathedral, another church and we are going to see Woman in Black (the play). Wednesday is class and then some sight seeing. Thursday we are going to the National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, and somewhere else but it is slipping my mind right now! Then they whole weekend after that is free to do as we please! I am sure that it will be filled with more sites and events that will cause this city and country to further steal my heart.
I feel as if I will never want to leave. This place is just so beautiful and so me. I cannot wait to see more of the UK, inside and outside of London!
Thanks for reading!
P.S.- Pictures are posted on my Facebook...there are too many to post on here!
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