Peaceful Travels ★: Day with Ashley

Phew, I am almost too tired to write anything but I know that my dear Granny would be none too pleased if I missed another day! Today, I woke up at 9 AM because Ashley had to move out of her hostel and needed help with her bags. Apparently she was staying in a dangerous area and Libby didn't want me taking public transport to that area and being a target so Ash took a taxi to the school and I met her there! We brought her things back to Libby's and embarked on our day's adventures! We took the tube to Brick Lane, an Indian ethnic area (and apparently the site for the Jack the Ripper murders? I just saw online. Scary.), and immediately got lost. We were walking and literally only saw a bunch of ethnic restaurants and nothing else- no shops, no nothing. I got my mom on the phone and she gave us directions. We were trying to find this bagel shop that a girl from work recommended to me that was supposed to be amazing! It took us at least 30 minutes but finally I saw a sign for a bagel and I screamed "Ash, there it is!" We went in and got bagels and sat in the street to eat them- they were to die for! It was the best bagel and cream cheese I have ever had! I stood up to take a picture of the building and realized that this was, in fact, not the bagel shop we were looking for- the right one was two doors down! What are the chances? We could not stop laughing- only I would do that. Hey, at least they were good, right?

Then we took off for some shopping adventures. Brick Lane Market houses vintage store after vintage store- it is heaven! We went in at least seven vintage stores and they were all amazing! It was a really great experience. By about 3PM we were exhausted and I needed to take my medicine, so we sat down for a drink. We went to a little crepe shop and I got a chocolate and banana crepe which was delicious! This was a really beautiful area called Old Spitalfields Market- I would definitely recommend going here! Then we looked into a couple of more shops, but we were too tired to really function. We hopped on the tube and decided to go look at St. Paul's Cathedral- which was absolutely, absolutely, absolutely beautiful and amazing. We were in awe of how huge and magnificent it was when- BAM!- there drives by thousands of naked bikers. Yes, naked bikers. Apparently, London has a Naked Bike Ride to raise awareness for biking rather than other modes of transportation. It was easily the most funny/appalling/hilarious/shocking/wonderful thing I have ever seen. We could literally not stop laughing. Everyone at the cathedral stopped to stare and wave at the bikers driving by. I took some special pictures to tease Glenn with (absolutely disgusting) and if anyone would like to see these- let me know! HA!

After the shock wore off, we did go inside the cathedral. It was amazing. That is the only word that fits! The architecture and ceilings are just magnificent. We walked in right when the chorus had begun a service so we were lucky! We were still laughing too hard to stay though so we left! Our next stop was Primark, which is basically the UK's version of Forever 21. It is officially my new favorite store- everything is CHEAP but not poor quality! There were so many people inside that you can hardly get to racks- very overwhelming- but worth it. They actually have to give you baskets like in the grocery store because so many people shop there and it is as cheap as Walmart! I got three pairs of shoes, a shirt, two pairs of pants, a watch, Spankx, two belts with wallets attached, and one regular belt- all for 54 pounds! Amazing! This was pretty much the best shopping experience of all time! We were tired before and after this we were literally about to pass out.

We still had to go back to Libby's, get Ashley's suitcases, and move her across London. Let me tell you- if you all thought I overpack- my best friend is the worst packer in the world. These suitcases were HEAVY! But trust me, I have no problem whining the entire time I walk up stairwells so that men all around stop to carry the bags. Thank you to the gentlemen in London! The trip actually went by pretty quickly even though it was a far distance and we got Ashley to her new home safe and sound! I got home around 10:30- finally- Skyped my mom and now I am watching Modern Family with Libby! I will definitely sleep well tonight! Xxxxx