*Suggested listening – Adele – Hometown Glory. Because Adele. And London.
Grab your Oyster cards everyone, it’s finally happening. Remember to stand on the right and walk on the left, because we are going deep down into LONDON.
Today marks exactly ONE YEAR since I moved to this glorious city, and what a ride it’s been. Not a single day goes by that I don’t wake up and ask myself if this is really my life. Since I have fully neglected London on this blog thus far (I’M SORRY), I will now take you through my favorite things and photos from 365 days in the best city in the world. No really it is THE BEST. I’ll fight you.
One year ago I landed in London with a minuscule amount of luggage. I really like to just pack light and keep it simple, you know, no fuss. PSYCH. I am and always will be a monster when it comes to packing. Did I bring an entire bag (the biggest one) of only coats/jackets? Yes. Do I regret it? Absolutely not. I firmly believe that if anyone tells you they can pack for a big trip in only one carry on, they are lying right to your face. So for over a year, I felt like I did pretty good.
*Note: it will take many many more bags if I ever have to move home. Because shopping.*
Now that we know I still have not learned to pack light or control my shopping habit, here’s the things I have accomplished, experienced, and learned in the last year.
I can finally say I live ALONE.
This can be scary at times, because of my addiction to murder podcasts, but mostly it is FABULOUS. Flat #1 didn’t quite work out, but Flat #2 is a dream; one I never thought would come true. Your girl lives in MAYFAIR.
I think its pretty obvious which one is the dream flat.
I found buffalo chicken fries with RANCH.
You may think this is a weird highlight, but ranch is hard to find and buffalo chicken is life. Thanks Ben’s Canteen, you’re the real MVP.
I experienced London fall in all its glory.
I LOVE fall, and for the previous 4 years had been deprived of its beauty while living in the constant 75 degree prison of California. So you know I was out frolicking in the changing leaves like it was my job. But no, I WILL NOT drink a pumpkin spice latte. Thats too far.
You know what comes after London fall? LONDON CHRISTMAS TIME.
AND LONDON SNOW STORMS!
I’ve had quite a few cuppa.
I’m basically making my way around all the nice hotels trying their afternoon tea when people visit. Afternoon tea is a great time. Still not sure where we stand on the whole, who came first, the cream or the jam debate though.
I learned to love Three Lions on a shirt and all they stand for.
We screamed, we got drenched in beer, then we suffered that terrible loss.
I’ve shown my favorite city to my favorite people.
Seriously. ALL the visitors. Keep em coming, I love it.
I *confirmed* magic is real.
Seriously. I’ve now seen this three times and remain in awe.
I finally saw all those beautiful spring flowers.
The allergies were not awesome, but they are worth the views.
I found my squad.
We’re still working on forcing more Brits to be friends with us.
I found my favorite bottomless brunch.
That fancy bacon roll though. Darcie and May Green, I truly love you and everything you do.
I finally made it to Hogwarts.
I learned what the pocket in my overalls is actually for.
I turned 29 with St. Paul.
I hung out with James, Ed, Taylor, Sam, Marshall, and Bruno.
Front row at the Late Late Show filming, Wembley Stadium, the O2, Twickenham Stadium and Hyde Park. Epic.
This is important… I’ve won TWO medals for outstanding volleyball skills.
Don’t be fooled. I’ve also spent entire days watching Netflix in bed.
Sometimes you just have to blow up air mattresses and lay around all day because you went a little too hard celebrating America. Sometimes you’re just lazy and don’t want to put on real people clothes. Sometimes the Great British Bake Off is just TOO GOOD.
I’ve *almost* finished a master’s degree.
…as I write this as a form of procrastinating my dissertation…
And most importantly… I’ve made a life that I love for myself.
This has been by far the best 365 days of my life, and I owe it all to the city that has my heart. Cheers to you, London. You the greatest.
Also a huge thank you to London for giving me an excuse to wear ALL the hats.
And even bigger THANK YOU to my parents, who are not only the best pack mules (yes I used all their checked bags as well), but always help me make my dreams come true. I know I said Ben’s Canteen was the real MVP, but really Doug and Nancy are.
I’ll leave you with EVEN MORE of my favorite photos, because honestly, do photos of London ever get old?!
Don’t worry there’s plenty more where this came from. I’m never leaving. No really, they can drag my cold dead body out of this country. Someone please give me a job.
kthanksbye.
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