Last Days in London 4/30-5/1

 4/29

Today we set out to accomplish as much as possible in London. We started out the day by going to Buckingham palace for the. Changing of the guards. It was really neat but very hard to see what was happening because it was so crowded!

Next stop, Harrods! We wandered around and it was HUGE! We had a great time exploring all the departments and I picked up a few things for my nieces. Afterwards we decided to check out the local shops: boots, super drug and Primark. I picked up a sleek blush that you can't get in the US. 

Next we hopped on a bus (did I mention the tube strike was going on so we had to walk or ride buses a lot?!) and made it just in time to go up in the London Eye. It was twilight and just beautiful. Once we got down we walked along the bridge and saw Big Ben by moonlight. 

Then it was time to call it a night. We made our way back to our hostel (did I mention the stop by the hostel was closed because of the strike? Ugh!) 

Malena

4/30

Today was another busy day so we got an early start. We headed out to see the other attractions I had bought tickets for: The Globe Theater and the London Tower. I absolutely loved both of them! Jonas stayed behind for the Globe tour because he had just been there last year so we met up at Starbucks afterwards and grabbed some lunch. We had a great time exploring The London Tower in the afternoon. We saw all the big ticket items like the Crown Jewels and the Wall Walk. We even caught a mini performance by a marching band while we were up on the wall! So cool!

After buying a postcard on the way out e were able to use the tube to get at least much closer to the hostel. It was time to pack up to get ready to go home. 

We rounded out the night by getting some pizza. It was supposed to be while we watches the Chelsea game, but seriously what sports bar doesn't have the channel that shows the game? Fail. The booths were really cool though because they were set into the wall away from the crowds. The whole bar was Shakespeare themed which was pretty neat. However, the waiter wasn't super friendly so we decided to stop at a different pub on the way home for one final beer (ok diet coke) in an English pub. 

Now I am headed home! I walked to the (now running) tube station by the hostel to make my way to the airport. It was raining and my umbrella was packed so I was mighty glad that the nearby station was running today! 

Security was a bit of a hassle (apparently you have to use their ziplock bags for liquids, not just any bag- even if they are the same size).  But overall I had no problems getting on my flight! Only something like 4 more hours until I get picked up at the airport! 

I had a great time and can't wait to travel even more this year :)

Malena