LONDON, ENGLAND (Week 1)

QUICK LOOK:

Location: Double Tree by Hilton, Kensington

Main Attractions: British Museum, Diana Memorial Playground (Hyde Park), Harrods, Natural History Museum, London Science Museum, Tower Bridge

Transportation: London Tube

Holidays: Girls' 5th birthday

LONDON - We made it!! After a couple delays and then a rescheduling of our flight (one that had a few two- to three-inch drops in the beginning that shook me up; but that, apparently, made Vienna humorously feel like “the plane is puffing!!”), we made it to London. The sleep on the plane wasn’t amazing for any four of us, but the sleep that night (with the exception of a 1-2 hour jet lag window around midnight) was solid. I think the girls slept for 14 hours total. Lucky little girls.

Side note: we ate at Babaghanouj next to our hotel. Girls fell asleep waiting for food, but it was well worth the wait. They tried their first baklava. I think it is now their second favorite treat after French macarons.

Our first day, we enjoyed our late morning at the British Museum. I am still in awe of all the free museums in London (something all big cities need, in my opinion). If you’ve never been, you’ll be happy to know that it’s free and has an extensive collection (and the Rosetta Stone). Most exhibits are by region. We focused on Egypt (Pharoah, mummies), Mesopotamia (Nebuchadnezzar, Babylon), and coins from all around the world (a request per Vienna) because our brains and bodies could only take so much in one visit.

After a little snack, we headed to the Diana Memoral Playground that honors the late Princess Diana. It is located in the famous Hyde Park, which is just truly so refreshing and lovely. The girls enjoyed the wooden play structures, large wooden boat, slides, tunnel, instruments, spinning structures, teepees, and more!

Even after all that activity, we still opted to walk 30 minutes (instead of take the tube for the same amount of time) to Harrods to grab a meal for take away. Although the alternative would have been less tiring, our option was definitely more beautiful and more rewarding in the end. At Harrods, we got the girls a large soft pretzel to start them off. It was probably the best soft pretzel ever after the walk they had just endured. We picked up some other foods for take away and had a nice, relaxing meal at our hotel. 

On the second day, it was Vienna’s and Noe’s 5th birthday! Their request was to see the London Bridge (we explained that it really was the Tower Bridge they would want to see) because it “bends and breaks.” We started the day off at the Natural History Museum (also free) and then off to Tower Hill to see the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and London Bridge. The excitement of a child is amazing. They had their foldable map of London (thank you, Auntie Jana!) and took photos at each location. Then, per Vienna’s request, they walked along a part of the Tower Bridge and sang “London Bridge.” To say they had a good time would be an understatement. It was a grand birthday gift.

After their big birthday wish was fulfilled, we headed back to the London Science Museum (once again, free) and then to pizza. I left to meet up with my dear friend Louisa (miss you already, Louisa) who trekked out all the way to our hotel to meet me and then my family. It was a perfect ending to an already special day.

Cheers!