CENTRAL LONDON

Dress - Vintage from Fuzzy Bellas, Boots - Belle by Sigerson Morrison, Jacket - True Religion

There is nothing more delightful to me than being a complete and utter stranger in a brand new city . . . a brand new country! Not only do I want to get to know the place like a local, finding the hidden, hole-in-the-wall nooks and secret hidden spots, but I want to be able to appreciate all that makes it famous and known around the world by all. A lot of Londonders I met on this trip told me that these places weren't worth it. They are too touristy. Too crowded. To blaaaah. But I didn't care. Natalie and I set aside a whole day committed to hitting up a few of London's most well known spots imprinted in the minds of the majority of us American thanks to the movies, television, and news coverage. We ran through the sprawling open grass of St. James Park. Not caring who stared. We did the whole cheesy/touristy/posing thing in front of Buckingham Palace (and wondered if we still had a chance of becoming princesses). Then we fought our way through the endless maze of the posh Chelsea and Kensington areas, to in the end find ourselves lost in the endless floors of Harrods. Then off to Westminster Abbey and Big Ben it was. We drowned our senses in the stunning Gothic architecture of buildings pulsating with history and age and timeless beauty. All so ready to impress and capture the hearts of all that pass by. I was shocked to realize by the end of our London trip that I barely looked at the pages of tips and recommendations that were given to me. Each day was unplanned and spur-of-the-moment, and I think it worked out best that way. I'd wake up in the morning, feel the urge to see Buckingham Palace and dream of marrying a prince, and we'd up and do just that. Then we'd just figure out the rest of our day as we went. I miss that feeling of having the world literally at your fingertips, putting your finger on a map, and saying "Let's do this". The end of this day in particular was quite breathtaking. The best view of the Thames River right beside Big Ben during a magical sunset. London. Nothing get's better than this. xo