Let’s Rewind Big Ben

‘Hour’ are you?

Last year, I spent some of the best two weeks leading up to 2017 in London. So I wanted to rewind back to some of the spots I visited and some tips if you plan on spending some time there.

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Jan. 1, 2017, I visited Hillsong in London. There was no better way for me to begin the new year than to start it worshipping Jesus. My favorite moments when exploring new places and meeting new faces is taking a step back and realizing how big God really is and soaking in all the beauty He has surrounded us with.

After Hillsong, the American girl inside me went to Five Guys. Usually, I would never choose a chain restaurant that we have in the states to eat at, but we were hungry(what’s new?) and it was right next door to church.

Tip 1 | Maybe don’t go to Five Guys as the first meal in a new country, but do remember their fries never disappoint.

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After dinner, I saw my very first real London telephone booth..  and it was even better than the one at Universal Studios .. 😉

booth

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mum, it’s me.
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Interrupting this post to show you the cutest face of all London, Lexi.

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This next moment for me was a dream. I remember walking up the stairs from the London underground, looking up and BOOM there was good ol’ Ben. It’s so neat seeing what I’ve only previously seen in postcards (& Google) right there in front of my eyes.

There’s more of Ben to come..

Something I love to do in new cities is to visit the libraries! Most places I’ve explored have been (touristy) busy cities, so taking a minute to stop in a library is a must for me.

Tip 2 | Find a cozy spot to relax in the middle of all that exploring. My personal fav is bookstores or cozy coffee shops.
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I Spy with my Little Eye |
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 Braithwaite Street |
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Loved the street art along the way, just missing some Eggos.
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London Attractions | 
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Tower Bridge
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London Bridge
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Buckingham Palace
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Look at these beautiful royal gates
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Camden Lock
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^This one really spoke to me..
Food |
First off, NANDOS. Do yourself a favor and visit this heaven-sent place. Craving some as I type right now. Went there twice and honestly can’t wait to go back.
Tip 3 | You should have your self a traditional English breaky. There are few nations in this world that do breakfast better than the British (Colombian breakfast is the best, obv).
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I also really enjoyed Wagamama, great Asian food.
I recently visited Boston and saw one there too!

Waiting “patiently” for my crepes cones. . the best thing ever for a sweet tooth. These pictures don’t do justice.

Making of Harry Potter | Warner Bros. Studio Tour 
I was lucky enough to visit this exhibit offering an authentic behind the scenes glimpse of the Harry Potter films. I guess you can say it was pretty magical.

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FOUND HARRY!

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Saying my goodbyes to Benny |
It was rainy and the perfect London day to see Ben one last time before I headed back home.

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Something about London: gloomy weather, where all black is always acceptable and brilliant accents. I absolutely love it. Final tip,  always hang out with the locals. It makes the trip 10x better. Hope you enjoyed this post and thanks for reading!
Cheers xx
Psalm 51:10
Create in me a pure heart, O God,
    and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

88 Replies to “Let’s Rewind Big Ben”

  1. That’s why I love London, you will never get bored here. Last time I was here I didn’t visit the Warner Bros. Studio Tour but I will be sure to visit this amazing place! I love the photos, they show well your experience 🙂

  2. London has so much to see and do, one can never get bored of the city. Did you get a chance to explore any of the museums in London? They are very interesting and have some of the greatest collections of art in the world.

  3. I have never thought of visiting libraries while traveling. My children and I go to our local library every Tuesday after pizza, so we certainly love them. When I travel, I usually stay in the same town for a month, so I will definitely add libraries to my repertoire.

  4. This is a fab photo collection of London. London is my capital city but i have never really explored it nor been inspired but your pictures have certainly changed that. Seems like you had a great time!

  5. England has always been on my bucket list . This looks like it was a most fabulous trip. There are so many things to do there. I bet the locals never get bored. Even with the gloomy weather.

  6. What a magical time in exploration. Thanks for sharing your findings with us. Your writing reflects the enthusiasm and the expansion of your heart space! May you have many more new experiences and share them with us! Xo, Evelyn, PathofPresence

  7. London is one of my absolute favorite cities – reading your post brought back such good memories of my visits there. And I love your idea of visiting libraries while traveling – that is awesome! I have always forced myself to visit museums that don’t really interest me, and I never thought to check out a library, but I’m a writer and reader, so that sounds like bliss!

  8. I live not far from Big Ben, and know this area of London very well! Looks like you had a great start to the New Year; I’m glad you enjoyed the city, and the libraries too!

  9. I adore London and its been awhile since I visited this awesome city so your post has made it so nostalgic for me! Harry Potter didn’t exist when I was there so many years ago so definitely on the cards when I visit London next time. And all that street art! So colourful and vibrant.

  10. London is a fabulous city and it looks like you got around a bit. I love the new art at the Tate Modern. The Warner Bros. Studio was a favourite of my kids.

  11. I had no idea London had so much to offer. Your pictures make i look fab! I have any been twice and they were short, quick visits. Now i am inspired to go again! Thanks 🙂

  12. Ah I love London! I’ve been there probably 10 years ago with my parents so it’s definitely time to get back!! Next time I want to visit the Warner Bros Studios for sure.

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