Thankful

As we all know, British people do not celebrate Thanksgiving. And while pubs may serve a “thanksgiving day” platter recognizing the American tourists staying here on the day, it is simply not the same. There is something about being with your family that commemorates the day – no matter how dysfunctional or crazy they all are when forced to sit around one table to endure a long meal of sharing, talking and giving thanks. This is probably because family is paramount in most people’s lives, and mine is no exception. Because I was across the pond (which is starting to feel smaller and smaller as the days inch nearer to going home), I was sad I could not eat sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie and turkey, and my favorite – watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, but most of all, I was sad to be without my family.

This got me to thinking. There are certain days every year – holidays labeled on the calendar – that dictate how we are supposed to feel and what traditions we are supposed to have. These events become familiar and comfortable, and we often forget how special they really are until one year, things are out of place. Stick yourself in a foreign country miles away from your family and those days become something entirely different. Without family, Thanksgiving was a very different day then if I were to be home, which of course was very weird. But what was wonderful is that at the same time, being away made me very aware of something else. I am extremely fortunate to have very strong and lasting friendships in my life, which made this day in rainy London feel a little more like home.

 

[Foreword: for the sake of this blog I will be calling Brezny ‘B’, not because I think it sounds cool - which is does because they happen to say it on ‘Gossip Girl’ J - but because it is much easier to not type out her whole name]

Thursday morning Ike, B and I woke up at about 9 am, got showered and ready and began our first full day together in London! We started our day (as explained in the thorough itinerary I mapped out two weeks prior to their arrival, which I can proudly say had few revisions) by getting off at the Westminster tube stop so that they could see classic London - Parliament Square, The London Eye, Westminster Abbey, the Thames River and of course take pictures with Big Ben.

As we exited the tube, it began to rain, which really shouldn’t surprise anyone at this point, but it was a bit of a bummer since we were trying to get pictures. The drizzle and I have become intimate friends, and so we charged through and did not let it hold us back. After debating as to whether or not Ike and B wanted to pay the 12 pounds to go into the Abbey (decision: no) or whether or not we should get an early lunch before buying our bus tour tickets (decision: yes. but uprooted upon realizing the pub we went to did not serve lunch until 12pm), we ignored our hungry tummies and walked to the ticket stand and got our 48 hour Original Bus Tour Hop on, Hop off London Bus Tour Ticket (I have no idea if that whole phrase had to be capitalized…but it makes it sound more official so go with it).

 

We walked a block to get to the bus stop, where we ran into a man trying to sell The Big Bus Tour – do not be be confused…original and big are not the same… But this guy, who seemed unassuming and only slightly disappointed we chose the other tour company advised us to go across the street to pick up the yellow line (there were two lines for the tour bus – red and yellow) because it had the live tour. He said the stop was just around the corner, and we thanked him for his help, and walked…. And walked…. And walked some more, completely unable to find this so called “stop” the enemy was referring to. We ended up walking to Trafalgar Square, and since it was now 12pm, we stopped in a very cute pub along that main street. Everything is decorated for Christmas – especially pubs – so it was a very festive atmosphere. We all had lunch and then journeyed to find the yellow line bus stop.

 

Trafalgar Square is the hub for all bus systems – city and tour company. So, I figured it would not be hard to find the stop. But I also underestimate my directional dysfunction and inability to read a map, but we finally found one of the stops. The buses only run every twenty minutes, so we waited in the drizzle for the bus to come… and then we saw the bus in the distance 20 minutes later. Diet cokes in hand, and anxious smiles in tact, we stood up ready to board and watched in surprise as the bus flew right on by us. Confused, figuring it was not the right bus, we sat back down. Another 20 minutes later, like deju vu, here comes another bus and this time we flag it down, validate our ticket on board and climb to the top, finally able to start our tour.

 

Despite the wind and the light rain, we rode around the city on the top of the double decker bus, trying to keep warm as we took in the many different sights and listened to the commentary (which was slightly hard to hear maybe because of the wind, but probably because the live tour guide we made such an effort to have could not have been any more unenthusiastic, literally bordering on monotone). Right after getting on the bus we passed St. Paul’s Cathedral, which was on the itinerary to get off and see, but we had just gotten on, so we decided to keep riding and come back to it. About 45 minutes later, it was about 2:30pm and the bus stopped at the Tower of London which Ike and B really wanted to tour. Since I have already and the fee is not cheap, they hopped off and did a tour of the tower while I stayed on the bus for another 20 minutes just riding around (for historical details on the Tower of London reference my blog when I went J).

 

The bus stopped at Piccadilly Circus and I got off to do some shopping around the London gift shops. I realized I had a lot of gifts from other countries but nothing from the touristy London shops, so that was good to get done.

 

We all met back up at the flat around 4:45pm, and they loved the Tower. After hanging out and debriefing from the day, Ike, Brezny, Laura, Kelsey, Jen, Katie and I went to Warwick Castle Pub (our favorite local pub just a five minute walk away) for our Thanksgiving Dinner. We sat in this room in the back next to the fire place and had wine and pub food (my thanksgiving feast was bangers and mash (sausage and mashed potatoes… unfortunately there was no turkey, but it will make Christmas dinner that much more exciting) while going around and giving thanks for not only the opportunity to be in London but for the fact that we have each other. Among the things I am thankful for is first and foremost: HSM 3 (KIDDING!) my health and safety, London, Celine Dion, Disney World, grilled cheese sandwiches, and of course my incredible family and friends who make my life as blessed and amazing as it is. Laura always makes fun of me for saying ‘my best friend _____’ but I have so many best friends and I feel so lucky to have these great relationships in my life. While I realize nothing and no one is perfect and I sometimes fall into the ‘my life sucks’ pity fest, as we all do, looking back on just these 19 years and 360 days (hint hint… 20 is so close!), I could not ask for much more – except to marry Zac Efron…but good things come to those who wait J.

 

After our lovely dinner I decided to show Ike and B a fun night out on the town, so we got all dolled up, took tons of pictures and videos, and had a really fun time dancing the night away at the club OnAnon (which for a while I thought was called On and On…apparently not.) It was all a very different way to spend Thanksgiving, but I am thankful for it nonetheless. Brezny met a very cute boy who was kind of short, but our little 5’1 B – who worked her butt off to keep up with Ike and I, who are naturally very fast walkers, as we walked around the city - did not even notice. I think we all had a really great night… and let’s be honest…we looked fierce J.

 

Friday morning we woke up and had a delicious breakfast at my favorite place for breakfast –Raouls. Laura came along and it was delicious. We then got on the tube and walked in the rain (whomp whomp) to Buckingham Palace. I had planned for them to see the Changing of the Guard, so we got there early, took pictures despite the rain, and huddled under our umbrellas waiting for the guard change parade to stroll down the street. We saw some movement happen behind the gate, and some of the guards filed out, but then all the crowds dissipated, leaving me confused – what happened to the tiny anti-climatic parade? I assume because of the rain it did not happen, which was a bummer. From there, Laura went home while Ike, B and I got back on the bus tour after looking through the Queen’s gift shop, which was all decorated for Christmas.

Back on the bus, we rode around as the rain fell around us, listening to the morning’s much more enthusiastic and audible tour guide. After a short while we got off at St. Paul’s Cathedral. B decided to get a coffee and skip the fee, while Ike and I explored the beautiful church and climbed up the hundreds of steps to the whispering gallery and the viewing deck overlooking the city of London. Even though it was a misty day, the sights were still beautiful, and I really loved the church. I have been in my fair share of churches, but there was something about this one that I really enjoyed. Ike and I tried to do the thing where you whisper and from across the dome the other person is supposed to be able to hear it, but it didn’t work. I think it may be because it was noisy and Ike is not the best whisperer, but it was fun to just sit together, take it all in, and see the excitement in his face – he’s like a kid on Christmas morning. He gets so excited by history. He just loves it, and because I do not really share his enthusiasm or knowledge, it was funny to be there with him – me trying to move on… him staring for ages at one single monument. I guess I am just shallow seeing as I freak out about HSM and not so much about history, but this church was an exception – I really did appreciate how incredibly elaborate and stunning it was.

 

We met up with Brezny and then went to get lunch at Pizza Express and I had a delicious salad (but I must admit, spending money on three meals a day though certainly broke the bank). We got back on the bus and decided to ride it around for a bit and make the most of the guide. I wish we had a personal guide with us 24/7 because Ike is very inquisitive and asked me a new question every five minutes about that obscure building that “looked important” and me – not being a human google – had no idea. I think he forgets that I just live here – I did not discover the city. I am not a British historian. I am a visitor. So staying on the bus allowed him to hear all about those obscure buildings. Meanwhile, Brezny and I took a nap. (haha, kidding – I mean we did doze for a bit but in our defense she had jet lag and I had been taking them around in the rain which can get exhausting)

 

Two hours later, we got off at Trafalgar Square and I let them head off out of the rain into the National Gallery. I have done that already, so I headed back to the flat. They came back about an hour later, and we decided on dinner plans. Andrea and Laura joined us for dinner at Giraffe, my favorite burger place over the Thames River on the south side of Embankment – my absolute FAVORITE PLACE in London at night. We walked across the footbridge and had a delicious dinner and then walked along the river peering in and out of the booths set up for the Christmas Market. I made a couple of purchases and we headed home. But only after witnessing an insance lady walk right up to a candy display, steal some peanuts, eat them, and then violently spit them out because she was allergic to nuts – clearly the peanut allergy is not her only medical issue… what an idiot.

 

After a beer run to Tesco, a very long debate as to whether to go out or stay in (decision: stay in) followed by a chocolate run to Tesco, we all sat down and decided to watch Sweet Home Alabama. I was so tired and fell asleep halfway through. We all went to bed at a decent hour, and thank goodness because our busiest day was yet to come.

TAKE A DEEP BREATH! You can do this – I know it is a lot to read, but I believe in you. And just think how long it took me to rehash, write and edit. You really have the easy part in this transaction J.

 

Saturday morning marked their last full day in London and we had a lot to fit in. We woke up, had a quick breakfast at the flat and headed with Laura to Camden Market. We decided to brave the freezing cold (I think I had five layers on… brr!) and walk the 2.5 mile journey along the canal, but on the way Laura mentioned seeing Abbey Rd, so we took a 25 minute walk detour and went there first. We took pictures and then headed to the nearest tube in the interest of time to get to Camden Market. But the St. John Woods tube was closed AND I forgot my tube pass. So, completely frustrated, I walked back to the flat to get it and then get the Warwick Avenue tube to Camden Market (the longest and most frustrating tube journey of MY LIFE because all the lines I needed were closed… it was an intense and strategic process) while Laura, Ike and B took the bus to the market and walked around. 90 minutes (ugh) later, I met up with them, we had lunch at Pret, walked around a little more, and then got on the tube for Kings Cross Station so B could take her picture with the famous Harry Potter Platform 9 ¾ sign.

 

We then headed back on the tube (Audrey- I miss you [my car]), and ventured to High St. Kensington. We toured Kensington Palace and I can say without a doubt it was one of my most favorite things I have seen in London. While the staterooms were nice, the best part was that the palace housed a special Debutante exhibition inside, which was amazing! It was all about fashion and the London high society process of being a Deb in the 1950’s. There was also a section where Princess Diana’s actual dresses were displayed and on the walls were videos of her dancing in them. What I loved was that it was all dedicated to fashion. There were historical rooms in the beginning that showed what the dress for a Deb would be in the 1800’s and how a dress shop would have been set up, and deeper in there were interactive rooms where you could practice the etiquette of a Deb – setting the table, doing the waltz, walking a straight line with a book on your head, and of course practice the proper curtsey. We could look through magazines and practice typing on a typewriter and watch interviews with women who were Debs. It was so interesting. All the dresses were incredible. It reminded me of how beautiful and classy my Mimi was. She had dresses just like the ones I saw.  I remember her wedding dress was SOO stunning! She would have loved this exhibition. See I guess I get excited about fashion the way Ike gets excited about artifacts and buildings, so I can relate. I just love the style of the 1950’s and I am pretty sure I ended up in the wrong era.

 

After the palace we walked about 25 minutes to Harrods, passing the King Albert Memorial, which was another sight to check off the list. Harrods is magical all on its own because it’s Harrods at Christmas, but as we were walking around the impressive department store, Ike stopped me suddenly and said, “Oh my God, Jenny – is that Keith Urban?” And I was like... “Oh my God, where?” The man, about 5’ 10 had his exact trademark hair, and looked exactly like Keith Urban, but after pointing him out to Brezny, we were super skeptical. So, in true stalker fashion, we followed him around the men’s department of Harrods. Finally, after much coaxing from Ike, I decided to go up to him. I politely said, “I am so sorry to interrupt your shopping, but …are you Keith Urban?” I was practically shaking, which only increased when he said in his soft Australian accent, “Yes I am.” With an excited nod of my head, Ike and Brezny circled around my new friend Keith and I and he shook all of our hands – he has a very firm handshake, which I like. To eliminate the “he said, she said” I will write the script below (no, I did not do ALL the talking, but all I can remember is what I said because the rest is just a blur):

Jenny: Oh my goodness, I am such a big fan of yours!

Keith: Oh thank you, where are you guys from?

In unison: North Carolina (except Ike said the USA…. which was special)

Jenny: Would you mind if we took a quick picture with you?

Keith: No, not at all!

All of us: Oh, thanks so much

Ike took a picture of me and Brezny and him, and then I took a picture of Keith and Ike!

Jenny: Oh and congratulations on the baby!

Keith: Oh, yeah, thanks so much guys (he was sooo cool!)

Jenny: Well, rush off before people notice - we will let you get back to your shopping! And I promise, we won’t tell anyone it’s you. Thank you so much!

Keith: No, thank you guys, take care.

Then we scurried off, clearly star struck, freaking out. It is so crazy because no one else really noticed him probably because he was all by himself and he is a country star and country is not so big here. The cool thing is I know why he is London because Kelly Management has a client that is staring in the movie ‘Nine’ with Nicole Kidman, which is filming here - now if Nicole were with him it would be a completely different story! Imagine the mob of people! But he was just walking around and doing his thing. It is crazy, things like this remind you that we are all just people – even celebrities. Keith was really hot in person, shorter than I expected, but so kind! I mean he was like thanking us and I thinking to myself… no Keith Urban thank YOU! It was just an amazing unexpected surprise to the day and I really am a big fan of his music and there he was in person, ON MY CAMERA! My mom saw him in concert and I just saw him in my Us Weekly Magazine frolicking on the beach with Nicole and then there he is shopping in Harrods! This right place at the right time moment gets added to my list of things I am thankful for!

After this meet and greet, Harrods was complete, so we walked around outside aimlessly, still star struck, for a minute, and I of course called my mom and sister to gush about it. We then headed back on the tube one stop (because poor B could not walk any longer, and it was beginning to mist) to see Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland. But after we got off the tube, it began to really rain and I was not in the mood to huddle under an umbrella so we saw the lights and walked down for a little and then turned back around to get back on the tube and out of the rain to meet Andrea for dinner at Nando’s – my favorite chicken restaurant, which was DELICIOUS, and it was GREAT to sit down.

 

After Nando’s we headed back to the flat to get ready to go out. We got them all packed up (which was great because they were able to take a lot of my stuff home) and then we got dressed and headed out to Sports Café, which is the American sports bar that has great dancing that I went to the night I met scarf boy  - who NEVER called. Little did he know I would become best friends with Keith Urban and could have totally hooked him up with concert tickets – clearly his loss.

 

Especially after last night, this is officially MY FAVORITE place to go dancing in London – the music is always so good and the cover was only 5 pounds (when usually on Saturday nights we spend about 10 pounds, not including the coat check) and it was one of the best nights I have had. There was this Latin guy who danced like a professional Latin dancer and we danced the whole night! He spun me, dipped me – we were like actually salsa dancing like in Dirty Dancing. It was so much fun and while I think I may need a neck and back brace this morning from all the back bends and the whopping, it was totally worth it. Brezny also met this adorable guy who was so sweet and Laura danced the night away with another Latin guy (who I think was friends with the guy I was dancing with). Ike took tons of pictures and danced with us too, and it was a blast. He is such a trooper, letting us girls have our fun and making sure we all got home safely.

 

This morning, I woke Ike and Brezny up at 7:30 am and after a hug they headed on the tube for Heathrow Airport. It was really great having them here. I think we all had a blast despite the cold and rainy weather and it was a perfect opportunity to see parts of London I may not head back to before leaving one week from Monday – and to meet Keith Urban was just the cherry on top J.

 

So suddenly my semester in London is down to one final week. One week – that is like a vacation. I cannot believe this is all coming to an end. This week – MY OFFICIAL BIRTHDAY WEEK – we only have two classes on Tuesday and the rest is free time to live it up in London, and live it up we will J.

Love and hugs (and a present for reading this blog – but don’t lie, you enjoyed it J)

Jenny

ps- that took me 5 hours.... just an fyi, so thank you for reading :)