Well, technically a pub.
Regardless, yesterday was a day full of laughter, new friendships, and number of bloody mary’s. {but not before I blew up my hair dryer… those adapters/converters/evil devices will get ya} Sarah and I met for brunch, which ended up turning to lunch when we found out we had to make reservations at the restaurant we had originally picked out. {whoops, we will be back} We opted for another brunch spot that served bloody mary’s and found ourselves perfectly satisfied. I ordered a full english breakfast {minus the toast #glutenfreeproblems} and it did not disappoint.
^ cutest brunch date ever, matching her pancakes and all!
Following brunch/lunch, we met up with yet another native Californian. Crystal is one of Sarah’s friends from back home and another sweetheart. We took to the streets and wandered the different neighborhoods of London, ending up back in Notting Hill. Sarah had not seen ‘the blue door’ so it was a necessity. Armed with only my iPhone, not many pictures were captured. But sometimes, isn’t that the best way to spend a day?
We had such a lovely day wandering and walking. {^there boots weren’t made for walking, but beauty is pain and they are my favorites}
By the end of the afternoon we were all ready for some food and a couple drinks. Sarah knew of a local pub and we trekked our way over. Walking through the neighborhoods and boroughs of London at dusk is absolutely stunning. I was in admiration the entire stroll as we made our way through cobbled streets, dimly lit alleyways, busy streets with pubs on every corner, and everything in between. It felt like I was truly experiencing London. I could have continued in my ‘too-cute-not-to-wear-even-if-my-feet-are-killing-me’ boots all night. I made mental notes of places to return to with my camera for goof quality shots to capture the magic of these London gems.
Once we had arrived to the pub, we ordered drinks. Well, Sarah ordered a cider, Crystal stuck with water, and I myself had some good ol’ green tea. Are we surprised? It was a true, traditional pub experience. The bar keep was extremely chatty, the atmosphere was dark and cozy, and there was even a puppy being introduced around the place.
Sarah’s friend James, a local Londoner, met us at the end of our meal and shared some beers. I kept it classy with my usual a glass of red wine and we all engaged in conversations about everything from old stories of study abroad friends {those are always the best catch up stories} to global economics. It was a perfect end to a perfect day. It has been great meeting new and welcoming friends in a city that started out with a less than friendly welcoming.
I had a pep in my step and a smile slapped across my face on my walk home from the tube station.
Side note, it’s the last day of February! I have already been living in the UK for a month! Suddenly, it feels as if I have no time left to do anything, and yet so much to accomplish in the upcoming months. Who else is ready for Spring?