So this blog is coming a little late, but I wanted a place to keep track of the past few months before I have to go back to real life so I can remember all the people, places, food, and other adventures! I tried to remember everything I could, and the next few posts will be a recap of my travels, starting November 2010:) So obviously the post dates are not actually correct since I wrote all these in the last few days!
My parents and I started our trip in London. It was the first time my they have ever been to Europe (a big thank you to Allie and P&G for our plane tickets!), so it took them a while to get used to it (and the Euro), especially compared to Asia. They even brought an entire backpack of snacks (tea, ritz crackers, oatmeal, etc) "just in case."
We blended in completely and did not look like tourists at all...
Allison's friend Mike was kind enough to let us stay at his apartment right by Westminster Abbey. When we arrived, one of his couchsurfers was just leaving and Spencer and Lily were a little shocked by the concept (especially since it was a girl staying with Mike and he is a married man). They are pretty old fashioned. We did all the essentials: The Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey, Harrod's (mainly the food court), Tate Modern, National Museum, changing of the guard (where my mom almost got pickpocketed--luckily she realized it and my dad was even brave enough to grab his hand! The thief didn't get anything though because I taught my parents to wear the unattractive but extremely useful pouch in their pants for important things).
One night, I accidentally blew Mike's fuse with my hairdryer (duh), and felt really bad, but he was so nice and he and my dad spent the whole night trying to find the fusebox. Luckily he found it the next morning and we had power again!
I also was able to find Ben's Cookies (my favorite!). However, I think they were the best when I went the very first time in '04 and they had come right out of the oven. And the worker was Asian and gave me free cookies. They were still delicious though and I reheated them later on Mike's stove to semi re-create the experience.
Reunited and it feels so good!
Tower Bridge
Bye Bye London!
Next...Eurostar to Paris!
