Week 15: December 10-16
- Katie & Webster
- Dec 16, 2018
- 4 min read
Our week began as most of them do, with Webster heading to his soccer match. He is in the semi-finals so it was an exciting match for him! Sadly, his team didn’t win, but they will play once more this week before we head home. I spent the evening doing laundry from our weekend away and watching the new Netflix Christmas movies.
On Tuesday, we had a quiet night at home because it was gross and rainy out. We continued to plan the next part of our adventure (which is approaching really quickly!). We finalized our plans for New Zealand and Australia before school. Our itinerary is looking pretty full already, but if anyone has any recommendations, please send them our way!
On Wednesday, I walked to the palace at lunch to see it all decorated for Christmas! Even though the Queen doesn't spend Christmas in London, there are 4 trees outside!
After work, Webster met me and we walked past Buckingham Palace, through Green Park to Fortnum and Mason. They are known for luxury food and household items. Webster really wanted to try a Scotch Egg, and we heard they serve some of the best! It was a Christmas extravaganza in there, trees, decorations, and festive treats everywhere! Webster got his scotch egg, and I got some very overpriced macaroons.
On Thursday, we hurried home from work and got all bundled up to head to the Tower of London. They have a skating rink the old moat which we were lucky to get tickets for! The ice was real, but there was a cooling system underneath the rink to keep it solid in the 10 degree weather. I am THE worst skater, but in London, where there is no ice, I wasn’t too bad compared to everyone else. We skated around the moat, listening to music, and looking up at the Tower. It was such a cool experience. We really recommend it to anyone who is in London during the holidays.
After the Tower of London, we headed back towards Buckingham to meet up with Jahbari, who was in London for the weekend. He also goes to Laurier and is on exchange in France. Of course we took him to our favourite restaurant, Franco Manca. It was nice to hear a Canadian accent, chat about his experiences in France and recommend things to see in London.
On Friday, I used my last vacation day to do some shopping! I started my day at our favourite local bakery, Gail’s, before heading to Oxford Circus. I shopped at TK Maxx, Primark, Schuh, Marks & Spencer, and many others. Although everything in London is SO expensive compared to home, it is fun to window shop and look for good deals.
After work, Webster met me and we went for dinner at our favourite London dive. Mother Clucker, is a chicken restaurant that serves the BEST chicken we have ever had. We had it when we first got here in September, but wanted to have it one more time before we came home.
We finished our night at Trafalgar Square, listening to carolers and admiring the big Christmas tree sent all the way from Finland.
On Saturday, we enjoyed a long sleep in and then headed to the Houses of Parliament in the afternoon. We took a guided tour through all the rooms and staircases. We saw the entrance that only the Queen uses, the House of Lords chambers, the House of Commons chambers, and some meeting rooms. It was really interesting, and we both learned a lot about how the government passes laws. It was particularly interesting to visit parliament this week after all the governmental uncertainty. There were lots of questions on our tour about Brexit, how Theresa May could have won the confidence vote, and what will happen in the future.
On Sunday, we woke up bright and early to head to the HMS Belfast. This war ship, used in WWII, is now docked near Tower Bridge. This is something Webster really wanted to do before we left London, so it was nice to finally cross it off our list. We spent about two hours exploring the ships living quarters, engine rooms, mess hall, and even where they made ammunition. It was a lot of narrow hallways and ladders, but such a unique tour.
After the HMS Belfast, we headed to Borough Market, to have some of our favourite food one last time. Webster had fish and chips from FISH! and I had a Bread Ahead donut - so tasty!
Then, we continued onto Sky Garden. We went to Sky Garden a few weeks ago when it was dark out and wanted to see it again during the day. We saw everything along the River Thames all the way from Tower Bridge to the London Eye. It was fun to point out buildings we have learned to recognize after our few months here.
To end our VERY long day, we headed to the Horse Guards Parade to see the evening inspection of the horses. We thought this ceremony would attract crowds like the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace so we arrived a little too early… but nevertheless we enjoyed a great show! The two guards, who sit on horses on Whitechapel came into the courtyard to meet the other guards on duty. Then, all of the guards were inspected by a high ranking officer. The Parade started in 1894 when Queen Victoria found the entire guard drinking and gambling while on duty. As a punishment, she said they had to be inspected every day by an officer for the next 100 years. The 100 years finished in 1994, however Queen Elizabeth wanted the parade to continue as a tradition.
We are spending our last few days in London this week before heading home on Saturday. We can’t believe how fast our time in London has gone. We have five more weeknights to cross some last minute things off our list and we plan to make the most of it!
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