London Part Three- My Week in London

Well, Monday rolled around and my very own week in London began. I was actually kind of excited to have this time entirely to myself. I would see everything I wanted to, explore every street I hoped and do so at the bliss of my very own time. It was uniquely my week in London to which I could freely explore food, museum and curious wonders between.

My very own week in London! I was so excited to start exploring.

On the top of my list were many of the museums I did not visit on my last few trips to London. I started off with the National Gallery. I love visiting the art from the early fourteenth century up until the twentieth century. There is such a deep story in this time period. I learn not only about the painting but the history behind it. More often than not, these paintings reveal creative expression that might counteract the traditional mindset of the period. These tend to a lot of the time be political point of views. Since I am a political science major, I really enjoyed this aspect as a chance to understand politics in an artistic setting. It is also the fascination for the shear beauty of the paintings. Details, colors and texture told a very unique and deeply bound store to which I attempted to unfold of my tour of the museum. I began to recognize not only political movements, but also classical myths within the art. One of my favorite collections was by a Norwegian artist who painted black and white landscape sketches. His depictions of the waves crashing in the deep ocean and the Northern lights were so vivid and realistic despite the use of color. I was mesmerized by the textured drama he conveyed.

Buckingham Palace! I love how my daily walks passed by such a royal masterpiece.

Colorful flower painting at The National Gallery. I stared at this painting mesmerized by its bright beauty.

The following day I also visited the Van Gogh part of this museum and other artists of the nineteenth century. Having had a chance to visit the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam, I was prepared and rather excited to develop what I had learned weeks before. It's really something wonderful to apply what you have learned in past times to a new setting. Out of this, I do not think I will stop exploring art and other sorts of expeditions. The National Gallery houses so many important works to which I decided to see as much of it as I could. Over the course of two days, I toured through the museum halls pursuing the thought arising from every artistic corner.

Van Gogh Flower Pot Painting at The National Gallery. The museum had such a wonderful display of Van Gogh's work and other artist of the time.

Lego Santa and Sleigh in Covent Garden. I love how all everywhere in London celebrated their own little bit of Christmas Cheer.

A very festive Oxford Street.

I spent the rest of the day having lunch with my sister and visiting some of my favorite spots in London. Of course, this included some very necessary retail therapy... but when in London? Christmas shopping? One of those sayings might due, or if I'm lucky hopefully both! It really is the most wonderful time of the year, though, and London's street decorations are in no shortage. I love how Piccadilly sign reads "Merry Christmas" and each street cascades off into its own renditions of Christmas Lights. I followed the dazzling sparkles down Regent Street and enjoyed a stroll into some of my favorite stores. A beautiful day, to which I could not think of any better end than a little Netflix relaxation and some Whole Foods- two of my guilty pleasures I was sure to indulge in over my little break in London. It was a full day to which I passed in the comforts of sweet dreams.

A very dazzling Harrods! The inside
shared just as much holiday flair.

Peanut butter filled chocolates
for Harrods! Delish!

The next visits included a frequented foodie favorite. Lauren and I met up after class and headed to Borough Market with her friend. This was Lauren's first visit to Borough Market and I could see her excitement to its deliciously and addicting gastronomical virtues. I experience the same wonder each and every trip back. Grace was in similar awe. It was nice to see the market during the week, for while it was not fully stocked with vendors, it was definitely not a busy and easier to manage after a long week of classes for Lauren and tours for me. Nonetheless, we walked through the stalls tasting various cheeses, breads and olive oil and of course never to forsake chocolate. We settled on some delicious bites and enjoyed a rather chilly but scrumptious meal in East London.

Fresh cooking at Borough Market. So many fresh and distinct flavors steamed out of the pans and to my foodie palate. 

Picasso art at the Tate Modern.

Dali art at the Tate Modern.

Bright blue and unique sculptures at the
 Tate Modern.

Afterwards, Lauren headed back to study and I made my way to the nearby Tate Modern. I had been hoping to visit this museum for quite some time and was excited at the fact that I finally had the chance to do so. This was also a very special excursion, because it was different from the museums I had been visiting these past few months in Europe. Most of the exhibits I had seen reflected historical art dating centuries back, but this visit would be one of my firsts modern art expeditions abroad. I saw some of my favorite pieces I was hoping to see including Picasso and Dali. In various textures and effervescent color, structures encapsulated corners of the room. I pondered upwards in amazement. Photographs aligned the room and spattered paintings wall papered rooms. Even video and industrial structures were on display. I was encapsulated by how many different types of art forms the museum had. Each shared a different perspective of art and used the practice in a very specialized way. While it may be an entirely different form of art, it shared the passion with all the historical art, to represent an aspect of society, and more often than not a political message. I explored the art that captured my mind hoping to find its true meaning and possibly an element distinct to my own. It was late afternoon and I felt as if my brain was going to explode in color. The art pressed me to seek beyond contours and lines.

Mirror art at the Tate Modern. The museum had a collection of very intriguing pieces of art.

Colorful and large art at the Tate Modern. I love the creativity and free style in this piece of art.

Well, full on yet another day of art and exploration, I knew the perfect remedy. I scurried home for quick nap and off to Whole Foods. In a warm meal I was reminded of home and indulged in every decadent veggie bite. Soft yums. The evening fell and it was time for bed. Lauren and I caught up on our time since lunch and both exhausted fell swiftly into sleep.

A very dazzling London at night. I love all the bright signs and lights streaming from Piccadilly Circus and into the cascading streets.

Photography on the Middle East
 at the Queen's Gallery.

I spent my last few days in London seeing a few more of my top destinations and enjoying some time with my sister. In the morning I went to visit the Queen's Gallery by Buckingham Palace. I really enjoyed this museum both because of its manageable size and also for the contents within. The exhibits included photography of Prince’s journey to the Middle East and Gold. I really enjoy photography and exploring each captured image along the journey through the Middle East. In the Gold exhibition I learned about how the Gold was applied to art and its usage in everything from Coronation ceremonies to its religious significance. I left the museum with quite a dazzling perspective on two very different subjects that nonetheless play a role in the life of British royalty. I made my way home mid-morning enjoying Buckingham Palace and the surrounding parks. It could not have been more of a picturesque day in London As I walked home I was greeted by the changing of the guards ceremony. I listened to the classic tunes as the band marched along and the ceremony progressed. Onwards I went to Holborn.

The Gold Exhibit at the Queen's Gallery. The detailing in the art was spectacular.

I was pleasantly surprised by the Changing of the Guards on my walk home from the Queen's Gallery.

Lauren and I decided to meet up and get our nails done which was quite a lovely experience. We shared the afternoon catching up on our day and planning for the soon to be holiday break at home. Afterwards, Lauren's friend joined us for lunch. After a delicious bite in Covent Garden we parted ways once again and I made my way to my next stop. Of course, since its the Holiday Season, it was necessary, rather my merry duty to do a little Christmas shopping in London. Christmas lights streamed through the streets and decorated the falling night sky with a bit of yuletide cheer. After some tireless hours in the stores I made my way swiftly to the chocolate shop and back to Lauren's spot. We then met up for dinner and our daily catch up.

A very festive Covent Garden
 with suspended Christmas ornaments.

Merry Christmas from London! I love
 how all the streets have festive decorations.

Ben's Cookies in Covent
Garden. Yum!

For the past couple of months I have been telling Lauren about this wonderful restaurant that is not too far away. Tonight, we decided to try the restaurant. We walked to Heddon Street, which is also known as the Food Quarter. A courtyard is warmed by the mixing of so many flavorfully distinct foods lingering in this hidden foodie gem. It was long awaited, but we ate at one of my favorite spots called Tibits. This  is a vegetarian restaurant where you serve yourself so many wonderful and freshly prepared dishes and then pay by weight. It’s the perfect combination of a relaxed sit down meal but the luxury of a night out in London. Seasonal delights warm the booths from pumpkin curry to courgette cous cous. Some carrots and kale later, we made our way to desert. We tried a bit of everything from sticky cinnamon pudding and tiramisu to berry muesli. The deliciousness was just enough to cure my evening sweet tooth. Her friend, who also studied at UMiami joined us for dinner. We shared some of our favorite restaurants both in Miami and London. We made our way back to Lauren's in a state of veggie euphoria. Overwhelmed with a need for sleep, we soon fell fast to bed.

Holiday cheer streamed through the streets on our walks through London. I love the snowflake lights!

Thursday morning came around and it was time for me to pack up my things and head back up to Edinburgh. Lauren was swiftly awake prepping for the academically dense day ahead and I gathered my belongings together. We said our goodbyes to a wonderful Thanksgiving and rather entire week together. In two short weeks we would be together again back in Boston for another holiday. Hopefully we would spend time conquering another city together, one that is home to the both of us. I am so fortunate to have someone here abroad in the UK with me and for that someone to be my endlessly loving sister. She keeps me grounded when I flutter into fantasy, yet inspires me to never stop dreaming. I see her hard work and all that is paid off and know that with her support I can do the same. I will miss London very much, but am so fortunate to spend an entire week here.  I am confident for how much I accomplished this week and leave London with a broadened mindset. The sites I saw, both new and revisited, help me develop a better understanding of myself and the world around me.

Lauren and I at the East India Company in London for Thanksgiving Dinner. Thank you for a wonderful week my lovely sister!

I feel an insatiable hunger to never stop exploring. My realms of curiosity are always spinning. I graced with pleasure of spending a semester in Edinburgh and a summer in London. It is an abroad student's UK dream. I know I will be back to both. Each visit will be accompanied by the wondrous awes for cities of beauty and a chance to delve deeper into it. Back up to Edinburgh I go by train and I could not be more excited. A week away seems so long to me, especially when it’s in a city I love so much. In the short two weeks I have left in Edinburgh I hope to visit everything I have planned to. I want to see the National Museum, Rosylnn Chapel and stroll through Christmas market. Within this list is a spot for the adventures I cannot foresee in my future. These are everything from daylong travels to afternoon strolls through the Meadows. I will eat at all my favorite coffee shops and stop by my favorite stores to soak in all the happiness I have experienced these past few months in Edinburgh. It is a combination of constant exploration and savoring all that I have already loved. This state of being I hope to take with me to everywhere I live and travel. The holiday season is underway and Edinburgh is decorated in Christmas jolly and joy. For in December, I share my memories here and a festive adventure to come.

London Part Two- Christmas Queens and Carousels

I spent the second half of my week in London visiting spots I had yet to visit and those I frequented this summer. It was a journey to things new, different and the creative in-between.

Christmas market fun!

A very festive evening.

           

Winter haunted house!

While Grace left London early Sunday morning, I spent the day with Julie at the Christmas markets. We walked through the entire park and even ventured onto some of the rides. I may have protested at first, but perusal, the amusements were well worth it, providing spectacular views of the city. Of course we managed to find our way to the Carousel bar and enjoyed some traditional Christmas drinks including mulled wine, cider and cherry brandy. We past the early part of the afternoon slowly spinning on cartoon horses and makeshift bar tables. A Christmas abroad delight! Later on, we met my sister and her friends from school for afternoon tea. Her friends were from all over the world and at different stages in their academic career. It was nice to meet so many new faces and share our stories of our time in the UK.

Having fun at the carousel bar.

Afternoon tea! It was wonderful to meet
Lauren's friend and get out of the cold for a bit

Delicious macaroons! A rainbow of sweet
pastries decorated the bakery.

After tea, Julie and I scurried back to the Christmas market. We weaved in and out of the crowds and passed by streams of festive lights. We celebrated the holiday season with some toasted marshmallows over the fire pit. Next, we made our way to the Bavarian festival. We were transported back to Oktoberfest in London’s very own Christmas market. There were Weiner Schnitzels, Stein's and cheering music that swung us back to September in Munich. This time though, the picnic tables were less lined with people in traditional Oktoberfest costume and rather individuals sporting all sorts of gear, including Superman. We spent the evening dancing alongside other jolly people.

Toasting marshmallows at the market. What really is Christmas without some sweet favorites.

Bavarian festival! It was Oktoberfest in London's very own Winter Wonderland.

Soon enough, it was time for Julie to catch her train back to Paris. We said our goodbyes, knowing that we would see each other soon. We spontaneously meet up at the end of every month and this would be no different in December. Our next reunion would be in the states at New Year's Eve in New York! With so much to look forward to, we said our goodbyes and shared joy for the end of a very successful semester.