We are en route to Liverpool, so we thought we'd fill you all in on our time in London. We had a warm welcome from Renee's family living in London. They generously had us in their home for 4 of the nights, providing us with laundry facilities, a cozy bed, and some local expertise. Thank you again Tanya and Hamish for making our time in London that much better! We can't thank you enough.
On our first night, we had the pleasure of making our first home cooked meal of the trip.
The second day we headed straight for Camden market, but found out that we were the early birds and we did not get the worm. The shops were just opening up, so we decided that we would come back another time. We had arrangements to meet up with our American friends, Andrew and Tyler, that we met in Paris, to see the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace. We didn't realized what a spectacle it was..the place was roving with people kept in order by the cavalry police. We could only manage to see the tips of the black furry hats over the rest of the people, but we were able to see the guards marching in with the band. What a cool experience!
Afterwards, we moseyed for some take-out lunch in Green park. Next we headed to the London Eye, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey, then off to London bridge, which was not as impressive as we thought it would be. Before saying goodbye, we hit up Tower Bridge, and then headed home to get ready for a night out in Soho with Tanya and her friends.
We really enjoyed it and found it very classy that you could enjoy your beverage of choice outside on the sidewalk of the pub. We also loved the pitstop on the way home for some delicious bagels.
Saturday morning we managed to wake up early and roll on over to Camden market. What a maze that was.. The market goes on and on forever with a variety of food, clothing, and souvenir shops. On our way home, we stopped by platform 9 3/4 at kings cross.
That night we headed to a local Pakistan restaurant, which was unreal! We will go back next time we are in London. Following dinner, we got a free impromptu walking tour of London from Tanya and Hamish. We weren't dressed "smart" enough to go to the top of a posh sushi bar to overlook the city. Next time we will make sure we are clad in our fancy attire.
Sunday we woke up to a pancake breakfast from chef Hamish and sous-chefette Tanya (Ramsay's in the making).
We were energized and ready to go for the all day Wireless festival at Queen Elizabeth park. We got our arms bedazzled with festival flowers and stocked up on a lifetime supply of free tic tacs. We saw many talented artists (2 chainz, A$AP rocky, the Rizzle kicks, A Tribe called Quest, and Nas), but couldn't wait for the final act when Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake would share the stage. We got pretty close to the stage, but were squished like sardines, so we decided to get out of the crowd a bit (as soon as we left, one of the girls we had been standing with was being carried out on a stretcher - we knew we had made the right decision). The concert was incredible and even had a guest appearance. Rihanna just so happened to show up for one song with Jay-Z. Get ready Vancouver, you're in for a treat!
Monday, we went to the mall for some shopping, checked in to our hostel (sadly left Tanya and Hamish's), and then went on a quest for Banksy street art.
No sheep were counted that night, due to one roommate snoring (If you have ever heard a freight train rolling through a station, take it up about ten decibels), and another with a hearty cough. Sarah finally put her ear plugs to good use, and provided everyone else in the room with a pair (Thanks pops!)
Tuesday was our final full day, so we had lots of ground to cover. We hit up Abbey road to start (Where Renee accidentally kicked another innocent bystander during her gleeful leaping photo - picture to follow).
We sat and watched other tourists and became very entertained by the one family that crossed Abbey road for a picture about 20 times, with every combination and permutation possible.
Next, we stopped through Hyde park... Not sure what the hype was all about. Maybe we didn't give it a fair chance (and our standards were pretty high after visiting Versailles).
We had a candid photo op with a good pal Winston Churchill; we just so happened to pass by him on a park bench.
Stumbled upon Drury Lane.. You know the muffin man? He was nowhere to be found. We didn't seem to find any muffins either. Our childhood dreams were shattered!
We walked by the Wolverine premiere in Leicester Square, but unfortunately we are too early to see Mr. Jackman himself.
We went to London Tower to see the beefeaters, but we only got to see the back of one. We moved on to finish our Banksy tour, after touring all over London for one specific piece.
That night we met up with Paul and Carl (aka Cahl), Renee's friends from London, for a chill drink and some laughs at the Big Chill House bar. A great way to finish off our time in London.
Now we are currently on our way to Liverpool, where we are going to visit the Beatles museum, the Cavern pub, where the Beatles used to perform, and Grapes, the pub they would drink at between sets (insert excited squeal here).
Stay tuned for updates on the second half of our journey.
Tata for now,
Renee and Sarah













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