I started the day in London with an umbrella in my hand and my charge pack, phone, AirTag, and credit card in my pockets. When I have to walk around a city in the rain, I will take precious little earthly belongings. Buckingham Palace was our first stop. It’s obviously iconic and good to see once in a lifetime, but I really liked the trees in the park.
The changing of the guard was cancelled due to the rain, so we left early. They still were planning to walk past us though. We figured if we left early, no one would be at the other spots in the city.
It was on and off pouring rain and wind in the forenoon. I thought it to be a fun cinematic addition to our day. There was a moment when the clouds began to pour, and everyone opened their umbrellas like it was choreographed. When the wind picked up I thought I would join Mary Poppins in the sky.
We walked to the place the guards come out and left after they headed to the palace.
While Mom and Dad visited Westminster Abbey, Grant and I had a bite at Stephen’s Restaurant near Big Ben. It was lovely to have shelter from the rain and wind, while drinking one of the best flat whites of the trip. As we continued up the street, a suspicious person followed us for quite a piece. I held extra tight to my valuables. He passed me and you could tell he was looking at people’s hands and phones. There were signs all around about watching your pockets, so I don’t think I was crazy.
The National Gallery is free to enter, so Grant and I walked there. It is full of art by Rembrandt, Renoir, Picasso, Monet, and many other artists.
It felt performative for the first few minutes until I actually got sucked in looking at the beautiful art. My favorite era was the French Renaissance. It was one of those times where you had to decide if you wanted to absorb the moment, or take a picture to remember it. I did both. Grant was bored within the first five minutes. I wandered around alone and got lost a few times. It’s crazy how entering a place like this, you lose track of time. I came out the wrong exit, and had to find my parents and Grant at another one. I took Mom through to see my favorite pieces, and found some new art that was even more beautiful.
Grant walked to see the British Museum and we took the tube to George MacDonald’s house. It was for sale, for over a million pounds. That’s fine, I don’t want to live in London anyway.
Le Pain Quotidien, a cafe I loved in NYC, was a mile from our previous destination. I didn’t realize it would be in the train station, but the croissants and quiche were delicious. A South African man was also dining there, and he knew that we were Mennonites (a rare happening in the UK).
It was convenient to be right in the station, with one line to St. Paul’s Cathedral.
While we waited to be able to get into the Evensong service at St. Paul’s, we visited Paul cafe. The macaron was actually amazing, but Mom and I couldn’t stomach that other beautiful cream thing.
The queue formed at nearly 4:25 and we joined.
The men and boys’ choir was singing tonight. We got to sit up in same area as the singers. It was a night of goosebumps, awe, and gratitude. I wish I could sing as high as a seven year old boy. (We were of course not allowed to film or photograph anything until after the service).
We walked to London Bridge, which in fact was not falling down, and continued along the River Thames.
We walked to far too many restaurants until we found one that fit the criteria for our last night. I went inside and ordered everyone’s meal at the smelly bar. It was a free opportunity to yell. I asked for two sticky toffees, one for Mom’s birthday.
Each of us thought the main food was fantastic. I got to drink one last elderflower soda, and listen to the people a table over who were discussing baby names. Our waitress brought the sticky toffees, while another girl lit a candle. So very sweet of them.
The Southbound train back to our apartment only took 6 minutes. I was standing and bracing myself to head north, so at takeoff I fell forward a little. Mom also fell into a chair a few stops later. I giggled because laughter is sweet to the soul.
I thought our hands gripping the pole were a vibe. Grant told me that not everything has to be a vibe. Now that I look at this, my twisted wrist is not the vibe I thought.
Goodnight everyone, and thank you for following our adventures. I’m so excited to sleep in my house tomorrow night.
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