ruby slippers: Falling for London, Over Night

The city was dazzling at night.

People were out and about late into the night. Music playing, too, and beat boys performing for change.

Our hotel was luxurious, located in the giant, old parliament building right by the Palace of Winchester (Houses of Parliament) and Big Ben. When we finally located our hotel after a thirty-minute trek from the Globe, we all blurted out gasps of glee and stood pointing at the hugely famous sites now right before our eyes, looking stunning in the glow of the setting sun. Oh, big ben! I underestimated the splendor of Ben. It quite actually took my breath away and made the giddiness I felt from finally being in London ooze to the surface so that I couldn't help but flash a giant, goofy grin.

That first evening in London, we allowed ourselves a break from walking to soak in the relaxation that was our lovely room, then had Italian for dinner just across the street. Emily and I splurged, sharing an olive appetizer + caesar salad, and I had goat cheese + mozzarella + mushroom pizza for my main course.

Emily, Mary Kate, Brenna, Elizabeth, and I, all pretty impressed with our situation (being free to do whatever we pleased in the city of London) shared a nighttime stroll along the river and near the London Eye. We opted out of a trip in the Eye, but it really looked fantastic and I will do it sometime. With champagne, I imagine.

The water of the River Thamees didn't look so brown at night; it sort of glittered in the moonlight. And, the dinner parties on boats moving under the bridges on which we stood looked magical. The bridges were lit up and whimsical, too.

I could have stayed up walking London all night, and I am pretty certain the city would have stayed up too and kept me wonderful company.