Today was one of those days that I know I’ll remember for a long time. It was packed from start to finish, but every part of it felt special. I’ve always wanted to explore London, and I’m so happy I finally made it happen. Honestly, I’m proud of myself for taking the leap and just going for it – especially because this was my first time leaving the country.
The day started at the Florence Nightingale Museum, which I found really moving. It’s not a big museum, but it’s full of history and heart. I’ve heard of Florence Nightingale before, of course, but learning about her in depth – how much she pushed for better healthcare and how much she achieved in a time when women weren’t given many opportunities – was eye-opening. I left feeling inspired and full of admiration for her legacy. It was the perfect way to start the day on a meaningful note.
After that, we headed toward some of London’s most famous landmarks. First stop: Big Ben. Seeing it in real life felt a little surreal. It’s one of those things you see in movies and postcards, and suddenly you’re standing right in front of it. We took a bunch of photos, of course. Right nearby is Westminster Abbey, which is even more beautiful in person than I imagined. We didn’t go inside, but just walking around and taking in the details of the building was enough to appreciate its importance and beauty.
Then it was on to Buckingham Palace, and I have to say, it really does feel like the center of something grand. The gates, the statue, the flag flying high – it all felt very official and royal. There were tons of other people there, but it added to the energy. Everyone was excited to see it, and I loved being part of that moment.
By this point, we needed a break, so we walked over to St. James’s Park. It’s such a peaceful place, especially after the busy streets and big crowds. We found a bench, sat down, and just watched the world go by for a bit. Ducks were swimming, kids were laughing, and the sun came out for a while, which made everything even better. It felt so nice to pause and just enjoy where we were.
Later in the afternoon, we stopped into a couple of London cafes – a must, in my opinion. One had the best tiramisu I’ve ever had, and it was exactly what I needed. There’s something about sitting in a café in a new city that makes the whole experience feel more real. It gave us a chance to rest our feet and reflect on everything we’d seen so far.
The highlight of the evening – and maybe the entire day – was seeing Mamma Mia at the Novello Theatre . I’ve always loved the music of ABBA, but seeing it live was something else entirely. The cast was incredible, the audience was full of energy, and by the end, everyone was singing and clapping along. I left the theater feeling so happy. There’s something magical about live music and theater, especially when it’s done that well. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day.
Looking back on everything we did, I’m just so glad I didn’t talk myself out of this trip. I could have come up with a hundred reasons to stay home – timing, work, nerves – but I didn’t. I said yes. I packed my bags. I showed up. And it was so, so worth it.
This whole day reminded me how important it is to take chances and make space for joy. You don’t have to wait for the perfect moment – you can create one. That’s what I did today, and I couldn’t be more thankful.
To everyone who’s followed along with my blog throughout this trip, thank you. Sharing these experiences with you has made them even more special. I hope this post inspires you to take your own leap – whether it’s a big trip or a small adventure. Just go. You won’t regret it.
Until next time,
Katie Proctor <3