Having the Time of Our Lives!

London is Amazing!

London is certainly a different world in some very good ways.

I’ve now been here for 3 days and it still doesn’t seem real. You see sights you have only seen on TV or in movies, and it’s not like you imagined they would look like in real life. 

As I documented before, I was really concerned about not looking like an American. But it honestly doesn’t matter what you wear here. Literally, anything goes! There are lots of plain white and black trainers (sneakers!), but also plenty of Doc Martens, Converse, and Vans. Lots of dresses, too. I have embraced the trainers and dresses look. 

We just got back from seeing Mama Mia, and I was assured by those in the group who have seen it in New York that this version was way more risque! And the production was absolutely amazing. 

My daughter and I are having the time of our lives!

I think we were most anxious about the flights, but both went fine. Spending 7 hours on a plane in such tight quarters for our transatlantic flight was not pleasant, and the entertainment system was down, but we had the most delightful companion in our row of 3. 

Traveling eventually to South Africa, our new friend is a professor at a public university in Florida. We instantly connected over the politics in her state, and the recent death of both of our fathers and realizing we are becoming the other side of the sandwich generation. 

Participating in an EF Educational Tour has been as low-stress as could be. Our tour director knows all of the ins and outs of London. The meals for our dinners have been delicious, all with a specific vegan meal AND dessert for me! I’ve never felt like being vegan was a burden on this tour. 

Speaking of food, everything I’ve had has been absolutely amazing. Seriously. The first bite of every meal has made me pause and revel in the goodness. There are vegan options almost everywhere we have been. Being vegan here is so easy that I may never leave!

Adventures have also included riding the tube, a bus tour, the changing of the guard and Buckingham Palace, seeing Windsor Castle, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the Royal Opera House. 

The weather has been hot by English standards. Yes, the tube is as hot in the summer as everyone says it is. But it’s definitely not the oppressive humidity of Virginia, and it’s been breezy. 

The other adults on this trip have been wonderful company, and it’s been great to recognize that my daughter is now one of the grown-ups. She loves this fact. And the other high school students on this trip are just awesome. So engaging, so funny, and so respectful. They give me hope that this world may eventually get back on track.

I’ll have more soon. 

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Lead photo is with my daughter with a traditional telephone booth. Because it’s a required tourist photo op! Photo courtesy of the author.

Is there anything I should do in London in my free time? I’d love to hear your suggestions!

As always, I hope you all are safe and healthy.