Finally Starting to Feel Like Spring

I can’t believe its already March! Time is really flying in London, it feels like just yesterday I stepped off the plane. The weather has finally started to warm up and there have been a few really nice days over here which have been much appreciated. 

The remainder of my winter break was spent back in London and it felt good to be back home at the flat after a fun but exhausting week in Paris. By the time I had gotten back from Paris London Fashion Week had started and my roommates and I went to check out Somerset House (where most of the shows are held) and it was fun seeing the eccentric and wild outfits worn by the Londoners. There were no celebrity sightings but it was still an experience checking it all out.

I also went to my first West End production over break! I’ve always wanted to see Mamma Mia! On stage after loving the movie so I figured since I was living in London now was the perfect time to see it. I ended up getting a seat right by the stage, although It was seriously lacking Meryl Streep, it was a fun show!

Something that has been on my to do list since arriving in London has been to go see Tim Burton and Helena Bonham Carter’s house.  I felt a little weird about it at first but I knew it was something I had to see before leaving London. After looking up directions I convinced one of my roommates, who is also a fan, to come with me. It was very easy to find once getting off the tube and I loved how it is on a public street and not secluded like a lot of other celebrity homes, although you could not see directly into due to the long driveway with a door that was closed. Although standing across the street you could get a good look at the top of the house with HUGE glass windows towards the front. I of course needed a picture in front of it, which got a lot of weird looks from the people waiting at the bus station right next to their house. I was happy I got to see it and I never thought I would ever get the chance to go see my idol’s house. I do not know what I would do if I ever bumped into her on the street, although I have thought about it quite a few times!

The last day of break ended up being one of the warmest in London so I knew I had to take advantage of the nice weather and walk around Hyde Park again. I hadn’t been since my very first week in London, so it was much more enjoyable in the nicer weather. I also wanted to look at Kensington Palace, where Princess Diana and Prince Charles lived which is in the Kensington Gardens area of Hyde Park. The palace itself was beautiful but unfortunately it is currently under construction until March 26^th because of some refurbishments they are doing.  I’m sure whatever they are doing on the inside will be well done so I want to come back at some point before the semester is over to get a tour.  I spent the rest of my afternoon walking around the park and just taking it all in. Since it was really nice out it was really busy, there were people walking around and riding bikes along the trails and tons of dogs wandering all over the place. I don’t think they have leash laws in London because I never see dogs on leashes, even on busy street areas, but I’m always amazed at how well trained they are. I feel like most American dogs would not be able to handle the no leash law.  I went and looked at some of the sights the park has to offer, such as the Peter Pan statue and Princess Diana’s memorial fountain. Hyde Park is probably one of my favorite parts of London. I wish I could bring it back with me to the States so my friends and family could enjoy it. It is a very beautiful and relaxing atmosphere that everyone who visits London must go to!

Kensington Palace

Peter Pan

I love how this pictured turned out!

This past weekend proved to be sunny and warm once again so I took the tube to see Tower Bridge, another London staple that everyone must go see. It was massive and very crowded with people but it was nice to go sightseeing on a day when the sky wasn’t grey for a change. The Tower of London is also right by the bridge so I walked around that area for a while afterwards as well.

walking across Tower Bridge!

Tower of London

The time over here is going by so fast so I am just trying to make the most of it. Now that I am adjusted to living here, the thought of going home feels strange because now London feels like my home. The next few weeks will be spent doing tons of assignments that are due really soon and an Ireland trip so March will definitely be a hectic month over here!