As we take a break from writing our essays on London’s architectural history, we realize just how much we took advantage of our academic leisure in the past three weeks.
Katie’s parents were in town this past week! As silly as it may sound, the highlight of our week was swimming in the hotel pool. We rounded up a group of our friends, put on our swimsuits for the first time this season, and took the Underground to the Marriott Hotel in Kilburn Park where Katie’s parents were staying. After surviving a cold European winter, it was great to bask in the unbearably hot sauna and swim in the refreshing pool!
We even took advantage of the hotel’s free popcorn. Remember how we said that we didn’t miss the Caf food while we were in Italy? Well, now that we don’t have our Italian host families to cook for us, a Bon Appetit meal sounds like a Thanksgiving feast!
While Katie was out and about with her parents, I (Carmen) explored London with my friend Lauren. We attempted to see the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace, but could not see very much since there was an excessive amount of people crowded around the Palace’s gate.
Our excursion to Covent Garden was much more enjoyable. A trendy area, Covent Garden has many cute shops, such as ones dedicated to cupcakes! We ended our trip at Snog, a delicious and healthy frozen yogurt store! My personal recommendation: the natural yogurt with the homemade brownies.
I (Katie) had a fabulous weekend with my parents and sister. Being able to eat full meals at nice restaurants was a welcome change! Throughout the course of the long weekend we visited: The (ZSL) London Zoo, The British Museum, The London Science Museum, Covent Garden, Regents Park and Abbey Road! (We of course took the classic picture crossing the street). In addition, we also saw the show “Noises Off” on Saturday night! The show was hilarious, and quite a nice break from a lot of the other heavier plays Carmen and I have been seeing for class. Overall, it was great having my family visit me here in London!
Until next week, Cheers!
Carmen and Katie
*Katie Caffrey is a junior psychology major with a linguistics concentration from Oak Park, IL. She is currently splitting her semester abroad between Florence and London where she is studying both art history and theatre.
*Carmen Stubblefield is studying abroad in Italy and England on the ACM Arts in Context Program. She is a junior psychology major from Oregon, her favorite foods are pizza and ice-cream.