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London: So Long, Farewell

It's amazing what you can get me to do, if you know the right things to say. (I would say "insert dirty joke here," but I have way too many parents and grandparents and former educators reading this blog, so let's go ahead and pretend this never happened. The font's small because I'm hoping they don't want to strain their eyes.)

Take this girl, for example.
"Let's go tour Parliament," she said.

"It'll be fun! Exactly like the Ministry of Magic, but for Muggles! I promise," she said.

And, I mean, okay, she was right. About the first part at least - it was really entertaining, especially because we took a British Politics class together last year and I felt half-smart because I knew a lot of what some things Mr. Audio Guide was talking about. Granted, I remembered all the "fun facts" (someone gets a door slammed in his face! this is where the Queen sits!) and conveniently forgot all the real facts (this is how the process of legislation works....?).
Lauren insisted that we go because then we'd be informed and cultured and (nerds). And you know what? I love her for it. But she also took me out for tea at Fortnum & Mason because she knew my brain could handle only so much education in one day.

Parliament was actually fascinating and tea was indulgent. We were by far the youngest people at both, but we are two wild, wild cards who know no restraint and self control, what can I say?
Hungry?

My bad. 

But, hang on. I need to torture you some more because I realized that I never invited you to my brief jaunt to Borough Market (heaven) last weekend. It was pre-Harry Potter Studio Tour, which essentially made it the best day ever. There was coffee and pasta and healthy smoothies and everything good in this world. AND I started the day in the most wonderful, soft, snuggly, sink-y bed. See:
Which one didn't Caroline read? You only get one guess because it's too easy.
After all this ridiculous deliciousness, you'd think I'd be satisfied, would you not? You'd think. BUT. Then I spotted a Chipotle far in the distance and sprinted at it with a speed I didn't really think I was capable of. It was everything familiar and my heart... my heart simply weeped at the extra scoops of corn salsa I begged for. 
... but the Coke was fake. There was no high fructose corn syrup in it. What a letdown for a proud American.
Sadly, this weekend marked my farewell (for now) to London. I won't be back in the city again before I leave, but truthfully, I couldn't have left on a better note. Because it was the most beautiful day I've witnessed London having since being here - beautiful, blue, warm, breezy, sunny - we walked from Big Ben/Westminster to Trafalgar Square to St. James' Park to Piccadilly for tea. Piccadilly, where my entire study abroad adventure began. How fitting.

Thank you, London, for all of the amazing memories. You have truly become one of my very, very favorite cities. Up next - finishing up Oxford schoolwork, and then Dublin, Barcelona, Paris, and home!

21 comments

  1. Ah, sorry this was your last bit of London, but I know you will be back and girl, you took it all in...I am so happy that you got to experience all it's glory, beauty and history! Soon you will be having a "real' Coke! LOL!

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  2. Sorry that this was your last day - but good that you know you'll go back! And ohmygosh, can't wait to see you run around all those other cities. They were some of my all-time favorites!

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  3. Loved the tea....Is it exactly like the ministry of muggle? parliament?

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  4. OHHKKKK! I am the EXACT same about going to more educational spots--I mean don't get me wrong, I love a good trip to the museum! But let's just face it, last time I went, I didn't want to read anything so my very loving significant other at the time paraphrased everything for me. And then he bought me a bagel afterward. The key to my heart I tell you!
    Lisa | c/oMKE

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  5. What a great ode to London before you leave. You definitely left doing all the fun things you could have done. Jealous as always ;)
    xo TJ

    http://www.hislittlelady.com

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  6. "...but for Muggles, I promise"! haha...love that. You'll have to get a Coke the second you get back!

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  7. Sounds and looks like the perfect time. Enjoy!

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  8. I'm SOOOOO JEALOUS!!! your last trip to london look AMAZEEEEE!!!

    i'm dying to have tea at F&M!!! i mean the Queen endorses it right?? lol! and if it's good enough for her.... well you get the point. everything is so pretty and yummy looking! i love all the mint color!

    ugh dying to go to borough market!!! all that food looks so noms!! you look adorable i love you in a dress w/ tights and booties so cute!!

    www.lisalovescoco.blogspot.com

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  9. It's so true. Brains can only take so much educational activities in one day!! So you gotta have the fun stuff (and food!) too. :) I believe my family just arrived in London...

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  10. I am ashamed I haven't done any of these things and I used to go to London all the time when I was living in Essex. Particularly jealous of your tea experience. The closest I've got to this is tea and biscuits with my Grandma ;).

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  11. Your posts are hilarious! I'm glad you had such an amazing time, London is a wonderful city and I feel lucky to live so close (when I'm at home and not jaunting off to Italy anyway.. what a hard life..) I went to Fortnum & Masons for my 21st, jealous that you went just for the fun of it! :)
    Lucy xxx
    La Lingua : Food, Life, Love, Friends, Travel, Italy

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  12. love love love London! such a wonderful city. And you can't go without having high tea... so I'm happy to see your pics :)

    xxx
    Lady à la Mode

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  13. Oh very amazing pics dear,
    Now I´m following you in GFC /#228) and Bloglovin´(#244)
    comment to me back to keep in touch!
    xx

    www.sakuranko.com

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  14. I looooove London - fave city ever. and I did high tea once at Fortnum and Mason too - so pretty and fancy and fun :)

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  15. over so soon.. it feels like you just got there..
    never been to Dublin.. but you will love Barcelona and of course Paris!

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  16. I love London ! I've been to this city once in my life, and ever since I've been dreaming to settle there.. Maybe one day ! I'm sure you'll adore Dublin, and above all its PEOPLE ! Irish people are sooo sweet :) And can't wait to see your adventures in Paris ! Let me know if you need any advice or anything ! xx

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  17. Great pictures and seems like you had awesome food !
    http://www.melolimparfaite.com

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  18. Looks like such good times!

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  19. That so funny how chipotle is everywhere! Love your tea time shots!

    xo,
    http://www.chachathefashiongenius.com/

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  20. I want to go to London so bad. My friend has family there so I should really just get on a plane with her and visit.
    Love your travel adventures.

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your comments truly make my day! :)
thank you!

xx Caroline