Happy Thursday (and first day of December) Collegiettes! Hope you all had a happy and hearty Thanksgiving weekend! As I mentioned in last week’s post (see here), I spent the holiday in London with Sarah, a close friend of mine from BC who is spending the semester studying in Seville.
Sarah arrived in London late Thursday afternoon just in time to join the BC crew for a Thanksgiving feast at a local pub … It certainly wasn’t the best meal I’ve ever had, but I was just happy to receive a free meal that included turkey! We spent the night catching up and exchanging stories about our European adventures. There’s no doubt in my mind that Sarah has outdone me with crazy experiences … Looks like I’ve got some catching up to do!
(Sarah visits London!)
We split up Friday so that I could go to a networking event and Sarah could check out some of the sites with other friends of hers that are spending the semester in London studying at Regent’s College. After a few hours of separation, we reunited at one of my favorite restaurants on Exmouth Market, Caravan, for a few drinks and a light meal before heading to bed so we could get an early start on Saturday morning!
Now you might be wondering why I titled this post, “A Walk Down Portobello Road” … As it turns out, I had yet to visit the famous Portobello Road until this past weekend when Sarah and I took the tube from Holborn to Notting Hill Gate and hit up the Portobello Market to see what all the fuss is about. I’m thrilled to report that the market was amazing!! It’s filled with beautiful antiques, touristy treasures, delicious food, and a contagious culture that keeps you going for hours! Sarah was able to find a few gifts to bring home to her family for the holidays and I was lucky enough to spot a glamorous pair of 1960’s clip-on earrings in one of the antique shops … I also made friends with the old woman that owns the store so I’m hoping that next time I visit she will give me a nice discount!
( Sarah checking out watches at Portobello Market)
(Me eating lunch, what’s new … )
(Yum!)
After an exhausting afternoon, Sarah and I rallied for an exciting night of ice skating at the Somerset House! We joined some of my other friends from BC on the ice and had a great night of music, skating, and of course, hot chocolate! Only down fall … my legs were so sore the next day!! I think it’s time I start running again …
(BC girls ice skating at Somerset House)
Sunday wasn’t quite as eventful, but we still managed to have a great time checking out the Monet and van Gogh paintings at the National Gallery (Yes, this is the second time I’ve visited the paintings in less than a week … What can I say? I’m kind of obsessed with the Impressionist period). Being the amazing friend that she is, Sarah came along with me on Sunday night to help me babysit the two cutest kids in London that I’ve been babysitting ever since I arrived in London two months ago. We put together a few puzzles with Xavier, the blonde two year old with the most adorable British accent, and danced with Lulu, the 5-month year old that has completely won over my heart. After putting them to bed, Sarah and I spent the remainder of the night watching repeats of Grey’s Anatomy, cuddling on the couch, and sipping tea in true London fashion.
Sarah’s departure early Monday morning marked the end of our weekend together as well as the last component of this blog post …
Make sure to check in next Thursday and read my last Her Campus Study Abroad Blog post before I head home to Connecticut to spend the holiday season with my family! And for a look at more pictures of my time spent with Sarah, direct your way over to my personal blog, Chic+Geek, by clicking here. Have a great weekend!
Love,
Marissa
P.S. What’s your favorite market in London?