Fall in Scotland....

Scotland is full of so much beauty, diversity and history.  We also have been so lucky with our weather....only one overcast, slightly rainy day which forced us to take a small break.  The small break was totally fine because we are staying in a lovely hotel.  My parents have executive status at the Marriott hotels so we have amazing beds, spa services, a hot tub, and the executive lounge.  The perks of traveling with your parents.  Having such lovely accommodations makes it a bit difficult to leave sometimes. However I am in love with this city so exploring has been great.  Now I think I mentioned at the end of my last blog that my dad was having a bit of trouble with his foot after our long hike and walking all over Dublin....well it has gotten worse.  His foot swelled up and he could barely walk which

Hop-Along-Pop

  was going to make getting around town quite difficult.  Luckily the concierge here was fantastic and went back into this secret room and produced crutches that my Dad was able to borrow.  At least now he was able to get around a bit and I could give him a cool nick name...Hop-Along-Pop.  Dad stayed in to rest his foot the first day and my Mom and I took the bus into town to check it all out.  Our hotel is very near the airport and about 25 minutes from town which in my world is perfect.  I love to be close enough to town to get there easily but far enough out that I don't have to be in the middle of it all.  Arriving in Edinburgh was a wonderful surprise.  I had no idea what to expect but was struck by the old beauty of the town. It was a huge contrast to Dublin which was old but not in the same way.  Our bus dropped us right in the middle of town and we began our walk.  Our goal was to find the National Museum of Scotland. I read the map and thought I knew where we were going and for the first bit we were good but then ended up walking the complete opposite way then where we had intended.  Walking the wrong way we did however end up on the Royal Mile which we had been interested in seeing also so it was just

Streets in Edinburgh...Dark beauty.

fine to get lost.  Along the road we stumbled upon this little museum called The Museum of Edinburgh. I had read about it and heard it was a little gem.  I was not disappointed when we walked through.  It was this adorable home in the old town area that was converted into a museum.  The man who greeted us at the door gave us an overview of what we would find in the museum and also a little about the history of the town.  As we walked through I felt like I had been transported back in time.  There were all sorts of little trinkets that represented times and places in the history of this lovely town.  This was the kind of place I could have just settled into

Greenery in the center of the city.

 
and lived in.  Actually there was a small side room in the museum that was set up as a little library with old books, comfy couches and a fire place.  I seriously contemplated just sitting down, opening my book and telling my mom to come find me when I needed to get to the airport.  I did eventually leave the museum and once we were back out on the street I looked around and was struck by the contrast of all the different views I had from one spot.  I could look one way and there were beautiful old buildings stacked on top of each other up into the hillside.  Look the other way and it was beautiful

Buildings stacked on top of each other in a beautiful organization!

greenery surrounding gorgeous old homes and cathedrals.  Turn again and you are looking down a street with shops and dark beauty.  Nothing will ever take the place of London in my heart but I feel like I could enjoy this city in the same way I enjoy london.  There is character, history, and culture.  Now life can be a bit funny but you always have to just go with it.  Since we had our little Hop-Along-Pop we decided that we should do a bus tour around the countryside.  This turned out to be one of the most lovely days.  For starters our tour guide was so incredibly knowledgeable.  I felt like I was being educated on everything as 

Glasgow Cathedral

  we drove.  You all know I am such a nerd when it comes to that sort of stuff so I was in heaven.  I was watching beautiful scenery and I was being educated on the history of what happened in each little bit along the way.  Our first stop even though it was a quick one was such a great intro to how lovely the rest of the day would be.  We had a quick photo stop there and got to experience fall for the first time I felt like on my trip.  The leaves were changing color and there was such a crisp feeling in the air.  I loved it. As much as I am a California girl I am really truly a Northern California girl.  I love my fall.  Maybe it is my love of wearing layers, or just the colors but I love it....call it fall, or autumn or whatever you want but I love it.  It also could be that I really haven't been anywhere outside of San Diego in fall in so many years.  I was so happy to experience it.  We stopped off to check out the cathedral which gave us just a small taste of the city and I loved it.  As we were driving down through town I was just wishing I was there for the day.  That is the hard bit about tours...I want more time at each spot but at least I got to experience it.  After a quick photo stop it was back

Loch Lomond

on the bus headed to the next stop.  This stop involved a lovely boat tour.  We hopped on the boat and set off on the river.  I ran in between upstairs and downstairs taking photos and just enjoying the beautiful scenery.  Trees were turning colors around the gorgeous mansion houses that were now beautiful, very expensive apartments or hotels.  These places were so exclusive that you really could only get there by boat.  If you were staying at these places you really wanted to be left alone and no where near any civilization. Many celebs over the years have stayed there one being Michael Jackson (sorry only one I can remember at the moment).  I was a nice boat tour.  Not necessarily that exciting...probably wouldn't do  it again but it was cool to see the lovely buildings along the river. You also got a view of a castle that Mary Queen of Scotts had lived.  PS....obsessed with learning more about her right now and she is such a huge

I love my parents....together at Sterling Castle!

link into the Tudor dynasty.  There is so much about her life that is amazing and intriguing.  She was a phenomenal woman who was true to herself through everything.  Love that!!!  After the boat tour we drove through the Scottish highlands that was lovely but also surprising.  I thought it would just be over grown normal brush but it was not....it was planted not natural to the area trees.  Honestly a bit disappointing.  It was still really beautiful though.  The drive was kinda windy and I don't do well on thats so unfortunately I had to close my eyes bit but made it without puking!  Success!!!!  The last stop for us which was out of the highlands was Sterling castle.  This was a castle that Mary Queen of Scotts lived in at one time.  I walked all around the outside part of the castle and then the town.  It was really cool.  We didn't have enough time to go inside the castle but again that is just what happens when you are on a bus tour.  I was still amazing and I was happy to have been able to see what I got to see.  It was such a beautiful place.  After our stroll...well mine not Hop-Along-Pops we headed back to the hotel.  The next day we ended up just kinda relaxing around the area.  I was feeling a bit under the weather and dad needed a

Loving fall in Scotland

rest for his foot.  Luckely there are a few spots to hit in the area and some shops which I did a bit of sale shopping in.  Then it was off to the hot tub for some relaxation and muscle therapy.
Scotland has started out beautifully!  Since dad is a bit hurt we will be doing a few more bus tours but I am not bothered.  It is just a different way to see the sights that i would never have done if this would not have happened.  There is always a silver lining around every cloud.  I love that I am getting the chance to be here and travel with my parents.  There are very few people who can say they actually look forward to a holiday with their parents and I am thankful to be one of those few.

The beauty of the Irish coast....and some whisky....

Whenever my travels are a week or less at a time I feel like I get behind on my blogs.  Sorry about that....I am now playing catch up.  So here we go with part 2 of Dublin.  Like I mentioned before I have a cousin in Dublin.  She actually lives outside the city along the coastline in Sutton which is very near Howth.  We took the Dart out to her town so she could show us around.  As we pulled up to the station we were meeting her at it was like a breath of fresh air...literally.  You could see the sea.  We were just a few steps from the water.  I was in heaven.  Francesca is an avid walker so she wanted to take us out on a walk around the coast and we were happy

Howth Hike view was breathtaking.

to do that.  As we began our walk  we were struck by the beauty of the colors of the sea and the sunshine.  Just couldn't believe our luck with the weather and also the beautiful views we got around each corner.  We walked all along the coast line getting a view of the lighthouse and then also of the eye of ireland which is a big rock that juts out into the sea.  Once we made it down into the town by the harbor we settled ourselves at a pub with outside seating and enjoyed a pint and some great conversation.  It was so great learning about our new family member and all the things that she has done over the years.  She has led such an interesting life and I loved hearing all the tid-bits that make her who she is.  Once the pints were drained we set off back to where we started but our tour guide had a different route which was a bit more inland.  Once the hiking had finished we headed back to her flat for a cup of tea and dinner.  The evening was perfect with great conversation, relaxing atmosphere and some reading in the back

The Cobblestone....little gem in Dublin

 garden.  My favorite things all in one night.  We had an after dinner drink then took the Dart back to our area of Dublin.  Now let me tell you about my favorite part of Dublin.  It is a tiny little corner pub that has been there forever called The Cobblestone.  I looked up the best live music places in Dublin and this place came up.  I looked at the address and it looked like it was near our hotel so I walked over to the window in our room and just downstairs and across the road I spotted it.  The first night there we knew we had discovered a true gem.  There were all locals there and they were more then happy to tell us all about the place and chat with us.  It was the spirit of Ireland that I had been looking for and just hadn't truly experienced yet.  The bartenders were pouring non-stop Guinness and we were so happy to be saddled up at the bar in this fantastic little place.  As if the quaint eclectic feel wasn't enough you were also surrounded by the sounds of genuine irish music.  This was nothing like what I had experienced the other night at Buskers which was fun but it was more like a show with a stage and a performance.  What was happening here was beyond beautiful.  The entire front booth, which honestly took over at least 1/8th of the bar space

17 musicians pack in a booth playing their hearts out.

since the place was so small, was reserved for musicians only.  The first night in we were to far back to really see what was going on but the second night I worked my way up and was just blown away by what was happening.  It was men and women from early 20's to late 70's using all different instruments  playing beautiful music.  They also swap in and out very casually...you just play as long as you want or join whenever you get there.  I chatted with a squeeze box player after he finished his time and he was telling me how he works as Guinness during the day and he had just got off work, headed over here just to play with a piper that he

Extra tasting experience...of course I volunteered.

enjoys playing with.  Even though he was exhausted from work it was his way of relaxing by doing this.  It was so cool to just chat with him and get the dirt on everyone in the music community....plus his irish accent was quite cute.  We went in a bit early on our last night so my parents could get up to the front and really experience it and we got a huge treat.  There was about 17 musicians packed into the musicians booth and the music was beautiful.  Such a great experience.      Our final days we spent doing a couple of things that I was interested...one of them being a whiskey tasting at Jameson.  The tour was so interesting...learning

Love the design of this...kinda want one!

   about how it's made.  I had done a bit of research and knew that there was an extra tasting that you could volunteer for so from the first moment the tour started my ears were open for the call....when it came my hand flew up and the lady placed the the coveted tube in my hand that was my ticket to tasting.  Success!  We were guided through the process of how the lovely whisky was made which is always interesting.  Once the tour ended we got to move on the tasting bit.  So honestly this was the most interesting bit for me.  We were testing single distilled American Jack Daniels  , double distilled scottish Johnny Walker black label, and triple distilled Jameson.  They had us go through all sorts of different ways to taste and compare.  I was completely shocked by the difference.  I don't think I will ever be able to drink Jack again...it is rubbish.  I am a fan of the smokey flavor so the scotch worked for me but man the Jameson is phenomenal.  So smooth...I could drink it all night which I suppose could be a bit scary.  I must say too, the distillery was designed so well.  I loved the way it was laid out and the design aspect was gorgeous.  The photo of the chandelier is just one example.  Challenge my creative friends...make

My parents...Can't ask for a better example of true love! 

one!  The other thing I love about all these  distilleries is all the copper.  If I could buy one of the these I would put them in my house...well I suppose I would have to get a house first but you know what I mean.
We did one other bus tour around the town which showed me some of the other history which I loved.  There is so much musical history too in Dublin...of course U2 is one of the big ones.  There were a few stories that were fun to hear.  My favorite was the one about The Clarence Hotel.  So the story goes...U2, before they were anything, were busking outside the hotel and the manager came out and asked them to leave because the music was rubbish and they looked a bit rough and it was making the guests uncomfortable.  Bono told the manager as he was walking away " One day I will own this hotel and be your boss"  He did stay true to his word and U2 now owns the hotel.  Unfortunately, the manager had just left when they bought so he never got to be his boss but he still stayed true to his word.  Love it!!!
I can't even say how quick Dublin went.  As we packed up our suitcase we couldn't believe it was over.  It flew by and I didn't feel like I did Ireland

Dublin was about family!

  properly.  Don't take that the wrong way...what I mean is I don't feel like I did the normal touristy stuff I just spent time with the people who mattered and in the cool places that I loved.  I am looking forward to going back and doing other parts of Ireland.
Our travel day out of Ireland was great...due to some really annoying 18 year olds screaming at 2 am and 4 am during the night the hotel bought us a taxi ride to the airport which was quite a luxury in my world and almost a necessity in my dad's world since the hike in Howth left his foot a bit swollen and gave him a bit of a limp....hope this get's better for him otherwise he might be in for a challenging next few weeks.  The airport was uneventful and we made it to Edinburgh with out issue.  I am so excited to be in Scotland...bring on the tartan!

Irish charm is alive and well....

Oh Ireland....it is everything you have ever heard about it and more.  My adventure started out wonderful right from the get-go.   The Dublin airport brought about the arrival of my parents.  Yep that's right...they just keep following me around Europe and I am so happy about it.  I feel so lucky to have such a great relationship with my family that I love spending time with them.  We found our way via bus, tram and foot to our hotel without trouble.  Our hotel was just outside the city center which was perfect.  Just the way I like it....far enough away you aren't in the middle of the mess but close enough to walk to anything you want to see.  By the time we arrived and

Dublin Castle...Old combined with new.

 checked in it was late and we were pretty close to hangry (no I did not misspell hungry...I meant hangry..look it up if you don't know what it is).  After a ridiculous wait which included being ignored at a tiny restaurant, we finally got some food in us and could become normal people again ready to rest and hit the ground running (or walking) the next day.
As I love to do in every city I strongly encouraged my parents to accompany me on a walking tour.  Luckily it didn't take much persuasion and off we went on a Viking Walking Tour of Dublin.  Our guide gave us a overview of Irish history and it is so much

Trinity College

worse then I ever imagined.  The Irish people have had a rough go over the years and it makes sense why they are so united as a people and try and hang on to their culture and heritage.  Part of that is maintaining the Irish Language.  All signs are in both languages and kids are required to learn it in school.  I am now going to admit some more moments of ignorance...feel free to make fun of me but only if you knew this....I did not know that Ireland was it's own separate country (thought it was still a part of the UK which northern ireland is so I was not completely wrong)  I also didn't know they had their own language

Viking Ruins

just like when I was in Wales and I was surprised my the bi-lingual signage.  It's all about growth and learning right...just getting my education.  Ok, back to the walking tour...Our  very enthusiastic Dublin born and bred tour guide walked us through all the top bits of town.  Dublin Castle was a combo of old and new since 3 of the 4 original turrets and walls were blown up due to an unfortunate mishap with the explosives that they stored inside the castle. Moral of the story...don't store all of your explosives inside one castle if you want it to last.  The new potions that were added to it were quite nice though.  They were in the Georgian style and fit quite nicely with the old.  We also walked through Trinity College which is one of the oldest colleges in the 

Ha'penny Bridge...all my family on the bridge.

town and holds the famous Book of Kells that dates back to the 800's.  It was Freshers week at the college so walking through brought back memories of my early college days...wow that statement just made me feel old.  Anyway,  the campus was beautiful and filled with history.  Tons of famous writers and philosophers have come out of this college.  I will let you do your own research if you want to know all of them.  The most interesting bit of the tour for me was finding out about the Viking ruins.  Apparently when they were digging a foundation for a huge new building in the city they discovered a massive archeological site of old viking remains and items.  Obviously once this was discovered the building was stopped and the dig started.  The thing that broke my heart to find out was that some how before all the items were recovered the city got permission to stop the dig and resume the building.  There are still countless items under this building that we will never see in our lifetime.  Now on a lighter note, the evening I was very much looking forward to...why you ask...well I will tell you.  Remember how I met family in Sweden...well they were in Dublin staying with our other cousin and coming to meet 

Buskers...Live music in Temple Bar

us for dinner that night!!!!  We had dinner near our hotel and then Francesca (Dublin cousin) took us on and evening walk through town.  We walked across the Ha'penny bridge, which got it's name because it used to have a toll of a ha'penny to cross, and lead us into the lively Temple Bar area.  There were tons of bars and pubs with live music.  Most were quite packed for a thursday night but we learned later that it was like this due to a huge Gallic football match that was happening the coming weekend.  We bid goodbye at the station to our family with plans to catch up the next day and headed back into Temple Bar to 

Oscar Wilde...lounging and looking dapper.

catch some live music.  After standing outside for a few minutes I used some gentle persuasion and a promise of a pint and seat inside I got my parents inside Busker to experience some live music and Irish dancing.  We had a great night then headed home to rest up for the next day of adventuring.  

We met up with Lars and Asa near the Oscar Wilde statue (very famous in Dublin) to take a tour of the city by bus and street.  The bus tour was nice and gave us a really great grasp on the true size of the city and also where we wanted to hit the next day.  Since Lars and Asa only had the one day we just kinda let them take the lead and 

Family love in St Stephens park

followed.  The day was wonderful.  Asa had been there for a conference and led us to a park she had been walking through daily which was beautiful.  Especially since we were blessed with beautiful sunshine.  There was a gorgeous pond where we saw a heron perched in a branch, swans and ducks swimming gently around and people lazing on the banks.  Makes you realize how much  people who don't have this weather all the time appreciate it so much more when they have it.  We stopped by a fountain for a chat and some family photos before we headed out of the park to check out the art walk and the historical 

Sunshine, Smiles and St Stephens park

museum of Ireland.  It was so much fun spending this time with my immediate family and the new family I had met just months before.  We had spoken of the possability of meeting up in Dublin when I had dinner with them but you never know when plans that are spoken casually over a dinner will really happen.  I am beyond happy and really overwhelmed in a good way to think that this dinner in Sweden led to the day I was having in Dublin.  We did a quick tour through the museum before Lars and Asa had to head out on the train.  My parents and I headed back to call it a night so we can be well rested for our next day of 

I pulled the perfect pint of Guinness...anyone jealous? 

adventuring.  That next day involved the tour my Dad and I were waiting for...Guinness!!!  That is what Dublin is all about.  I don't think I realized how much until I went on the tour.  Arthur Guinness did amazing things for the city of Dublin.  He provided great jobs with the first paid holidays in Europe.  The saying by women of that day when the brewery was new was marry a man from Guinness and you will be provided for from "the womb to the tomb".  I know...sounds a bit harsh but during that time in Ireland securing the future of your family was quite important.  The bit that was the most interesting to me was learning about the coopers (look it up).  This was such a craft and a beautiful process to learn about. I had no idea what went into making the barrels and seeing the whole process on video from the 1900's.  They had no measuring tools and did it all from eye and created a beautiful water tight barrel.  I was in complete awe.  I know making clothing that if I am off just 1/8th of an inch it can ruin it all so, much respect to the people of that day who could make such beauty without even measuring.  Now let's talk about pouring the perfect pint....for those of you who don't know...I have never worked in any form of 

Guinness pints settling to become perfect...3 from start is mine. 

food service.  Never served a table, made a cocktail or pulled  pint in my life.  Now was my chance.  I was given instruction however I had watched some people pouring them the other night so with my combined knowledge I actually poured what turned out to be the perfect pint.  First half of the pull was exactly at the right level and after the allotted waiting period pulled the second half to just above the rim with out spilling over.  For future reference if anyone ever tries to give you a Guinness in one pull question them.  It takes one pull to the harp on the glass (3/4 of the glass) then wait 90sec and finish off the pull.  It was much fun to learn how to pull a proper pint.  There truly is an art to it.  There also was a gorgeous area at the top of the storehouse with a 360 view of the entire city.  We enjoyed our complimentary pint up there...even my mom had some sips of the lovely beer (which is very unlike her) before we headed back into town and to our hotel to end the night.               

I just can't believe how lucky I am to have been blessed with the life I am able to lead right now.  I am traveling around a new spot every month (give or take) with the most kind and wonderful people.  I know I go on about this a lot but I really just can't wrap my mind around how this is possible.  I do know that I could not have been able to do this with out everyone who has supported me in all ways possible.  From my San Diego friends that helped me when I had no idea what I was doing, to my immediate family who would do anything to make sure I was ok (and be a part of anything I do) to my extended new Europe family who are new to my world but feel like I have known you forever.  Here's to getting started on the next bit of unexplored spots of this adventure...stay tuned for part two of Dublin.

Summer has ended....

It basically happened over night....summer ended.  I am not kidding.  It was sunny, gorgeous and 30 degrees then the next day it was cloudy, raining and about 15 degrees.  The funny part about it is that everyone had kinda said it was supposed to happen that way this year and it did.  Apparently that isn't completely normal for it to happen over night but the timing was right for summer to end.  So away went the tank tops and flats and out came the pea coat and boots.  The first day of this weather change I couldn't force myself to go out so I just cozied up with my book and listened to the rain while I was snuggled under a duvet.  It was quite nice and much needed even though I didn't realize it.  Sometimes a rain day is so perfect.  September has also included a bit of house hopping.  I have been staying with Lauren but then she had one of her aunties come into town so I needed to give her my

Just a boy and his motorbike

room.  Luckily The Nunn family was there to rescue me and give me a place to stay.  Michael was out of town so I was able to help out a bit with the kiddos in the morning and evening.  I always love my time with this family and these days were no exception.  Mornings were great...early wake time but doesn't matter because I get to just have a snuggle with Rudy, watching cartoons drinking a cup of tea.  Not work at all....just pure bliss.  I was then off to nursery dropping off Rudy which was me, an umbrella and a push buggy with a plastic bubble over it so my little man didn't get wet.  During the day I just either stayed out of the rain at home or headed to the pub and read a book.  Nothing really to exciting just normal daily life stuff.  Once the weekend hit though it was me Bella and 2 amazing little men....and a lot of rain.  Sometimes this can be a tough situation considering any one with children knows that they can become a bit like caged animals trapped inside all day.  Let's be honest...we can get that way too.  I really do love how English people rally in the rain and just head out into it anyway.  California moms would be scared to death to take their children out in the weather that these mums go out in.  I love it!

He just won my heart with a daisy 

Saturday I was in and out of the house since Bella had another lovely lady helping out but Sunday we all hung out and it was super fun.  The original plan was they were all going to Reading where Bella's parents live and then would return in the evening but plans switched and her parents ended up coming to us.  That meant we had time to hang out together in the morning before they arrived.  Since we were all up and ready and there was a break in the rain we all put on our boots and headed into Kew Gardens for a walk and a splash.  Once we got through the gates of the garden it was like we had let the animals run free...in a good way.  I felt the same way.  You don't realize how much you need the fresh air until you are out in it.  These gardens are just the place for it too.  We kinda let the kids guide us.  We did a lot or chasing each other...in character of course...Rudy was spiderman that day shooting webs at random people that walked.  Also if I didn't mention before I was given the character Super girl...amazing right...not sure I could ask for a better one.  Super Girl had to chase spiderman all over the gardens and try not to get caught in the webs.  You will all be glad to know I avoided the webs with all the

This is what wellies are for! 

skill that Super Girl should have.  The best bit about Kew Gardens was the multiple puddles all around.  These boys know how to do it up right when it comes to puddles. Splashing is what this weather is all about.  There was kicking and splashing and even some dropping to their knees in the puddles.  I absolutely love the fact that there was weather and we were outside in it.  The boys were having a grand time too. Belinda and I swapped out splashing duty with having a cup of proper coffee also which was nice for both of us.  After the boys finally realized that

My little London Love.

they were soaking wet from the splashing we  headed home.  We had a small stop off on the way in a George's favorite little house where I got to take some photos with the boys then it was home to meet with Nannie and Grandad and warm up with a proper cup of tea.  I seriously have been come quite English in a lot of ways....one of the main ones is a proper cup of tea can make just about any situation better.  It was great to get to chat with Belinda's parents for a bit before I packed up and headed back to Lauren's.  Unfortunately Lauren had been under the weather so she wasn't home so I had a night in alone which was quite nice.  I love my time with everyone but as most of you know I need my alone time also to reboot my batteries.  I had a great night in prepping for my next bit of travel that was coming up quickly and to my delight it was CSI sunday which meant back to back episodes.  Don't laugh...those of you who know me super well know this is like a little bit of heaven for me on a rainy re-coup day.  Some of you have even lived through these days with me on a couch and loved it.  The last couple of days in London flew by way too quickly.  I

5,000 paper windmills

 went to my favorite museum...the Victoria and Albert Design Museum.  They always have tons of cool exhibits but this week was extra special because there was a fashion/design week happening so there were all sorts of cool extra bits around.  One was a walk through installation made up of 5,000 paper windmills.  There was air being pumped through it and they were spamming as you walked through.  There was also really cool 80's fashion exhibit and another that showed fashion through the ages starting in the 1700's to current day.  I have started to feel like this museum is like a little home away from home in London.  I love the comfort of many of the exhibits that I remember as a walk through but there is always a new little corner that I find that inspires me in a new and interesting way.  Along with the installations that were on the museum there was all sorts of stuff all over the city.  I had one in particular that I wanted to see called the endless staircase.  I had to take the tube across London then walk the whole south bank in the pouring rain, with an umbrella of course.  It was for sure worth it though.  Such a cool piece of artwork...didn't climb it due to the rain

Endless Staircase

but just seeing it was worth the walk.  I kinda enjoyed the day in the rain too.  I also hit up the natural history museum for the first time and the building is absolutely gorgeous. I am not a huge fan of the stuff that is in the museum but I wandered around and kept being struck by the beautiful different views of the arches and winding staircases.  I also took a stroll through South Kensington and stumbled upon the Royal Albert Hall which was another spot I had wanted to see and was happy that I found it on accident.
Saying good bye to London just breaks my heart.  I made my rounds saying my good byes to

Good bye my lovely city...see you again soon.

everyone staring at the Alma in Wandsworth with my amazing crew there.  Followed by lunch the next day in Soho with John and then the afternoon with Bella and the boys.  The evening was spent out at the Pigs Ears Cellar with Lauren and some new friends we made during the night.
The next day I made my way via bus, tube, coach (where I lost it and balled my eyes out) and airplane to my next stop on the adventure.  I am beyond sad to leave London but know I will be back quite soon.  I am looking forward to the next stop on this tour which will involve all sorts of family and some Irish charm.  Next stop Dublin!    

A bit of everything....

I am just a breath away from saying good bye to London for quite a while and so I have been packing in as much as possible.  I think this has been the most random week and a half that I have had so far here.  There has been everything from a quiet night in to a boat race on the thames.  Multiple theater trips, to drinks in Soho out of tea cups after being a plus one at a CD launch party.  Seriously where do I even start with all this randomness.  Anyone who ever says that there is nothing to do or gets board in London needs to get their head checked because there is always something crazy and amazing to get into.  It can usually be done for not a huge amount of money also.  Ok well, I guess I will start with the Great River Race.  This was

The crew racing down the river!

an amazing day for a great cause.  Most of you have heard me speak about my lovely friend George.  If you don't know about him let me tell you.  He is an amazing young man who happens to have autism.  I met George 2 years ago when I started my adventure over here in London and my life as been changed for the better because of knowing him.  The school he attends was in need of some funding so his mum got a group together to raise funds and do the Great River Race.  This race is 21 miles down the Thames ending just outside of Richmond.  Now this is

Amazing George!

 not a leisurely row down the river drinking champagne and eating grapes it is hard core.  I was amazed watching.  My good friend Helly was also rowing in this boat as a part of the crew so I had 3 good friends in the boat to cheer on.  Will (Helly's boyfriend) and I met up at 3 different spots through out the day to watch the boat go by.  As the boat moved by each spot we would just leap in the air shouting and cheering.  My favorite bit was when our lovely friends in the boat would try and wave with their oar.  They did accomplish it each time with out dropping the oar.  It was really an exciting and inspiring day.  We had gorgeous weather which was a bonus.  At the finish of the race we all met up and hung out for a bit by the water.  The crew was feeling the effects of the day and many of them were unable to bend down or really move at all.  They had worked so hard but it was all worth it.  They raised all the money they had tried to get plus some which was great.  George enjoyed the race day immensely as you can see by to way he is devouring his ice cream.  It was really cool seeing so many people from this huge city lining the banks of the river to

Camden Market

cheer on all these people racing for many different reasons.  Warmed my heart!  We celebrated late into the night and each person who was involved deserved it.  The next morning/afternoon after a bit of a lie in the day took us to Camden Market.  This is one of the very famous markets in London and I had never been so Lauren and I headed down there to meet her friend Jack for a meal and a bit of a wander.  There was everything from cheesy souvenirs to beautiful hand made jewelry.  Lauren was on a bit of an earring hunt and we found the perfect pair that suited her and I am pretty sure she hasn't taken them off since she purchased them.  There was some great people watching too.  Apparently they are known for their punk scene.  There even was a couple of classic punks sitting on a bridge there with a sign saying take a photo with a punk for cash.  Cracked me up.  After the day out I just crashed.  I had been going pretty hard all week and needed to take a break.  I curled up in bed,

Matilda the Musical.

watched some Law and Order (UK of course) and rested up for the rest of the week.  This trip over I have been hooked on theater.  On my other times here I haven't taken advantage of it enough.  This time I am doing it right.  At this moment I have been to 6 shows and I am not finished yet.  All have been new shows for me except for Wicked which I did see in San Diego but there is just something different about seeing it in a theater that is fully set just for that show.  I found my self getting goose bumps during the show.  Ok so as I said I saw Wicked then followed it up the next day with another old Globe show...MidSummers Nights Dream

Best Play in London!

 which was beyond my expectations.  This week I have enjoyed another musical...Matilda.  Yes it is based on the book with that adorable little girl who has horrible parents and can make things move with her mind.  It was so adorable.  The little girl who played Matilda was really great.  Now my favorite play that I have seen here so far I just saw the other day and it is called The Curious Incident of the Dog at Night-time.  I read the book quite a few years ago on the recommendation of my sister in law and loved it.  When I saw that it was now a play I was hesitant but it had good reviews and I loved the book so much I figured I needed to give it a try.  I am so glad I did.  They way they did it was very contemporary but not over the top.  The main actor who played Christopher captured the essence of his character beautiful.  I was left at the end of the play wanting more.  So great.  Luckily that night was followed up with even more good times.  My friend Polly had asked me to be her plus one at the CD launch party for The Temperance Movement.  If you don't know who they are get to know them.  Sometimes I find it had to get into a band live if I don't know the music but they hooked me from the first moment.  I can't wait for the CD

Life is a blur sometimes but I just have to smile and dive in!

release so I can get it.  Make sure you check them out...you wont be disappointed.  The after party was at this little underground bar where they served cocktails in tea cups.  Not like the punch bowl tea cups you can get in my favorite bars in San Diego but proper tea cups and saucers.  It was really cute.  We spent the evening drinking champagne and by the end of the night I was thinking how in the world did I end up here with this life...someones plus one at a launch party drinking champagne all night in a swanky cocktail bar in London.  Unreal!
I do feel like my life here is moving so quickly it blurs behind me sometimes.  Not sure if I am just standing still and life is happening around me or if I dove in and am a part of the blur.  I have only a few short days left here is this glorious city...I guess I better make sure dive in head first and get all that I can!

Sara's Splendid Slondon Scheme.....

As you may recall I was given the best gift ever from Will for my birthday which was a challenge taking me all over London.  Before I get into the adventure I just have to say how thoughtful and special this gift was.  These type of hunts have been a part of my life forever and I love them.  We still do one every christmas morning and skype in people who can't be there.  The fact that my London family set one up for me means the world to me.  Ok back to the adventure....   The day finally came that we were setting out on the adventure and taking London by storm.  It was a gorgeous sunny day when we met at the Founders Arms pub to get started.  I met Helly and Will there armed with all the items I was required to bring: a travel card, a skipping rope, 25 pounds, a sense of adventure, a camera, a small

Opening the "Top Secret" envelope

bag and a friend (Helly).  I also had in my hot little hand the "Top Secret" envelope that had been sitting unopened since my birthday.  Once we were all sitting with a pint (part of the requirement) I got to tear open the envelope and it began!  My 4 hours started at that moment so Helly and I began reading and planning.  The challenge had 3 parts each with different point levels and we had to decided our route and also which items we would do and which would not make it in our plan.  With my walking map marked with our route and camera in hand we set off along the South Bank to complete our first task of getting a

Photo moment with a famous person

leaflet from the Old Globe Theater.  Along the way   we luckily ran into a famous person and it only cost me 50 pence to get a photo with him....score another 20points for us.  Micky Mouse is completely famous in my world.  We were pretty sure we could make Will see it too.  We had some back up plans for this famous person requirement but this would have to do for now and really I do love Micky so I was happy with it.  The next box we ticked off was a photo of me on a bridge.  I ran upstream through all the tourists to pose for a long distance photo....I looked a bit like an ant in the photos but you could still tell it was me so that is all that mattered. We then walked out of the South bank area towards London Bridge and our next stop which was the Golden Hinde.  I was kinda excited to go to this because I had never been and if I am perfectly honest I really had no idea what it was.  As we walked towards the Golden Hinde we ticked off an additional requirement which was to purchase Big Issue.  This is a really cool thing in London that is basically a magazine that homeless people sell and they get a portion of the money that comes from the sales.  Now just purchasing it wasn't enough though, I was also required to read

Golden Hinde...hey look it's a ship!

an article in it and give a 2 minute presentation on the article to Will when I returned to the final meeting point.  I suppose I would have to squeeze in some light reading at some point along the way.  We made it to the Golden Hinde which turns out is a ship...cool...had no idea.  I know you can make fun of me if you want but only if you knew what it was.  After getting a photo with this ship, which was kinda tricky since people and the sun kept getting in the way, we headed on our way toward the next location which was the one I was most excited about...Fleet Street and one of the oldest pubs in London.  Along the way we kept popping into little souvenir shops for me to find something with I Heart London on it.  You forget how lame and cheesy all that stuff is until you actually look at it again.  You would think souvenirs would have gotten better over the years but no it is still all the same, lame junk.  Anyway, after a couple of wrong turns we finally made it to Ye old Cheshire Cheese Pub.  It was just as amazing as I could have hoped.  It was rebuilt in 1667 right after the great fire of London.  Helly and I wandered down through into the cellar bit of the bar and bought our required pint of Sam Smiths and settled into a little table nestled

A Pint at Ye Old Cheshire Cheese

into a nook in the wall.  As we enjoyed our pint and looked at the other items we needed to get done and our time we started to panic a little.  Four hours seems like a long time when you start but goes really quickly when you have to go all over London.  We started to speed up our drinking and moved into challenge mode.  This was also the point that we had to do a bit of revaluation on the items that would get completed and what had to be cut from the list.  Strategy was being changed and we were working quickly now.  Now one other thing along the way that were were able to pick up points doing was taking photos of Monopoly properties.  Ten points per so that started factoring in.  Ok maybe I should explain, there is a London version of Monopoly and all the properties are streets in London.  We made some quick easy points by combining challenges with the street signs.
Ok so next stop on the challenge is another spot I have heard of here but haven't been.  It's called Bounce.  Now before you read what it is I want you to try and guess what this place is.....everybody got your guess?  Ok so it is a bar with Ping Pong tables.  Super cool spot.  When we

Playing Ping Pong at Bounce

walked in on a Saturday afternoon it was packed.  So here is where this place got tricky.  I was required to get a photo actually playing ping pong and you have to book tables ahead of time usually and there is a huge waiting list for the open tables.  Operation stealth began...Helly told the bouncer (no pun intended) that we were meeting some friends and walked right in.  Phase one complete.  Next was getting on a table.  Our strategy was find a table of single guys and just ask if we could play for a moment.  Now most of you who know me well know that doing that would take quite a bit of courage from me but I was up for

Yes Helly you are a tourist right now...Love her!

the challenge.  Right before I was going to ask at a table we found one that was empty.  Helly ran to one side and I to the other.  With a paddle in my hand she threw balls at me then took photos as I hit the ball back to her.  It was super funny.  I do wish we could have stayed and hung out there.  It was such a cool fun place.  I will have to go back at some point.  In route to the next spot we ticked off the very tourist moment...photo in a red phone box.  It was so funny walking up to some random guy on the street and ask him to take a photo of me and my very non tourist local london friend inside a phone box.  Helly actually said "I am not a tourist I can't believe I'm doing this."  She took one for the team and helped us earn another 20 points.  After the phone box it was off to the hyde park area to

Skipping in Hyde Park

complete 2 more tasks.  Now if you recall one of my required items was a skipping rope.  It was now time to get it out and earn my points.  The challenge was to get a photo of both Helly and I skipping together in the rope.  It was super funny.  We had to ask this family to take photos of us and they were cracking up.  The husband got a kick out of it and when we asked for the photo he was like "ok..go on then...let's see it."  Needless to say we made it happen and yes...now I can say I have jumped rope in Hyde park.  So fun!!!  After this we moved on to the final big task of the challenge.  Let me

Can you feel my love for my country as I sing?

tell you this was going to be the one that was most embarrassing.  I was going to sing the Star Spangled Banner in front of the American Embassy.  Yes, this shy reserved doesn't like to speak in public girl was going to sing on a street corner.  On my way to this one I was able to stall a bit by making my I heart London purchase...someone back home with a baby gets a bib when I get home.  We also had a bit of direction challenges getting there but we made it.  To Helly's delight and my fear there was a man with a really big gun standing right behind us as  I walked up to the gate, turned around and started singing

Sprint back to the finish but we arrived...only 5 minutes late

my little heart out.  As you can see in the photo the man with the gun likes it.  There also is video of me singing...couldn't get it uploaded...sorry.  After that it was back to the tube and rushing to make it back on time.  We would loose 1 point every minute we were late so we didn't want to be too late.  We stopped at a Mc Donalds to get the required hot apple pie for Will then hopped on the tube. On the tube I did my article reading for my presentation and drew a photo of St. Stephens (the building that holds Big Ben) and Helly wrote down all the tube stations that have 2 or more names with the same first letter to earn us some extra points.

Prefect end to a perfect day

We almost missed our stop but jumped off just in time.  We sprinted back to the Founders Arms and made it only 5 minutes late.  We had called ahead and had Sel get us pints so we would meet the final requirement of being at the table with a pint to finish it off.  I gave my presentation on my article which was accepted.  We went through all the photos, videos and items collected.  Will made his decisions on acceptance or not...Micky totally counted as a famous person by the way.  When all was said and done we earned a final score of 275 points (way above what Helly had hoped for) and had an amazing day.  There still were a lot of things left

The lights at night never get old...love this city!

on the list to complete but I will just have to do them on another day.   We finished the night off with a walk along the south bank at the most beautiful time of night.  Also after all the madness we were starving and the sun was going down making it quite cold so we had dinner at a sushi spot where the food comes out on a conveyer belt.  Super fun...it was like a challenge all on it's own to grab your food off the belt.
I have had some wonderful days in London but this is right up there at the top.  After the roller coaster week this was the reminder of what I have here.  Good friends, and amazing times.  Everyday is an adventure....this day was the greatest adventure.  Thank you to Will for setting it up, Helly for being a part of the day and Sel for being there to meet us at the finish line!  The highs make the lows seem like nothing....Love you all!