This morning began like a scene from a movie, and it was sort of surreal to think that were were waking up in London. We walked down the street to find the cutest little cafe for breakfast where I had the best tea and yogurt. There’s something special about starting your day slowly in a new city, taking in the atmosphere and watching locals bustle by on their way to work. It was the perfect start to the day.
After breakfast, we hopped on the Tube to visit the Florence Nightingale Museum. We talked about her so much during classes freshman year so it was cool to see more of the impact she left behind and some of the artifcats form her life in reality. The museum does an incredible job of honoring her legacy not only as a nurse but as a reformer and pioneer of public health. Walking through displays of her letters, uniforms, and personal items gave me a deeper appreciation for her contributions and the challenges she overcame in a male-dominated society.
From there, we set out on foot to take in some of London’s most iconic sights. We saw the London Eye, Big Ben, the Parliament building, and Westminster Abbey, each more impressive in person than I had imagined. There’s a gravity to these landmarks, where centuries of history seem to echo in the stone walls and it was so exciting to see them in person. We also walked through St. James park which was beautiful and filled with the cutest little ducklings. From there we walked over to Buckingham Palace and then went in search for lunch. Where we enjoyed some delicious pub food near the palace.
After lunch we embarked on a boat tour along the River Thames. Floating past the Tower of London, London Bridge, and other famous landmarks, I was struck by how different the city looks from the water. There’s a serenity to cruising past centuries of architecture while listening to the hum of the river and stories from the guide.
Our boat stopped in Greenwich, where we had a brief delay, but even that felt like an opportunity to soak in the city a little longer. Once we made it back to Westminster, we grabbed a few souvenirs and had a quick dinner before the final event of the night, Mamma Mia!.
I can’t think of a better way to wrap up this trip. The show was energetic, fun, and perfectly cast. Sitting there, surrounded by the joyful energy of the audience, dancing, and singing along in my head, I felt completely content.
Leaving London is bittersweet. I’ve fallen in love with the city’s blend of history and modern charm, its cloudy skies, and bustling streets. But I’m also looking forward to going home, sharing stories, and remembering every little moment that made this trip unforgettable.
London, you’ve been incredible. Thank you for the memories.
