This weekend I took a trip to London, and it was one of the most relaxing weekend trips. Since I have traveled to London before, I took this trip at a slower pace with no direct plan.
I woke up early Thursday morning to catch the train and arrived by mid-morning. The train took a little over two hours which is pretty fast, but that has to do with the fact that there are only four stops along the way.
In the city of London there is a place called The London Mithraeum. This is an ancient roman cult temple of Mithras. What is cool about this is the immersive experience you have when you go into the temple area. There is smoke, lights, and chanting in Latin.
After that, I went to Camden market. Within the market there is a place called The Cheese Bar. Two years ago I went with my mom and it was so good, I had to go back!
To finish the night, I saw the ballet Gisselle. The best part is that it was opening night and I paid eight pounds for my ticket!
Friday, I went to my favorite bakery, Paul, and took my pastry and coffee to Kensington Park.
The bakery is yet another thing I have thought about for the past two years. Anything you get at Paul is amazing. Over the four days I spent in London, I got four pastries and one absolutely amazing sandwich which was made with an olive baguette, fresh Mozzarella, pesto, spinach, and tomatoes.
On the way back home, I also got two plain baguettes for my French friends and I to share. Turns out the first Paul is fifteen minutes away from where they live. Everyone was so excited and enjoyed the baguettes.
I went to a spa called Aire Ancient London Bathhouse. It was so amazing. Expensive yes, but I ended up staying twice as long as the intended appointment time with no extra charge. I was supposed to be there from 2-4 but I was there from 1:30-5:30. Side note, I accidentally left my phone outside my locker, and they charged it for me which was so sweet!
Within the bath house there are different baths. The temperature-based ones are 10, 14, 30, and 40 degrees. There is also a room with a tub on 1000 jets, steam room that has a cold baths in the back, and a saltwater bath to float in.
After I was well relaxed, I decided I wanted to see a show. I walked over to the Lion King and got tickets for the night. During the show, my jaw dropped. The opening scene is just so good!
When I got back to the hostel my bed had been stolen and I had to move to a different room. Not the best thing to come home to, but we managed to find the few items I left on my bed and moved downstairs.
Saturday, I woke up early, bought pastries at Paul, again, and went to the science museum. There is so much to see that I did not make it all the way around but experienced a lot! I think my favorite part about the museum was seeing how certain tools and knowledge has progressed over time.
I met up with Julia who is also writing blog posts, so go check her out! It was nice to see an American as I have not seen any that are my age throughout my experience in Liverpool. What I thought was hilarious is that the accent came through so strong. Normally I do not notice the midwestern accent as much but not hearing any American accents in so long, it was a strange sensation. I have a feeling my accent is changing because people say statements that allude to them having no clue, I am American. It was very nice to talk with someone and hear about their experiences abroad as well and some of the differences here versus home. I love being abroad but I also miss the familiarity at times.
After lunch I hopped on the tube to see Anything Goes. I felt the need to see another show, so I went back to the west end and walked to the box office of SIX but the one seat they had was sixty pounds which was not in my price range. I walked across the road to see if Pretty Woman had any seats left and they said they had a couple, and one was fifteen pounds. I had no idea what I was going to see, but I loved the show. Might have been my favorite.
The next morning, I got up early and went to an 8 A.M. service in the Abbey. I arrived ten minutes before the service started and I was the only person inside the expansive Abbey. So, I was a little nervous but ten people soon joined me for service. After that, I walked through the parks past the palace and into the tube to go to the Natural History Museum. It was probably my favorite museum because of all the interactive activities and simulations. There was a room where you experienced what an earthquake feels like.
I met up with a friend who lives with me back in Liverpool and his girlfriend. We went to a tree in St James’s Park where the pigeons will land on you!! Honestly, so cool! Sadly, that wrapped up my relaxing weekend getaway in London!
