So I visited London 2 weekends ago, as you may well know. It was a jolly good place. There were so many circumstances occurring that should have told me to just go back. Its honestly amazing that I made it there. First, I realized I couldn't bring a lot of my toiletries because I was just bringing a carry-on, so I had to quickly repack. Then, I wanted to take the Orlybus, which is this bus that directly connects to the Orly airport (and it was cheaper than taking the RER B). And so I decided to seek this out, already being later than I wanted to leave. But I wandered and found it. I didn't have enough euros in coins (the machine only accepts coin money or European credit cards). So I walked back to the station, trying to find someplace to get change. There was a newspaper stand so I bought a French Cosmo for a euro and got enough coins. Then I bought the ticket. And I got on the bus fine. Little did I remember there is such a thing as rush hour, and it took longer than anticipated to get to the airport. I then realized there were 2 points to get off at: West and South. For some reason, something told me to get off at west. It turns out, that was the right one. I only got off there because a lot of people were, including the nice lady who talked to me when I first got on the bus. I checked in at 5:41 and my plane was planned to leave at 6:25. I just breezed through security and customs and whatnot. Then I sat in the area closest to where I was supposed to board. It was 6:21 and I heard some guy blabbering stuff on the overhead and I realized that I should be on my plane by now. I went to the other side and they changed where the plane was boarding! So I got on with 4 minutes to spare. Then I walked out to the plane. It was the tiniest thing I've ever seen. It was very bizarre. Other than that, everything went fine. I took the DLR, which was an amazing entrance into the city (it's the overground metro that brings you into the city center). After that I got to experience the tube, which was SOOO MUCH cleaner and nicer than the Paris metro (it looks so skanky but can hold a lot more people)! Then I met Emmett!
We went out to this Italian restaurant that has a fabulous gluten free menu. Already this is a plus from Paris, which really doesn't cater to gluten free people at ALL. It's so hard to find things here.. We split an appetizer salad composed of arugula, mozzarella (so fresh and creamy), roasted peppers (so wonderful) and it had a lovely italian ham (proscuitto?) on it. It was great. Then I had a pasta dish with shredded zucchini, parmesan, chili flakes and garlic on top. YUMM. It was so great. For dessert we split a chocolate thing with Kaluha and almonds mixed in. That was fantastic as well. Also, it was the most filling thing ever. I haven't realized how little I eat now until I had that meal. It was the most filling thing ever.
Saturday, we did a lot of toursity things. I was amazed at how they pack all their landmark and tourist places in a 5 miles span. Paris is so spread out compared to London in this regard! Saw lots of awesome stuff at the National Galleries, a thing going on for Egypt in Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, Parliament, West Minister Abbey, Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park. We ate at a great Hong Kong Cafe in China town as well! After all that walking around on the most beautiful sunny day London has seen in a long time, we went to a pub for dinner. I had sausage, baked beans and chips with a pear hard cider on the side. It was great, but really filling again (It was the theme of this trip).
Sunday, we went to Camden Market. I was obsessed with going to a London Market. To me, this screamed London more so than the other traditional landmarks. I think "What a Girl Wants" put that idea into my head. Haha. I bought an awesome photograph (I decided to collect a piece of artwork from every city I visit as my "tourist" purchase), a dress and a vintage belt. Gotta buy vintage in London! It's what it's known for! It was amazing to see all the differnet stands. If I had more money I would've bought a TON more clothes.
Finally, weary and in a daze, I took a plane back to Paris and successfully made it back to my foyer. First international weekend: success thanks to my wonderful friend Emmett!
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