London.

London was the only place on my travels that I've been to before. Truthfully, I wasn't planning on going there because I didn't want to spend more time away from Berlin or spend the money but joke on me. There were no direct flights from Edinburgh to Berlin, the length of the layovers were ridiculous, and on top of that the price. So I went to London and I'm so thankful it all worked out that way. I got to stay with someone else working in Education who came from the States. It was a wonderful time.

Big Ben and London Eye

Buckingham Palace

Although this was my second time to London, it did not disappoint in the least. I remember coming home from my first trip to Europe the summer of 7th grade thinking,"I'm moving to London. I'm having a little girl and I will take her to ballet." I don't know exactly where that vision came from but as I visited I remembered how London made me feel.

Photo from the boat taxi

West Minister

The first day I was there, London spoiled me a bit and made me jealous of the Americans living there. First, we had lunch/dinner at this great South American place in the largest mall on Europe. After that we browsed the mall. There was a Gap, Victoria's Secret, and an American Eagle coming soon. It felt like America. And it gets better! In England, you don't pay for water and you pay with card, "Cash back?" is asked. Oh I was so envious!

I stayed right around the corner, about a mile away from the Olympic Park.

The next day was simply perfect. I'm kicking for myself for staying in so long but I was just relaxing. Anyway, my only day for some real touring was simply beautiful. No coat, no fog, no rain. I saw the sights again but also wandered to some markets which I never done before. I really enjoyed all the walking I did.

For dinner that night, I met up with a friend who I met in Perugia. She is studying in London now. It was great to see her. Afterwards, I went and waited in line for an hour to see the London skyline by night. I remember this was the most memorable thing I did the first time I came and I just had to do it again! 

The next day I packed my bags and wrote out some cards; then, I headed to the airport. Lucky for me, I met a Danish girl who studies in London but studied in Berlin last year and she was heading there the same time I was. She was lovely company while we waited in the smallest airport, Southend. We had dinner together and shared stories of friends. We talked about how we each have a love/hate relationship with Berlin (like everyone!). Funny thing is I don't know her name. At a different time, a different place I think we could have been great friends.

I'm not sure I'm ready to move to London and raise a daughter or even deal with the amount of tourist in London. But I will most definitely return. I have a large amount of street food to taste!

One of my favorite books, Notes On Love and Courage, says,"Are there any wholly useless encounters? I know this: there are no insignificant people. There is no one who isn't supposed to be there."

xx