London round 2

After some time being away, Camden and I found ourselves missing London. This was the first time we both missed a city in its entirety. We loved Peru and we constantly talk about our new friends from Peru, but this was different. We longed to be back. So we went back. We had a "to do list" that we were determined to accomplish. This list was made up of suggestions from friends, Internet advice and personal desires we didn't get to see on or first time around London. As we did enjoy Scotland, we were so happy to be back on the tube and headed towards our new hostel, Queen Elizabeth's. It was very nice and we were more than happy to make it our home for the next four days. We set our bags down, grabbed some dinner and wandered around out new neighborhood. Later that night, we met up with our friend Izzy, for some drinks at the sky garden. The views from this place was breathtaking! It offered a panoramic view of all of London, while sipping on extravagant cocktails. It was such an amazing place! I wish my wallet would have allowed me to stay all night! Hahaha. After the garden, the three of us headed out on the town to check out what else was in store. We ended up walking around while Izzy showed us borough market, alcoholic architecture and and amazing chocolate shop. We knew we would be coming back to those spots after adding them on our to do list! We said goodbye to our dear friend and headed back to Chelsea. It was a long day from international train rides to a fancy night out, and we needed to rest for our big day tomorrow. Camden market!!! We woke up excited about our plans for today! We've only heard good things about this place....and for the obvious reason. It is Camden's town. Hah. So after breakfast we were on our way! We arrived and I was immediately in love. For those Californians reading, it reminded me of Venice beach. Without the beach of course. There were shops and vendors everywhere!! Discounted clothes, tourist souvenirs, shoes, hats, tattoos, piercings, you name it, they had it. The streets were crowded with Powell going all different directions. The buildings were intricate. Some with 3D sculptures hugging the store front. Others with bright colors and flashing lights. Anything to attract the eye and seduce the wallet. After about a mile or so of shops, we found ourselves on a bridge with a sign that read, "Welcome to Camden!". The bridge was atop of a small, calm River that hugged yet another set of vendors. These vendors had something even more valuable to us than nicknacks. Food! After our journey to Camden, we were starving. So we dove into the food section. It took us about an hour to make the rounds, sampling all the different foods from around the world. We finally decided! Camden was very American and ordered a Philly cheesesteak. I ordered Jerk chicken from Jamaica. Something I have craved since I was last there. We ate. We shopped. We explored. We conquered and fell in love with this city. It's laid back, artsy vibe was fantastic! After six hours of wandering the town, the sun was setting and we needed to get back home. We had a long way back "home". We were determined to cross off more of our list the next day so we needed to get our rest. But, before we went back for good, we made one quick stop to the London eye. We wanted to see the magnificent Ferris wheel up close. We walked from Waterloo to Westminster reveling in all the beauty of the parliament square at night. Big Ben and the Tower of London looked so powerful and important once the sun set. A view I will always remember. Finally, we made it back to Queen E's and called it a night. The next morning we were up early to start the day! We had a long list ahead of us! First stop, National Gallery. Camden and I appreciate art and all that it entails. We were fortunate enough to see pieces by Da Vinci, Michelangelo and Raphael. An absolutely stunning moment in art history for the both of us. We found ourselves sitting, staring at these paintings for quite some time. Vowing to attempt to see as much of their pieces as we can on this trip. Next stop, Ye old Cheshire Cheese pub. As a recommendation from our friend Adam, we went to a pub that was rebuilt in 1667!!! A drink and meal in a pub older than America? Yes please. We walked into the pub and immediately fell back into the 15th century. There was so much character and preservation here. We walked down a series of steps, passing plenty of bars. We wanted to start at the cellar bar and work our way up. We ordered our drinks (which were amazing) and a steak ale pie (Camden is now obsessed with them....and so am I.) This place felt like something out of Game of Thrones. I loved every minute of it! We sat at a table that was in some sort of white cave where we ate, drank and figured out what we were going to do next. Amazing lunch! After leaving the pub, I realized why the British drink so much. Hahah. I wasn't cold anymore!! It's insane what a little buzz can do to get you through the harsh winds of London. Third quick stop, St. Paul's Cathedral. The architecture was beautiful! We didn't get to take a took inside (since we are ballin' on a budget-we figured we will see more cathedrals in Europe). But I can only imagine it's beauty. As we walked around the city, we found ourselves heading toward Shakespeare's globe! Another quick stop. Making it our fourth stop for the day. We walked around and explored the new location, as well as the original location. Again, the history baffled us. We were standing on the spot where sooo many historic theatrical practices were formed. The spot that has created so many to express themselves in whatever manner they please! Unfortunately the original spot is underneath apartments and a car park; however, you can still feel the inspiration and individuality here. There are a few plaques as a memorial and learning center for those who are curious about the history and original layout of the Globe. The fifth stop, Borough Market! The food market!!! After walking seven miles, our appetites had appeared again and we were ready for some local, organic meals! We wandering around the alleys tasting all the goodies we could. As I was walking around, I noticed a face. I turned to Camden and said, "I think I went to high school with that guy". Just as I turned around I could tell he was thinking the same thing. I approached him and said, "I went to high school with you right?" And he replied, "Christina?!" Hahaha. It's so funny how this world is so big, yet so so small. It was a former classmate, Jack. He started his own brewery, Pirate Life, after high school and was in England, at the market, promoting his beer! By the way the beer was amazing!!! Try it. We caught up for a bit, tried his products and bought some beers for the road! We continued to wander around the market until we found our meal of choice! Camden had a bratwurst and I had pesto gnocchi. So amazing. Yet again. After some time in the market, we decided to head home for an early night. We don't usually do that, but we could feel our bodies collapsing and we definitely needed a break.  This day was very successful to say the least!! And full of surprises! Our last day in London was mostly spent at Richmond park. Camden and I absolutely loved it. First, the park was enormous. Second, there was so much wildlife to look out for and enjoy. Third, the place was BEAUTIFUL. We had our tea, scones and clotted cream, per usual. Then we walked around in search of Britain's largest mammals, the red deer and the roe deer. After hours of searching, we believed we wouldn't see any! But then, as luck would have it, we saw large brown blobs far in the distance across the lake.  We picked up the pace, in hopes that they wouldn't get scared away before we got there! HA. Scared away. Once we got there, we were the ones that were scared! These deer are huge. Their antlers are huge. And they stare you down and make you feel like if you have one false move, you're done for. Impaled. The end. Sooo we kept our distance. Hoped for some nice shots. STUPIDLY I only brought my iPhone. But as I was wisely told, "don't stress about the shots you can't get. You still have them in your head. You were there. You experienced it. Remember it. It's better than any picture you could take". These words of wisdom help me during this time. I love my photos and I always want the best shot. But sometimes, the odds are not in your favor. And that's okay. As I digress about photography issues....the experience was INCREDIBLE! We were surrounded by these indigenous deer. Just observing their very state of existence. After some time we found a bench, very close to some deer and cracked open our Pirate Life Beer we had purchased the day before. Another moment that I will forever remember: Drinking in a royal park, with my American boyfriend, with Australian beer, watching British deer. What a wonderful world it is. After seven hours exploring the park and all it had to offer. We headed to London Bridge, where we would meet up with yet another old friend! Georgie! I had met Georgie on a tour through Central America last year. She is from New Zealand and is one of the best people I have ever met. We realized we would both be in London at the same time and luckily meeting up worked out! We decided to go to Alcoholic Architecture together. What is that you may ask? Well first...you go into a room.. Well rather an old, gothic cathedral. Then you place all your belongings into a room, put a poncho on. Go into another room and breathe in 25 liters of gin and tonic vapor for an hour. GREAT! So fun. And so different. Izzy had originally introduced us to the establishment and we were so eager to go! I was so excited when Georgie said she would come! And she was bringing a friend! Woooo!! Her friend was awesome as well! We had a lot of fun at the vapor bar! Our night was coming to an end. As we were walking home, we noticed the moon. And OH MY GOD. It was a sight! It was rusty orange and huge. It sat right behind the tower bridge. This was a moment I've only seen in movies and pictures. Simply amazing!! I know I've said this a lot. But....a moment that will stay with me forever! This moment wrapped up our time in London. And may I say it was very appropriate. Our time in London is something I will always hold close to my heart. I fell in love with a city, met up with old friends and experienced the world in a new way. I couldn't have asked for anything else! Words can't accurately describe all the happiness I have felt being here! I highly recommend exploring this city! I have never been a city person but this place is one of a kind. It has so much to offer from cosmopolitan vibes to royal parks. There is something for everyone! This won't be the last time we will be here. I have a feeling Camden and I will be frequenting quite a lot. :)               To follow our journey in even more depth please check out our other social media outlets! Instagram: @christinabammbina @marlon_cramdo#boygirlandtheworldYouTube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCC9qwNoy9QSRXLHKgoKLHtw