24 Places to Visit in London

Over this past September, I got the amazing opportunity to visit both London and Paris. For this blogpost, I wanted to share the twenty-two places to visit in London, why you should, and what's so great about them. I hope this helps inspire you to travel to London, and also gives you some good ideas on what you should check out. For my next blogpost I will be talking about Paris, so keep tuning in if you want any tips or travel ideas for Paris! Anyway, here are my favorite places to visit in London in no particular order.

1. Twining's
For all of you tea lovers out there, Twining's is the place for you to visit! This is the original Twining's store, and they have dozens upon dozens of teas for you to check out. Keep in mind, Twining's is in an older building and therefore, the shop is very long but not very wide. They have different teas you can test at their tea bar, and then a section of the store where you can make your own tea box filled with the teabags you picked out. They also have a wide variety of loose leaf tea too, as well as some free recipes you can take home and try for yourself. Finally, one of my favorite other favorite things, is that they have portions of the store that show the historical background of Twining's, which is kind of neat.

2. The Grazing Goat
Clearly from it's amazing name, you obviously have to check this place out. The Grazing Goat is a pub about a mile or so from Hyde Park. You can eat a delicious English Breakfast there, or try their awesome fish 'n chips. Or, if you're looking for a place to stay, you can stay in the hotel rooms above The Grazing Goat pub. It's the most clean, orderly and fancy pub I have ever seen it, and I loved all the hotel rooms. The bathroom was super nice, and the room had this modern but woodsy theme.

3. Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square is just one of those places you just have to visit. It's gorgeous, especially when the weather is nice. There are all of these massive statues and let me tell you, it's quite the place to people watch as well. I remember what my friend Julie and I did, was grab some drinks and read our books while sitting next to the fountain. It was very relaxing. There isn't a ton of things to see at Trafalgar, but it is a good place to check out and relax.

3. Piccadilly Circus
For all you Sherlock fans, this is definitely a place you need to visit. Who wouldn't want to stand in the spot that plays such a huge role in Sherlock?! If Sherlock isn't really your thing, don't worry. Piccadilly is a great place to get some shopping done. There are tons of shops to visit, and you'll be able to get whatever you need for souvenirs or goodies. Keep in mind that when you do go visit Piccadilly Circus, think about New York. Piccadilly is so busy you can hardly get by without bumping into someone. If you aren't a big fan of large crowds, I wouldn't recommend visiting here. But, if you don't mind some hustle and bustle, it's definitely a fun visit. This isn't my picture, but it's a good representation.

4 & 5. The Elizabeth Tower (aka Big Ben) and the London Eye
First, let's get some things straight. Big Ben actually refers to the bell within the Elizabeth Tower, not the actual Tower itself. So when you do go visit London and you need some help locating the Tower, make sure you ask the locals where the Elizabeth Tower is, not where Big Ben is, or else you will most likely be made fun of. But, the Tower is a wonderful place to visit. It's stunning and pretty and makes for some great pictures. You can go up into the Tower, but my friend and I didn't, because we didn't want to pay a bunch of money for it. You can also see the London Eye almost anywhere you stand in London. Keep in mind it's about three times bigger than the ferris wheel in downtown Seattle, so it's quite massive. If you aren't a fan of heights or spending a lot of money, then I wouldn't recommend visiting the London Eye. But if you want a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the majority of London and don't mind spending a bit of your money, then go for it.

6 & 7. Westminster Abbey and Church
Westminster is a wonderful place to visit. First of all, it's drop dead gorgeous. Plus, who wouldn't want to see the church where Princess Kate was married at? We all love fairytales, and therefore, this is the place for all of us who are princesses at heart.

8. House of Parliament
If you're stopping off to visit the Elizabeth Tower, then you'll be looking at the House of Parliament as well. The House of Parliament is practically attached to the Elizabeth Tower so you can't really have one without the other. We liked visiting this place because it was just a stunning, ancient building with so much history. Not only that, but there are beautiful parks surrounding it where you can just stop off and have a cappuccino and enjoy the view. If you look back at my picture of the Elizabeth Tower, you'll be able to see the House of Parliament off to the right.

9. The Thames
The Thames is very easy to get to because, well, it's just a really large river. It's breathtaking on a sunny day, and much more massive than I had originally imagined. There isn't really a lot to do at the Thames, but you can take boat rides and it's easy to stop by and see before you hit up your other destinations in London.

10. Churchill's Bunkers
I loved London, but one of my favorite places that I went to, was Churchill's Bunkers. It's the underground bunkers where Churchill and his men helped fight in World War II. Everything was left just as it was on the day the war finally ended, not a thing out of place. And it's like as soon as you enter the bunkers, you're transported back in time. There's so much history down there, and I learned a bunch of stuff I never knew about Churchill and all the work he and his employees did. You do have to pay for this activity, but it's not super expensive and it's totally worth it. You can easily spend two or three hours down there, because it is pretty big an there are a lot of activities you can do.

11. The Tower Bridge
The Tower Bridge you absolutely must visit. It's gorgeous, huge, and, you can easily walk across it. Plus, you can see the Tower Bridge from the Tower of London, so you can't really have one without the other. If you want, it's fun and easy to stop by the Tower of London and then walk across the London Bridge. There are great places to stop and take pictures on the bridge as well. You can go inside the bridge and I believe high up into it, but you do have to pay for it, so we didn't bother doing that.

12. The Tower of London
Since we're already visiting the Tower Bridge, obviously we have to stop off and visit the Tower of London as well. The Tower is particularly gorgeous in spring and summer, when all the flowers are in bloom, but we went in the fall, which was still very pretty. It's just incredible to be standing where there's so much history. Plus there's some really old ruins you can check out right by the Tower as well.

13. Saint Paul's Cathedral
I have always loved how old churches have looked, so naturally I had to check out Saint Paul's Cathedral. It's just so beautiful, and much bigger than I had originally thought it was. We didn't go inside because it costs about eighteen euros, and we weren't dying to get inside. We did step through the doors and kind of take a peek, but we weren't willing to spend a ton of money because we had other things we wanted to spend our money on.

14 & 15. Shakespeare's Globe and Swan
Shakespeare's Globe is a fun place to visit if you're a huge fan of Shakespeare. I loved visiting the place where Shakespeare had his plays performed - plays that I had grown up reading. Unfortunately we weren't able to physically go inside the Globe, but we were able to do something else fun while we were there. Right beside the Globe is the Swan London Bar and Restaurant, but, you can also have afternoon tea there! We had a great time enjoying our afternoon tea and looking out over London and the Millennium Bridge while rain hit the windows. The food and desserts were excellent, the tea fantastic, and the company even better. I would totally recommend checking out Swan for some afternoon tea. It's not super expensive and the food was top notch.

16. The Millennium Bridge (or as I referred to it, the "Harry Potter Bridge")
I am a huge Harry Potter nerd, like, to the extreme. I just really love Harry Potter; I have my own wand, multiple versions of the book series, all of the movies, my own Gryffindor sweater, scarf, and my own Hedwig, and that's not even making a dint in all of the Harry Potter stuff I own. So naturally when I saw the Millennium Bridge, I freaked out like a total fangirl because that is the bridge the Death Eaters destroyed in Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince. If you're a Harry Potter geek and you're already at the Swan or Shakespeare's Globe, then you're right by the Millennium Bridge, so you totally need to stop by and check it out/walk across it. It's a really cool structure and, well, Harry Potter. Does it get any cooler?

17. The British Museum  
The British Museum is a must see if you're going to London. First of all, it's free, so why wouldn't you want to go?! Second of all, it's where "Night at the Museum" was filmed. Third, it's gigantic and there's a lot of really cool things to see. The museum is so big, we spent probably three or four hours there and hardly made a dent in it. So when you do go, keep in mind it is a lot to see, and it might be a little overwhelming at first, but just mosey around. Also, invest into a map. They cost a few euros but they aren't terribly expensive, and it's well worth it in case you want to visit certain areas of the museum. They also have a really expansive gift shop, so you can get some really neat souvenirs there. I particularly liked the Egypt section, but trust me when I say they have like, every area of the globe covered here.

18. Buckingham Palace
This is just a must-visit while you're in London. It's freaking Buckingham Palace! And, I think we are all a little obsessed over seeing the Royal Guards, aren't we? The Palace is beautiful, the guards just like in the movies and books, and it was just such a stunning sight to behold. There are a lot of people usually hanging around Buckingham Palace, and a lot of tourists, so watch your head and make sure you don't get smacked in the face with some silly person's selfie stick. You can go and tour Buckingham Palace but it is a little spendy and it only happens on certain days and certain hours.

19. Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre
After running around London like crazy people, sometimes it's just nice to sit down and enjoy a show. I have always been a huge fan of the Lion King, and if you are too, then you must see the Lion King production at the Lyceum Theatre. It's a beautiful show, and the costumes are unbelievable. There's a lot of interaction with the crowd and they have some hilarious one liners throughout the show. I recommend getting good seats and splurging a little so you can sit on the floor, right in front of the stage. Try to get an aisle seat too, because in the beginning of the production people in costumes walk down the aisles and up towards the stage. Plus, there's a bar there, and they have happy hour, so...might as well, right?

20. The Sherlock Museum
If you are a big fan of Sherlock Holmes like I am, then you must visit the Sherlock Museum! It's the neatest little house. You do have to pay to get inside, but I recommend doing it. It's a fun experience, and they have all these fun facts littered about the house, and you can see what their living would've been like during that time, if Sherlock really had been real. If you don't want to spend the money, then you can go into the museum gift shop. It's not quite the same, but there is a lot of fun stuff there and you can get some neat souvenirs.

21, 22 & 23. John Lennon's House, Abbey Road, and The Beatles Shop
I lumped all three of these things together because they all kind of fit in the same category. For all of you music lovers and Beatles fans, London is a great place for you to visit. You can find Abbey Road and take a picture of you and all your friends walking across (just like the Beatles did). Or, you can go on a little adventure and find the house that John Lennon used to live in - how cool is that?! And if you're still over at the Sherlock Holmes Museum, there's the Beatles Shop right next to it, so you can stop by there and get some cool gifts as well.

24. Platform 9 3/4

We already established earlier in this post that I am a huge Harry Potter nerd, so when we went to King's Cross to catch the EuroStar to go to Paris, naturally we had to stop by Platform 9 3/4. If you are a Harry Potter geek, then you must check out Platform 9 3/4. You can get your picture taken so it looks like you're entering onto the platform, and you can choose your house color scarf as well! There's also a gift shop, so you can buy whatever Harry Potter themed goodies you want. You can also purchase your official picture inside the gift shop as well, if you don't just want the cellphone one you snapped earlier (I got the official picture; it comes in a cool frame; how could I not?!). 

 

Those are my twenty-four places to visit while in London! There are a bunch of other places to visit too, like Kensington Palace (we went there too, but the fences were all blocked off so we couldn't see much of anything), the Doctor Who shops, and much more. But these were just the places I visited and fell in love with. So when you decide to go to London, keep these places in mind as some fun ideas. Stay tuned - my next blog will be dealing with places to visit in Paris!

The Willoughbys Book Review

Living in Seattle is one of the greatest things, because of all of the different book resources that we have. There's the Amazon store, countless Barnes and Nobles, but, my personal favorite, is the Half Price Bookstore located in Redmond, WA, which is about twenty minutes from downtown Seattle. This bookstore has new books and used books, but you will always be able to get books for a great price. It smells like books and happiness the second you walk into the store. I love going there and finding new books and spending hours staring up at the gigantic bookcases and wondering what all the books are about. Recently, my sister and I went to Half Price Books and she found a book called, The Willoughbys. She asked me if I had ever read it (I hadn't) and then told me I needed to buy it because it looked like a book I would enjoy. Naturally, I had to purchase it. The cover looked so darling, and the book isn't super long, so I knew I could have it read within an afternoon.

The Willoughbys is written by Lois Lowry, who wrote the oh so famous book we all had to read in middle school known as The Giver. I enjoyed The Giver, so I figured why not give her other books a chance? After loving books like The Penderwicks or The Saturdays, The Willoughbys seemed like the next best book to read.

The Willoughbys is a children's fiction book, but I have to say that anyone, young or old, would be able to enjoy this book because of it's dry, sarcastic humor and immense character growth. There are some really good themes in this book, such as friendship, growing up, facing and overcoming sadness, and becoming a better person. When I first started reading the book I wasn't so sure I was going to like it, but in the end I'm really glad I stuck with it, because it turned out to be a super sweet and touching story.

The Willoughbys is a short story following the four Willoughby children Tim, Barnaby A, Barnaby B and Jane, a depressed millionaire, an abandoned baby, a nanny, a woman and her son who were lost in an avalanche in Switzerland, and two dastardly parents. The Willoughby children are enraptured with the idea of being typical, old fashioned children, and decide that, finally, they want to get rid of their horrible parents by sending them on a dangerous vacation. Unfortunately for the children, their parents seem to be thinking much of the same thing. Unhappy that they even had children, Mr. and Mrs. Willoughby come up with a plan to abandon their children forever and start a new life without them. Then, there is Baby Ruth, who is an abandoned baby that is left at the Willoughby's house, only to be gathered up by the Willoughby children and then placed on the porch of a rich but sad candy maker, who lost his wife and son in an avalanche in Switzerland. Finally there is Nanny, who is hired by Mr. and Mrs. Willoughby to look after the children until further notice, which may as well be forever.

One of my favorite things about this book, is how much Lois Lowry focused on character growth. When I first started reading the book, I didn't really like the main characters. I hated how rude they were and how selfish they appeared (then again, can I really blame them with such horrid parents?). But by the end of the book I was pleasantly surprised by how wonderful they became and how sad I was when this book ended. I also really liked how the story had some realistic traits, but also some highly whimsical twists, such as a millionaire candy maker or a vacation filled with helicopter rides over erupting volcanoes or an avalanche that buried a train in Switzerland that might contain survivors even after so many years.

If I had to pick one thing about this book that I didn't like, then I would say that I didn't love how it started. I disliked the characters a lot in the beginning, but, rest assured, they really did grow on me and by the time the book ended, I thought they were perfect! But, it was a bit of a battle to get myself to keep reading. Granted, keep in mind that it does get better and it most definitely is worth the read, so please finish it all the way through.

One of my favorite quotes is, "We are four worthy orphans with a no-nonsense nanny."

The Willoughbys is definitely one of my new favorite books. It's witty, funny, and has fantastic character growth. Plus, it's super short so it doesn't take a long time to read. It's one of those books that you can finish in a couple hours, maybe even less if you're a fast reader. You can buy The Willoughbys on Amazon here: http://www.amazon.com/Willoughbys-Lois-Lowry/dp/0385737769/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1458582773&sr=8-1&keywords=the+willoughbys I hope you read it, it's totally worth it!

16 Reasons Why Dogs Are Literally the Best

After having my own dog for nearly three years, I have decided that there are just some reasons why dogs are literally the best. If you have a four legged bestie, then this is the post for you. Prepare yourself for all the feels.

1. They are great snugglers
Whenever you need a little TLC, your dog will always be there for you. I have a huge Bernese Mountain Dog, who is almost as big as I am. He is the best one to cuddle with, because he's big and fluffy and so sweet.

2. They think you are the greatest person to ever walk God's green earth
Dogs genuinely think that you are the best thing they have ever seen. They love you freely, no matter what you do or how bad of a mood you're in. They genuinely think you are the most important person, and that's unconditional love.

3. They encourage you to exercise
Having a dog has made me far more active then I used to be. Because of Bentley, I am constantly always wanting to go out on walks or hikes, because I know he loves them and needs them.

4. Dogs won't ever let you eat alone
Some might say it's begging, but the fact of the matter is, you really never will have to eat alone.

5. They're fine just laying around and watching Netflix

6. They won't ever leave your side
When I was struggling with my auto immune disease this summer and fall and then my car accident over the last few weeks, Bentley has not left me once. He is always walking right alongside me or resting next to me, constantly making sure I am okay. He thinks it's his job to protect me, and I love that.

7. They'll greet you like you've been gone for a thousand years, even if you only stepped out the door for five minutes

8. They find joy in everything
Bentley legitimately gets excited about everything. He gets excited if you throw a ball for him, or if you ask him if he wants to go for a ride or a walk, or even if you just say his name. Everything is a matter of joy to him.

9. Owning a dog can protect you from heart disease and other sicknesses

10. They can always make you laugh
If you say dogs don't make you laugh, then you are probably a liar. They're hilarious! And they don't mind looking goofy.

11. Kisses - need I say more?

12. They scare away unwanted wildlife
I live way out in the sticks, and because of that we have a lot of wildlife around us. With Bentley around, he helps keep us and our yard safe by barking and scaring all of the bears, bobcats and other unwanted wildlife away.

13. They keep your bed warm

14. They love all the same shows and music you like

15. They are known to help people who suffer from anxiety and depression
A few months after I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, I was starting to have all of these panic attacks and anxiety problems while I was away at school. My doctor told me I had a temporary anxiety problem due to low levels of seratonin in my brain, all a product of my autoimmune disease. I could say the meds are helping, or that the people around me are helping, but mostly, Bentley is helping. Dogs make you want to get up in the morning and enjoy life alongside them.

16. Mostly, dogs are literally best because somehow, despite the fact that we are selfish and strange, they love us with an unconditional kind of love.