London in a Day

Instead of traveling back home to Morgantown West Virginia for Christmas Break, I decided to join a ‘travel group’ with 42 other 18-30ish year olds, through a travel agency. The 9 day trip starts in London, England and ends in Rome, Italy!

I took the train down to London, and despite almost missing my train, weather delays and an unexpected change of train itinerary, I made it to the hostel in London, safe and sound! I stayed in a hostel for two nights in London with 13 other people in my group hostel room – most certainly having unique experiences!

It was my first time to London and I just had one day to explore the city, so I thought I would share some of my ‘London favorites’:

1.Definitely my most favorite part of London was seeing ‘Big Ben’ and The House of Parliament that is attached to the iconic clock. Only pictures can describe the ‘royal beauty’ of the architecture.

2.Westminster Abbey is diagonal to ‘Big Ben’ and The House of Parliament, with huge circle windows and church steeples, it was a gorgeous!

3.Buckingham Palace – the home of English Royalty! Guarding the Palace are massive golden tipped and iron gates. The premise is decorated with statues, and fountain, and gold figurines – truly a historic site.

4.Christmas Market and Fair – a really unique and fun part of traveling over the Christmas season is getting to see all of the Christmas Markets. The London Christmas Market and Fair was filled with Christmas themed carnival rides and tons of different booths selling yummy international food and gifts – everything from German pretzels and Belgium waffles (that smelled delicious!) to Russian dolls and Austrian crystal figurines. I love the mixing and sharing of cultures that is so evident throughout Europe, especially in the markets.

5.The London Tower – The London Tower is actually a bridge, with two castle-like towers – I saw the London Tower at night and it was accentuated by white and blue lights, giving the bridge a ‘Cinderella fairy tale castle’ feel.