Day 18: Back Home

Did I mention I'm so happy to be back in London?!  I love this city!  I wanted to take it easy on Saturday because Paris completely exhausted me.  Unfortunately, I woke up early and couldn't go back to sleep.  I felt very lethargic after all the bread and cheese in Paris and so I went for a jog in Hyde Park along a new path.  It was hard after the trip but it was very cathartic for me.  I love living so close to Hyde Park and in such a beautiful part of the city.  I love seeing people with their dogs outside and families spending the day together.  It's a wonderful environment that I will miss when I go back home.


After my jog I did homework to try and catch up (I will NOT be all caught up in homework and I've become okay with that- sorry history class).  We needed to get out so the group of girls I hung out in Paris with and my friend Kennedy went to a place called Nando's.  Whitney (the cute girl who does my hair and has done London study abroad before) told me about it and so we decided to give it a try.  I got 1/4 a chicken with the medium sauce, mashed potatoes, and garlic bread.  It was really yummy but they give you so much that I couldn't finish it all!  They also had bottomless drinks and great customer service which are both a rarity at restaurants over here.  Some girls got salads and said the salad dressings were really amazing!  Mom- I might have to bring one home for you but since I don't like salad I won't know which one is the best.   I hope you're okay with that. :)

One of the items on my list of things to do in London was to buy flowers from a street vendor.  I noticed a cute place not far from where we live so Katherine and Kayley went with me to buy some.  We stopped to get Ben's Cookies first, of course.  I love those cookies!  Then we went to the little flower stand.  The problem was, I wanted to buy flowers but I didn't have anywhere to put them.  The London Centre has an ant problem and so no flowers/food/anything like that are allowed in the rooms.  Since it is mother's day on Sunday, I purchased two bouquets for each of the professor's wives (who are both named Stacie).  

The guy we talked to wrapped up the flowers for us and was so nice!  He talked to us about our trip so far and if we had any family heritage over here.  He said he could tell I had Irish blood because of my hair color.  My hair is dark brown but... thanks?  He was so kind.  One of my favorite myths I have busted over here is that the English are cold and unfriendly.  I have found that for the most part that is not the case.


After flower shopping and delivery, we went to the BYU Singer's Concert at St. John's Smith Square.  The BYU Singers are doing a European tour and it was fun to see the group over here.  I'm not really a "choir person" like some of the people in our group so I listened to the singers and read a book.  It was probably bad etiquette but I'm okay with that.


We passed Big Ben and Parliament lit up on our way home.  It made me think of Peter Pan again, which I think I have mentioned that I love.  "Second star to the right and straight on 'til morning!"  It was good to have a very "London-ish" and relaxing day after our trip to Paris.  

I love this city more and more every day!

P.S. Funny moment of the night- We got on the tube to go home after the concert.  We all sat on one side and Jaden sat across from us.  A couple got on and sat down next to her.  The guy had greying hair and looked like he was in his forties.  The girl looked like she was a couple years older than us.  They started totally making out next to Jaden and she just kinda looked away awkwardly.  We were all just sitting there awkwardly until I asked, "Having fun over there Jaden?"  We all BURST OUT laughing until we had tears coming out of our eyes.  The couple didn't even notice... or stop unfortunately.  It was gross and awkward and hilarious all at the same time.

(a funny ad in the tube)