I've Already Been Here a Week?!

Dear Internet,

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. After a short train ride from Paris to England, I finally am in London! Thankfully, the sun was shining when we got here and the weather was pretty warm, but I’m starting to learn better. My family was here with me for the first few days in London and we had so much fun despite my sister and I feeling a little under the weather.

Our old flat from when we lived in England 15+ years ago!

Our very first day, we discovered a new favorite restaurant, Il Baretto, off of Baker Street. Being a family full of foodies, we were in heaven! Our remaining days included touring around London in their famous double decker buses, seeing sights like the Globe Theater, Tower of London, Saint Paul’s Cathedral, and even the Sherlock Holmes museum. Nights were spent seeing shows on the West End together.  My favorite show we saw was Phantom of the Opera, but that's a family favorite.

My favorite father and I at the Tower of London

The Globe

Our family at the Globe

Mrs. Hudson failed to make an appearance

Phantom's opening scene

Finally the time came for me to part from my family, and what was meant to be a tearful goodbye was rushed because my street was blocked off. Ends up, a house a few down from me was ON FIRE. The fire department had roped off the street so we had to carry all my luggage down half a block. It was thrilling.

My new home!

The next few days were spent getting acquainted with our surroundings, figuring out the tube system, moving into my new home, and getting to know all of the other wonderful people in this program. Sunday was my favorite day because we were assigned into congregations around Greater London in groups of 4. My ward is over by Greenwich, and I was thrilled to be asked to help in primary. Primary is spent teaching the kids in church with songs, games, and other fun things. I specifically help with the 3-6 year olds, who are a bunch of cuddlebugs! I’m in love with all of them.

My kids!

Here’s the weekly play-by-play. I’ll try and keep it short! Monday we had our first day of classes. I’m taking a humanities class, some theater classes, and a religion class. While it’s not a full load, I still have homework and projects to worry about. A big part of my humanities class is visiting certain works of art in the many galleries and museums (that are free might I add) around London. So far I’ve seen Da Vinci’s, Raphael’s, Van Eyck’s, and all sorts of amazing works of art.

Tuesday we took a huge walking tour around London, briefly glazing over some of the top sites and how to get to certain places. Wednesday we crossed the street and walked over to Kensington Palace. It’s seriously right across the street from us. Currently, they have an exhibit all on the life of Queen Victoria, with some of her original dresses included. She was so short! Thursday after classes a few of us went to a gallery and then did a little shopping (sorry Dad!). It had to be done. That night, one of my lovely friends found out that Sleeping Beauty, the ballet, was being performed in London so we all took the tube down to see it in the London Coliseum. IT WAS SO GOOD. The venue was amazing (take a look at the picture), the costumes were fantastic, and the dancing was incredible. I’m running out of adjectives for how great it was!

Sleeping Beauty ballet with my twin Hayley

I did see Will and Kate at Kensington!

Friday we woke up early and went to the Tower of London, known for holding the crown jewels and torture chambers. It was really cool to hear all the stories of things that went on there. Crazy fact: There used to be a zoo there. They even had a polar bear that they used to let swim in the Thames! So crazy.

Tower Bridge with Maile and Tavia

Saturday we took the train out to the beautiful countryside in Kent and went on a 10-mile hike in the mud. While it was cold, I loved it. The English countryside is actually just like you see it in the movies, complete with castles and sprawling landscapes. The perfect word for it is charming. Absolutely charming.

Our Kent walk

That’s all for now! This next week is going to be crazy with a journey to the north to hit a few towns. All I can say is…. countryside bed and breakfasts! Classic British. I miss all of my friends and family back home so much and wish they could be here with me! Especially my little sister, Bayli, whose 16^th birthday was this past Saturday. I miss that spunky little squirt. My Auntie and Uncle also came into town from Oregon, which I was sad to miss out on but luckily I was able to call home and catch up with everyone.  I’m sending you all my love in the form of virtual hugs and kisses. Have a lovely week!

Love,

Courtney