London.

I spent a few days exploring London during my first ever vacation. I decided to come to London because my friend Paul lived their and I thought, hey why not? The UK is home of my favorite crisp, Monster Munch and its also the home of Harry Potter! I saw so many great and wonderful things, but let me tell you about a couple of my favorites.

London Natural History Museum. AMAZING! I did not know that the do-do bird was actually that big! Dinosaurs where massive creatures. Old rocks and fossils are really, really cool. Most of all, it was free. I was shocked when Paul told me we didn’t have to pay. It was one of the things I really enjoyed about London, Museums are free. Well most of them anyway,

Westminster Abby was an experience. It was breath-taking, inspiring, it was moving. The amount of history, architecture, and artwork is amazing. I will admit, I’m not the most religious person, although I do have my beliefs, being in the Abby was very emotional and spiritually moving. I spent about 4 hours, reading, looking and just absorbing the world around me. I could read as many plaques as I could, looked at every square inch of public space. My favorite room was Henry VII’s Lady Chapel. The reason; the ceiling, which is hand carved by the way. In one area of the room they have a mirror so you can look up at the ceiling without putting a crank in your neck. Even as I think back to my time in the Abby, I feel tingly.

If you are ever visit the Westminster Abby, visit the little green concession stand just outside, buy yourself a tea, find a spot to sit and just reflect.

Some people might tell you that the Tower of London is over-rated and I will tell you, they are wrong. If you a fan of castles, history, jewels or all the above. You most certainly shall not be disappointed. It’s full of twists, turns, history as well as the famous crown jewels. The valet, where they are kept, is grand and massive. You walk into a room, into another room, down a hallway and then finally you enter the vault. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything sparkle like that room. The one thing I found to be nice little touch is when an item is out on loan or display somewhere else, they leave a note card in its place explaining why and where it is.

The Elizabeth tower, home of Big Ben, was a place on my bucket list. I took this lovely picture after walking about it for 20 mins. It is a landmark of London, Its grand, and it’s beautiful.

Platform 9 ¾ was everything I thought it would be. I deliberately chose to leave for Scotland from Kings Cross, just so I could stop at Platform ¾. Yes I bought myself a ticket for the Hogwarts express and had to refrain from purchasing a official HP robe. When I go again, well that’s another story.

When I make it back to London, I would love to do the London Eye, the aquarium, do the tour of Warner Brothers Harry Potter and explore so much more!

Do you have any recommendations of things I MUST see well in London? Leave me a comment!

All the best,
Bailey B.