Adventure Is Out There...

I know, I am behind with the blog posts. But London was well, busy. And fun. Really fun. I am back in the U.S. now and miss my home in the city so very badly. I haven't posted any pictures in over a month.. so here is a bajillion pictures of some of my favorite last memories in London. It sure was the greatest experience of my life. I never thought I would learn and grow so much, but I did. And I made friendships to last a lifetime. Not only are my study abroad people my friends, but they are my family. God put me in this program for a reason, and I am thankful every day for my semester abroad. I saw and did more than I could ever imagine-- and it is just one giant busy blur of happiness. I will dearly miss our Saturdays of stuffing our faces and shopping vintage treasures at Camden Market, our nice friends at Banana Man and Dutch Pancakes, our evenings at the theatre (yes we saw like 15 plays), strolling the shops at Oxford Street while gazing at the Christmas decorations, sipping a hot cocoa while wandering Carnaby Street, spending our early mornings on the coach on our way to adventurous places, staring at Big Ben, and much, much more. Seriously, I could go on for hours. Thank you to my parents for making these past 4 months possible. I owe the happiest 4 months of my life to you. It was the best. I miss London already, but the memories of our adventures around Europe will stay with me forever. You can bet that mega bed will continue in Provo, as will attempts to re-create Nando's chicken and Shake Shack's concretes. And if we have to go to Salt Lake for ice skating and shopping, and Sammy's for shakes, then so be it. Cause it's the people who make it, and we're sticking together even in Utah. And maybe we'll even take some mode of public transportation for good times' sake. Cheers, London. And thanks for the most wonderful time of my life. Apartment 1 in Kilburn Park, rats and springy mattresses and sinking ceilings and all, is my home away from home. I know there's a giant picture marathon, and you're welcome to scroll through them all.. but this is more for my memory of all these adventures.

Swansea vs. Fulham Premier Soccer game HOLLA. Another bucket list check off.

Yes, we did enjoy the toasted cheese sandwiches and goats milk ice cream at Borough Market.

Yes, Phil from Mod Fam waved at me. He's a gem, and he was at Regent's Street Christmas lighting.

Bike ride through Hyde Park during our lunch break? Sure, why not. Fall in London lasts a long time.

Happy Guy Fawkes Day! Apparently that's a big deal in London. So we of course participated and went to the massive fireworks party.

Portsmouth.

This is normal. Mel just buying her chocolate. Cadbury Factory, ya done us good.

M&M Factory. No, they do not have peanut butter M&Ms. No, we don't know why. Yes, I still bought a giant bag of M&Ms.

Just on Abbey Road. Like ya do on a Monday afternoon.

Hey, Beatles.

221 B is a real thing.

Nothing makes us happier than a handful of warm cinnamon almonds. While looking at Tower Bridge.

Cause when you're in London, this picture is a must. And apparently is like the most visited bridge in the world or something cool like that.

Carnaby Street.

Wicked, again. Yes it's necessary to see it twice. Especially when it's opening night of a brand new cast.

Turns out taking pictures with Santa is not free. But still magical.

From our spin on the London Eye.

Hey Ben, I'll miss ya.

Typical tourist.

My favorite spot for an evening out. Covent Garden while chowing on some Shake Shack.

Yeah, we saw Charlie and the Chocolate Factory while eating Wonka chocolate.

Passenger concert. He was real good and real British.

Leona Lewis, you've got some weird choreography and a very bright outfit.

One time I met this band and took a picture with them after their concert. Still don't know who they are, but I'm sure they're a big deal in London. Or not, but props to 14 year olds who perform on Regent Street.

Just a punt ride with a charming punt guide on the Cam. WHY DON'T WE GO TO CAMBRIDGE?

I found my street. Must mean I'm meant to be a Cambridge student.

Just some Christmas shopping on Oxford Street.

Snogging is good for you. Seriously, one of my favorite things about London is this little creation right here.

Our family. On a typical outing to the Tate Modern. Or Tate Britain. I don't remember, but I do know that this staircase was millions of dollars to build and it seemed pretty average to us.

Just some vintage records at Camden.

Dutch pancakes. Did I mention how much we ate? Cause it was a lot.

Swansea fans for life.

Oh, just some butter beer at the Harry Potter studios. Cheers.

Oh, just the car that I sat in that Ron and Harry also sat in.

Hogwarts is real. And we had school there one day. And the castle is really big and really pretty and really magical.

Also, Number 4 Privet Drive. It's fine.

Oh, Banana Man. You forever and always have our hearts.

Last day at Camden.

The quaint colorful buildings of Portobello Market.

Our last trip to Shake Shack. I will always miss saying, "I'll take a Shackburger, fries, and a single sticky toffee. And yes, I have been to Shake Shack before so I already know what to do with the blinking number. And yes, I'm here probably twice a week."

Our last time seeing Les Mis. Tears of joy and sadness and pure theatre perfection.

SO, how did we spend our last night in London? Oh yeah, we went to the bar and had karaoke night and it was definitely the most hilarious and fun thing I've ever done in my life.

Karaoke.

Last visit to Big Ben.

Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park is the most magical Christmas activity someone can do. I didn't even take pictures inside because it felt wrong to even try to capture the happiness of it.