So when Tracie Hudson contacted me about trying to salvage the event, I was both intrigued but more than a little wary. But after loads and loads of messages back and forth, I realized I could NOT leave those lovely ladies without an event so Tracie and I worked some magic and I am now heading to England in November after all. YAY!!!
I have waited to share the news here on my blog as I did not want to jinx anything, but I also didn't want to drop off the grid while I was gone and then suddenly pop on again with a bunch of photos of my trip and have you wonder "what in the world?"
The excitement of the "new" trip has begun to hit me again. I only recently finished up the workshop classes and shipped off the supplies to Tracie (four very heavy boxes). I also finalized my airline reservations and my husband my hotel arrangements, and now I need to start thinking about what I want to see and do while visiting one of my dream destinations.
Tell me one thing you would see or do if you were traveling to London. This is my first time out of the US, and I'm quite excited to visit a place I've always dreamed about.
Here are a few things I wouldn't mind seeing while I'm there, and mind you I'm planning on a rather cold trip but am hoping the magic of chilly weather mixed with the lights of London will make this a special trip:
Thank you for bearing with me on the back-and-forth of this adventure. Once I actually land in London I think the reality will hit me and I will finally get to have all the fun I've dreamed of having.
Congrats Jen! That's awesome)
ReplyDeleteI've been to London once, when I was a kid and I don't remember much. Except that Tower Bridge is the most amazing bridge I've ever seen and that Tower museum is worth seeing. And all the parks are also great. Oh, I know! I'd go to Portobello Road Market in Notting Hill:)
Portobello Road is on my wish list. :) Sounds like some fun shopping!
DeleteJen I literally can't wait to meet you. Any London help you need you just have to ask. If you plan on using London transport then an Oyster card will be the cheapest and easiest way round. If you need any info let me know. Louise xx
ReplyDeleteLouise, you are just the sweetest for taking such good care of my husband and I. :)
DeleteThe Tower of London is awesome! They have wonderful tour guides and lots of cool stories about the history behind the places there. Not to mention the Crown Jewels :)
ReplyDeleteI have no suggestions for you but, I'm so happy you get to go! Enjoy your trip.
ReplyDeleteOne thing that I recommend for anyone traveling anywhere is to take some time to just wander and do whatever you happen upon that looks interesting. Most of my favorite travel adventures have happened that way. I always try to set aside at least 4 hours to wander if I can't spare a whole day.
ReplyDeleteFor London specifically, my favorite thing has been seeing a play in the Globe Theatre, but that won't help you that much this time of the year. I hope that whatever you decide to do, you have a fabulous trip!
Yay I'm excited for you Jen! The National Gallery is my favorite art museum in London and the British Museum is pretty amazing too (for example, they house the Rosetta Stone). And catch a play if you can while you're there - they always have some great stuff going on.
ReplyDeleteI am so excited for you. Don't forget to see St. Paul's Cathedral, the London Eye and try to catch a show. Here's a link to what's playing: http://www.londonmusicaltickets.com/musicals/
ReplyDeleteI would take the train out to see Harry Potter set. Enjoy your trip
ReplyDeleteCONGRATS!!! I'm so happy for you that it's working out. I have not been to England but I've been blessed to have been to Rome and Paris. My suggestion is go where the locals go...we found a wonderful Flea Market in Paris and it was wonderful. ENJOY!!!
ReplyDeleteVisit the Tate Gallery - you will LOVE IT! <3
ReplyDeleteIt already looks like you have some great places chosen to visit. If you have time, one place I would add to your list is Kew Gardens. It is 10 miles outside of London and easily accessible without a car. Please make sure you experience cream tea. It is sublime. And remember to dress warm so that you are comfortable exploring. Have a great time.
ReplyDeleteI am SO excited that I think I could burst. Seriously!!! I have never really 'done' London either. My very favourite thing to see in London will be YOU! Woohooooo! Bring it already :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy to hear you're heading to London. It is also a favorite place of mine. We attended the ceremony of the keys at the Tower of London. You need to make a reservation ahead of time but it is so great to do. We went in 1996, so I am assuming it still is available to the public. As for palaces, you'll be in heaven. Hampton Court palace was a real favorite of mine. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy for you! I hope you have a wonderful time.
ReplyDeleteYay! So happy for you. I have been to London twice as a teen and once as an adult. The Tower of London really stuck with me. There's nothing like that in the US! I also really enjoyed Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. There are branches elsewhere, but London was the original location and undoubtedly the biggest and best collection. A city tour on the top of an open air bus is a great overview of the city highlights, though it may be a bit chilly to do so in Nov. The British Museum, of course, is spectacular. There are many gorgeous churches and cathedrals, e.g. St. Paul's. Of course, you must get a peek of Big Ben and a palace or two. There is so much to see. I know you probably won't have a lot of time, but squeeze in what you can. You will be amazed by all the architecture and historic buildings.
ReplyDeleteWoohoo! So glad you get to go!
ReplyDeleteLondon is a great place to visit. We have been there many times (mostly for business) and have family there and we always have a great time.
As for things to do, here's my list:
-London Eye (do this first thing so you get a sense for the city)
-Pub Food (you have to eat in an old pub at least once!)
-Portobello Road Market (this is an amazing experience, esp. the antique section!)
-British Museum (wonderful collection)
-St. Paul's Cathedral (lots of history)
-Harrod's (for high tea)
-Walking the neighborhoods (so many great scenes - lots to scrap!)
Let me know if you want more info as I can always reach out to our family members for info and/or advice. Email: shackney {at} papercrafterscorner {dot} com.
Have a great trip!
Steph
Yay! I'm so excited for you. We went during a very chilly February, but we still had a blast. I hope you will get to see many fun sites! :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats! Of all the cities in the world, London is the one I would, most like to visit. I hope you have a wonderful trip!!
ReplyDeleteyeah! so happy for you! id love to go to London!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your trip. My family was able to go to Paris a few years ago and it was such a super experience. It is neat to see pictures or movies of places you've been to! London is on my wishlist for the future!
ReplyDeleteMy daughter did the backpack through Europe thing (yes by herself) a few years ago and started in London for two weeks then onto Germany, France, Italy and all the rest for three months. She loved the museums and the people and Big Ben and all the rest but her unexpected pleasure was Harrod's oddly enough. Have fun and be safe!
ReplyDeleteHi Jen,
ReplyDeleteI live in London, and would suggest the following:
- Visit the Tower of London - fantastic building, interesting tour and lots of history
- Watch the street performers and do a bit of shopping in and around Covent Garden
- If you like shopping, visit Oxford Street, Regent Street and Carnaby Street - all the Christmas decorations and lights should be up and it's beautiful. (Start at Marble Arch and walk all the way down). It will be very busy, but definitely something you should experience whilst you are here.
- Go for a walk in Hyde Park - beautiful green space in the middle of the city
- Go for a walk along the Southbank - there's always lots of things going on down there. If you can, do try and see The Globe. You won't be able to see a show in November as the season has closed, but it is still amazing to see this historic building amongst all modern buildings.
- Afternoon tea is a must :-)
- If you are a Harry Potter fan, I would defininitely get the train out to Watford, and get the Harry Potter bus out to the studios. It's really well organised, but you will need to book your tickets in advance: http://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/
- Try to see a show at the theatre
- Visit the Natural History Museum (or Science Museum, British Museum or V&A Museum)
- Do a river boat tour or bus tour - there are a couple of companies that do tours - the main ones are http://eng.bigbustours.com/london/home.html or http://www.theoriginaltour.com/
- Visit Buckingham Palace and take a walk around Green Park and St James's Park. You are a stone's throw from Westminster and Big Ben.
If I think of anything else I will let you know. London is such a great city that whatever you choose to do you will have a great time.
Definitely pack lots of warm clothes and comfortable shoes :-)
If you need any other help or advice on getting around, please do let me know. I'd be happy to help.
Love Hannah x
Everything Hannah says - plus:
ReplyDeleteCheck out London Walks (www.londonwalks,com) for a great selection of walks with knowledgeable guides - I was born/live in London, but I've discovered many new places with these walks.
I'd recommend Fortnums for your afternoon tea - expensive, but lovely, book in advance!
It'll most probably be wet as well as chilly.
Keep a firm grip on your purse/bag (all the time, but especially on the underground), and try not to fall for any of the scams going around (although I doubt if you'd be daft enough to buy a 'diamond' ring for £10 from someone who just 'found it' on the ground anyway )
Don't try to do too much - best to do a few things properly rather than race around and just get worn out. (I learnt this the hard way in Rome last year - my hubby always tries to do one more thing than there's really time for, with frayed tempers as a result).
Don't bother with Tussauds.
If you're here for the 5th, find a fireworks display to go to - there'll be plenty to choose from!
Look right when you cross the road!!! :p
Enjoy our city xPatsyx
So cool!! Have fun!!!
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