Soaking.

Day what? 4?

Too many things to list. 

Today I wanted to soak everything in that is London. It's amazing what feelings come when you just sit silent and look around.

I started the day with a run in Hyde Park, which something that has been on my bucket list for about a year. I savored the scenery: the tourists, the sunshine, the birds, the green. Beauty surrounded me. No headphones, just me, God and his creation. And it was even better knowing that Prince Harry lives on the path I was running...a little motivation...

Alright, so that really wasn't my motivation. I was too distracted by the glowing landscape I set my feet upon.

I couldn't have asked for a better way to relax and breathe. Permanent future running spot?

After my run, Kayla and I made our way to Parliament Square for a royal walking tour. Our guide, Glen, took us near the Prime Minister's house, Buckingham Palace, and Westminster Abbey. It was neat hearing the history and stories I hadn't heard the last time I went to these places. We also were able to catch the march during the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. I have more photos, but our card converter broke, so those will come later when I return to the states.

Photo: Queen Elizabeth II's parents.

After the tour, we raced to Speedy's cafe, which is used in BBC's Sherlock. We didn't eat there though; they didn't take cards and we were out of cash. We stopped at a Pret, instead, which was pleasant as always. :)

We went to the Strand Pret that I went to while at King's. We then made our way to Twinings Tea store. It's amazing! So many tea leaves and coffee beans to be entranced by. And you could sample some tea for free. My kind of place. The tea was also much, much cheaper there than at the supermarket, surprisingly.

Twining's logo is the oldest logo in the world. It is the original and has not been updated since. Fun fact.

Photo: Coffee beans to sniff.

Then since we were in the area, we strolled over to St. Bart's Hospital, where Sherlock jumped off to fake his death in the BBC version. Oh, Benedict, you sly dog. It was under construction, as is everything in London right now. The Tower of London is under construction, too.

 Lastly , we went to Blackfriars station to go "home".  We have a long day of travel tomorrow, as we leave at 4 a.m. I did pack my suitcase though, so that's one less thing to do. It's always so depressing coming back. Sometimes I wish I had a teleportation device, but the journey is what makes it all happen. I guess I should appreciate the long flights and layovers. Ahh, positivity will make it all better. Always smile, that's my motto. 

It's been an amazing three weeks in Europe and I'm beyond thankful for the chance to even begin to think about doing this. I am ready to come home and breathe fresh air. Only for a few days, then back on the wings to another adventure--Glenwood Springs!

Cheers,

Kelli