I think it is safe to say our weekend trip to London was my favorite weekend yet. Back to the city I would love to call home some day and where I left my heart just 5 months ago. With the best entourage in town, we had the most perfect weekend I have ever had in London to date.
With 7 guys and 4 girls all staying in the same hostel room, we started the weekend off in pure madness mode. To celebrate our arrival, we enjoyed Magner’s ciders, which is the drink I missed most.
The next morning we all woke up in excitement to explore the city. This summer I never got the chance to be a tourist, so luckily this time around I was able to see the big landmarks and take them in as one just visiting London to sight see. Our first stop- Buckingham Palace for the changing of the guard’s parade! The changing of the guard’s parade consisted of a guard marching band, guards on horses, and a march around Buckingham Palace. With hundreds of people standing around the Palace in hopes to witness the changing of the guards, it made me realize that maybe there is more to London than I was even aware of.
With 7 guys and 4 girls all staying in the same hostel room, we started the weekend off in pure madness mode. To celebrate our arrival, we enjoyed Magner’s ciders, which is the drink I missed most.
The next morning we all woke up in excitement to explore the city. This summer I never got the chance to be a tourist, so luckily this time around I was able to see the big landmarks and take them in as one just visiting London to sight see. Our first stop- Buckingham Palace for the changing of the guard’s parade! The changing of the guard’s parade consisted of a guard marching band, guards on horses, and a march around Buckingham Palace. With hundreds of people standing around the Palace in hopes to witness the changing of the guards, it made me realize that maybe there is more to London than I was even aware of.
After the changing of the guards we made our way over to West Minister Abbey, where Kate Middleton glided down the aisle in her iconic Alexander McQueen by Sarah Burton wedding gown and where the Royal wedding watched by millions around the world took place.
Next to West Minister Abbey we saw the Supreme Court of England, the absolutely stunning architecture of the Parliament building and of course the ever so famous- Big Ben!
Next to West Minister Abbey we saw the Supreme Court of England, the absolutely stunning architecture of the Parliament building and of course the ever so famous- Big Ben!
After taking in the must-sees of London’s historical monuments we wandered towards the London eye. From the London eye we strolled along the River Thames and saw a little bit of everything. From the eye-catching London street fashion which included Punk inspired outfits, vibrant hair colors, Doc Martens, etc. to the Mayor’s office to numerous pubs, charming alley ways that reminded us of Harry Potter, and most excitingly a famous girl band, The Atomic Kittens signing autographs on their way out of a recording studio. The boys were stoked on finding the graffiti filled skate park that is embedded beside the River Thames. It was such a euphoric experience. Never in a million years did I imagine myself being with 12 of my best friends walking along the River Thames in London seeing the most beautiful things this city has to offer. It was just incredible and I will never forget that day.
After exploring, we stumbled upon the pub "Thirsty Bear" that is in the Oxo Tower Wharf area. It was hands-down the coolest pub I have ever been to. Each table has their own keg of Amstel, Heineken, and English Ale. You use an ipad to turn on the kegs and fill up whenever you want instead of having to ask a server. Also, you use the ipads to order your food, go on the Internet, order cocktails, turn on music in the pub, etc. SO COOL! I hope they have this in the States soon.
The boys were also excited to stumble upon this pub because they finally got to try fish and chips, London’s famous dish!
The boys were also excited to stumble upon this pub because they finally got to try fish and chips, London’s famous dish!
Later that night I took the crew to Piccadilly Circus so they could experience the more touristy side of London because I feel like if your in London, Piccadilly is a must.
We went to “Zoo Bar” which is a bar upstairs and the basement is a club. We had an incredible night until it was time to catch a cab. Since it is off-season, there are barely any cabs to be found. We waited an hour and a half to catch a cab for three of us and that was after we hopped on a bus to head into a less populated part of town. Just insane!
DAY 2
Waking up was hysterical, no one was in the right bed, everyone was confused but nonetheless we all got up and started our day early once again.
Us girls were overwhelmingly excited to spend our money at the most amazing market in the entire world- Portobello Road Market which is just north of Notting Hill. This was my absolute FAVORITE place to shop and spend my Saturday mornings this summer because I found one-of-a-kind vintage, clothing from up and coming designers, records for record players, exotic food such as alligator, kangaroo, the list goes on!
The one thing I wanted at this market was a new feather headpiece because the one I bought this summer was just exquisite but unfortunately ruined over Halloween weekend in Vegas.
I ended up finding Julia, the woman who makes these priceless head pieces. Fortunately, she remembered me from this summer! We chatted about her new pieces that she has made since last time we met and she even offered me new items from her collection that she wasn’t even planning on selling! I was so honored. I ended up picking out a green and gold headpiece and a white and silver one, which I wore to Ministry of Sound that night.
She was such a gem and I promised her to go back to her stand every single time I visit London. She makes her headpieces with vintage cloth from the 1920’s and colored feathers. She hand stitches the beads and buttons and wah-la! She makes head pieces of perfection.
We went to “Zoo Bar” which is a bar upstairs and the basement is a club. We had an incredible night until it was time to catch a cab. Since it is off-season, there are barely any cabs to be found. We waited an hour and a half to catch a cab for three of us and that was after we hopped on a bus to head into a less populated part of town. Just insane!
DAY 2
Waking up was hysterical, no one was in the right bed, everyone was confused but nonetheless we all got up and started our day early once again.
Us girls were overwhelmingly excited to spend our money at the most amazing market in the entire world- Portobello Road Market which is just north of Notting Hill. This was my absolute FAVORITE place to shop and spend my Saturday mornings this summer because I found one-of-a-kind vintage, clothing from up and coming designers, records for record players, exotic food such as alligator, kangaroo, the list goes on!
The one thing I wanted at this market was a new feather headpiece because the one I bought this summer was just exquisite but unfortunately ruined over Halloween weekend in Vegas.
I ended up finding Julia, the woman who makes these priceless head pieces. Fortunately, she remembered me from this summer! We chatted about her new pieces that she has made since last time we met and she even offered me new items from her collection that she wasn’t even planning on selling! I was so honored. I ended up picking out a green and gold headpiece and a white and silver one, which I wore to Ministry of Sound that night.
She was such a gem and I promised her to go back to her stand every single time I visit London. She makes her headpieces with vintage cloth from the 1920’s and colored feathers. She hand stitches the beads and buttons and wah-la! She makes head pieces of perfection.
After we spent too much time and money at the markets, I had one more thing on my list that was an absolute MUST HAVE. A Boy London shirt. I have been waiting to purchase one of these swagged out designer shirts for too long and now I finally could! Before we headed over to Selfridges to do so we needed to make a stop at my favorite store in the entire world- The TOP SHOP flagship store in Oxford Circus. It was just as fabulous as I remember it being. It is so massive! There is a hair salon, frozen yogurt stand, cupcake stand, walls and walls of accessories, floors and floors of fantastically trendy clothing and lines of people for days. The shoe section is the best selection I have ever seen in my entire life. It did not disappoint lets just say that.
After a long day of shopping we got ready for what we have been anticipating for all weekend… Zedd @ the Ministry of Sound. The Ministry of Sound is one of the most famous clubs in the entire world, it hosts the world’s most famous DJ’s and it is where I met Steve Angello from Swedish House Mafia.
After a long day of shopping we got ready for what we have been anticipating for all weekend… Zedd @ the Ministry of Sound. The Ministry of Sound is one of the most famous clubs in the entire world, it hosts the world’s most famous DJ’s and it is where I met Steve Angello from Swedish House Mafia.
Before we made our trip to Ministry we made a stop at my Aunt Jackie and Uncle David’s flat in Islington, London. Not exaggerating, it was the highlight of every one’s weekend. We enjoyed “nibbles and fizz”, took in the views overlooking the canal and enjoyed the most delicious food we have eaten since being in Europe. I will leave most of what happened under wraps but I would say it was more fun than most college parties I have ever been to.
After a fabulous party at Aunt Jac and Uncle David’s flat we headed to Ministry to see Zane Lowe and Zedd. Luckily, thanks to Lindsey’s connections we were able to score VIP treatment and we were casually on stage. So much fun. It was a spectacular night with many memories that are better left unsaid.
After a fabulous party at Aunt Jac and Uncle David’s flat we headed to Ministry to see Zane Lowe and Zedd. Luckily, thanks to Lindsey’s connections we were able to score VIP treatment and we were casually on stage. So much fun. It was a spectacular night with many memories that are better left unsaid.
Coming home at 6am was great until half of the group had to head straight to the airport to catch their flight home to Barcelona. After a long weekend and an unforgettable night it was easy to conclude that weekend was the best weekend ever.
The city of magic was just that.
Off to Madrid!
X,
A
The city of magic was just that.
Off to Madrid!
X,
A
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