The first two days of our adventure

Tom and I are fareing well in our first day in London! A bit jet-lagged but that was mostly to be expected. Our flight was longer than I anticipated -- 7 hours instead of 6 hours -- and I had more trouble sleeping than I planned. Between the in-flight meals (dinner and a muffin for breakfast), I think we had maybe 4-5 hours to ourselves to rest. I can't say it's very easy sleeping on a plane.

With that being said, we waited around a bit in the airport for our shuttle service from the airport to the hotel to arrive. We dozed on & off as we were both pretty drowsy. It took about 30-45 minutes to get to our hotel but once we were here our tour director met us. He's very friendly and upbeat, so that's lovely. :) And everyone in London have been more than accomodating which I greatly appreciate.

Nevertheless the second we saw the two comfy beds in our hotel room, we napped! It was wonderful and very needed. After a couple of hours, we decided it was time to freshen up. Before heading out I made a quick call to my mom to let her know that we arrived safely.

We also stopped the front lobby and spent some time with the concierge who helped us plan out our trip to Cardiff Bay tomorrow! It looks like we have everything squared: we'll taking a taxi from our hotel to Paddington Station then taking a train all the way to Cardiff Central. Then we'll get a good walk in going from the train station in Cardiff to The Doctor Who Experience museum. Here's to hoping everything pans out well tomorrow!

After gathering enough information, we headed out to the surrounding area near our hotel (a Marriott near Regent's Park, if you're curious). Since we were a bit apprehensive about exploring a new city let alone a new country! So we didn't venture too far away but we did a bit of souvenir shopping for friends & family then grabbed lunch at a little Mediterrean cafe.

Tom and I made a pit stop back at our hotel to drop off the items that we bought before heading back out as we were on a mission: master the Underground to make our way to King's Cross Station. Why? To see platform 9¾ of course!!!

At first figuring out the tube system/Underground was a bit confusing but thankfully with Tom's brain and a bit of help from local assistance workers we found our way to King's Cross Station much quicker than we expected! It was definitely very touristy with a short line snaking to the set-up for people to get their photographs taken. Tom took a picture of just me but then we bought a framed picture of the two of us (which I'll share later on Facebook).

We ended our evening by doing a bit more souvenir shopping for ourselves and our families then grabbing a quick dinner before navigating our way back to our hotel. I felt that dinner was much more authentic than what we had for lunch. We bought this stuffed pastrieds filled with meat -- Tom got one with lamb & mint while I had a spicy chicken paster. Very yummy!

Now we're back at our hotel room and tired, so ready to call it a night soon to prepare for our long day tomorrow.

Until next time, au revoir!

Itinerary, part ii

In less than 35 hours, we will be boarding our flight to make our way to London! Until then we both have packing to do. I feel like I have a few loose ends to tie up before we head to the airport. I can't help but be a ball of excitement and nerves mixed together!

For now though, I'll share our itinerary for when we're in Paris. I should mention that our plans for this Saturday (April 6th) have changed a bit since we won't be meeting up with my friend Jenny. Instead we'll have one day to relax which will incredibly nice since the rest of the trip will be packed as we try to see & do as much as possible! I don't want to miss one second of my chance to explore both cities.

Again, I am snagging our itinerary information from Go Ahead Tours. I'm looking forward to discussing everything that we do first-hand once I do experience it.

[day 6] DIVE BELOW THE ENGLISH CHANNEL AND SURFACE IN THE CITY OF LIGHT

This morning, transfer to St. Pancras Station. Here, you’ll board the Eurostar, Europe’s quarter-mile-long, high-speed train that whisks passengers below the English Channel and resurfaces in France. Relax aboard comfortable, state-of-the-art transportation, arriving at Gare du Nord in Paris just three hours later. Upon arrival, a Go Ahead representative greets you and oversees check-in at your Paris hotel.

[day 7] HIGH STYLE WITH LOTS OF HIGH NOTES, YOUR FIRST DAY IS TRES PARISIAN

Set out on a panoramic sightseeing tour of the City of Light this morning, taking in Notre-Dame, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Place de la Concorde and much more.
[optional excursion] Versailles: The reign of Louis XIV, known as the “Sun King,” set new standards for decadence among the crowned heads of Europe. It took 50 years and 35,000 workers to turn Versailles, once a small hunting lodge, into the most magnificent château in all of France and the envy of royalty worldwide. On this excursion, you will see the palace in all its glory. Tour the State Apartments and the glittering Hall of Mirrors. Then stroll through the lavish gardens with their fine statuary, splendid fountains and colorful flowerbeds.

[day 8] LET THOSE DAYDREAMS OF CAFES, CABARETS AND GARDEN STROLLS COME TO LIFE

Paris is one of Europe’s most romantic and elegant capitals. Take a stroll along the Champs-Élysées, perhaps the world’s most famous avenue. Enter a milieu of haute couture in the chic boutiques of the Opéra district. Paris’ department stores and outdoor markets are world-renowned, and there’s no place better than the Left Bank to browse for antique books. Explore the vibrant Latin Quarter, home to the Sorbonne, and then stop at the Luxembourg Gardens, where Hemingway was inspired to write A Moveable Feast. Paris also has a wide range of excellent art museums. First choice is usually the Louvre. After that, try the Picasso Museum in the quiet Marais district or consider a climb to Montmartre, where you can watch streetside artists painting the scenes of today. Leave time for a relaxing stop at an intimate café to sip café au lait and watch the world go by—one of Paris’ most celebrated traditions. At night, savor the best of Paris’ gourmet tradition, and take in some world-class entertainment at the cabaret. Consider an optional excursion to Monet & the Landscapes of Giverny (seasonal) and our Evening in Paris excursion, featuring dinner at a local restaurant followed by a Seine cruise. Your Tour Director will have additional suggestions during your stay.
[optional excursion] Monet & the Landscapes of Giverny: The village of Giverny was home to Claude Monet from 1883 until his death in 1926. On a visit to Monet's home and gardens, discover the subtle palette of colors that inspired his Water Lilies series and gave rise to a new way of seeing.
[optional excursion] Evening in Paris: Take in the nighttime allure of the City of Light on a special evening excursion. The event begins with dinner at a local restaurant. After you dine, board a boat cruise along the Seine. As you coast along the river and under Paris' bridges, you'll behold the gloriously illuminated monuments of Paris glittering alongside the riverbanks.

[day 9] PARDON—SORRY TO INTERRUPT, BUT IT’S TIME TO PART WITH PARIS

A Go Ahead representative escorts you to the airport for your return flight home.

Although our trip ends on day 9, we're arriving a day early on "Day 0" making this trip a ten day travel. Next time I post, it may very well be from London. Huzzah!!

Until then, au revoir!

Itinerary, part i

A week from now we will be on our way to London, England! I'm thrilled beyond words as I've been doing last-minute preparations including packing for the past few weeks. We are all set up with our hotel information from Go Ahead Tours. Additionally, our final package with a gift from our tour company arrived in the mail about a week ago!

With all of that being said, I think it's about time I finally post about our itinerary. I'll be splitting this into two posts so that one is dedicated to the first half of our trip in London and the other to Paris. First I'd like to start out by saying that our trip to London is starting out a day earlier than what is outlined by ve been doing last-minute preparations including packing for the past few weeks. We are all set up with our hotel information from Go Ahead Tours' itinerary. Friday, April 5th, is our "Day 0" as that is when we'll be leaving on a plane for our overnight flight to London. Then we'll have all day Saturday, April 6th, to ourselves in order to settle into our hotel and meet up with my long-time friend Jenny, who is currently studying in England for her Masters degree.

On Sunday, April 7th, Tom and I will be venturing to Cardiff Bay to The Doctor Who Experience museum! It'll be adventure trying to figure out how we'll get there but I'm ecstatic to get the chance to explore Cardiff and experience the museum first-hand. :D Afterwards, we'll head back to London to align ourselves with the itinerary as outlined by Go Ahead Tours to meet our fellow travelers for an included Welcome Dinner. Hopefully timing goes well in our favor.

Now I'll be snagging in the itinerary information directly Go Ahead Tours, which I suppose is my disclaimer of sorts.

[day 3] TODAY’S MISSION: GET TO KNOW THE CITY LIKE A LOCAL, WITH A LOCAL

Embark on a panoramic sightseeing tour of London this morning. You’ll see Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, the Tower of London, Big Ben, Parliament, Buckingham Palace and more. This afternoon, consider joining our optional excursion to Windsor Castle, Queen Elizabeth II’s weekend home when she’s in London.
[optional excursion] Windsor Castle: Led by a Blue Badge Guide, you’ll travel to Windsor for a guided visit to the world’s largest and longest-inhabited castle. Founded by William the Conqueror in 1070, Windsor has been the British Royal Family’s preferred retreat for the past 900 years. Step inside the State Apartments and St. George’s Chapel (closed Sundays), where the Knights of the Garter ceremony takes place. View the exhibit of royal treasures on display within the castle. You’ll then have time to stroll through the town of Windsor and have a look at Eton College, a prestigious prep school attended by Princes William and Harry. Please note: Windsor Castle is occasionally closed when in use by the Royal Family; a visit to Henry VIII’s Hampton Court will be substituted when necessary.

[day 4] CITY OR COUNTRYSIDE, ROSETTA STONE OR STONEHENGE—OH, THE POSSIBILITIES

Linger in the city today or take our optional journey to the British countryside. Visit Stonehenge, perhaps England’s most mysterious landmark. The origin and purpose of this ring of stones, which dates back 4,000 years, remains a mystery, though most believe it to have been a temple and observatory. The next stop is Bath, famous for its Georgian and Regency architecture.
[optional excursion] Stonehenge & Bath: Visit Stonehenge, perhaps England’s most mysterious landmark. The origin and purpose of this ring of stones, which dates from the Neolithic period (an estimated 5,000 years ago), is unknown, though most believe it to have been a temple and observatory. Then, continue on to the beautiful Georgian city of Bath. Once a Roman town, now it's famous for its Georgian and Regency architecture. Your Tour Director will show you the town’s major sights, including the wonderfully preserved Roman baths for which the town is named.

[day 5] STAND 450 FEET ABOVE THE THAMES OR WANDER INTO THE WHISPERING ROOM

Spend a final free day in London. Or, join our optional excursion to St. Paul's Cathedral and Westminster Abbey today. Tonight, you might also opt to get a bird’s-eye view of London atop its newest and one of its most stunning attractions, the London Eye.
[optional excursion] St. Paul's Cathedral & Westminster Abbey: Compare and constrast two of Britain's most famous churches, whose rich history provide an unparalleled look into the country's past. First, visit St. Paul’s Cathedral, the second largest church building in the United Kingdom and seat of the Bishop of London. The English-Baroque style cathedral is globally renowned for its magnificent dome and glittering mosaics. Continue on to Westminster Abbey, a Gothic church located near the Houses of Parliament. Since 1066, every royal coronation, with the exception of Edward V and Edward VIII, has taken place at Westminster Abbey. The abbey also serves as the burial ground for Charles Darwin and Sir Isaac Newton.
[optional excursion] London Eye & Pub Dinner: Glide through London's skyline on the London Eye. As the world’s third-tallest observation wheel, the London Eye lifts its passengers 450 feet above the River Thames on a 30-minute ride in an enclosed gondola. In clear weather, you can see for 25 miles around the city center. Afterward, take a brief tour of London’s West End before venturing to a local pub for dinner.

So the first half our trip promises to keep us on the run, exploring all parts of London and more! Therefore I can only imagine that first 5 days of our trip will no doubt fly by. Be on the look out for the next post detailing our planned days in Paris.

Until then, au revoir!

Deciding on a trip

Deciding where to go become much harder than I anticipated when my boyfriend said he wanted to join me. I had already been planning to go to England a solid year before we started dating but I didn't anyone to accompany me. So having a companion to join me thrilled me even though it also complicated things a bit.

Including England as part of our trip was a definite. My love for the country grew strong every year since before I can remember. It helped that I started becoming a fan of lots of BBC and E4 shows while I was in college. I had every desire to visit red phone booths, historic castles, Big Ben, and the London Eye in person.

However, my boyfriend -- never having visited Europe -- wanted to visit at least one other country. We spent quite a while seriously considering the London, Paris, & Rome trip before I realized I wouldn't have nearly as much time in England that would quench my immense desire for the country. Then I suggested going on the England, Scotland, & Ireland. There were two dilemmas with that trip: 1) I had already visited Ireland in college; and 2) again, we wouldn't be spending enough time in England. We even briefly considered London, Paris, & Amsterdam.

At that point, we ruled out all trips that included three countries. It came down to English Countryside & Wales versus London & Paris. Both trips meant spending enough time in England while also getting to experience two different countries. I would have been happy with the former trip but obviously we came to a mutual agreement upon the latter trip.

In the end what swayed us to do London & Paris was the optional excursion to Stonehenge, which Tom appreciated more. I was also swayed by the optional excursion to home of Monet in the village of Giverny. We'll also have a chance to go to Wales as we travel on our own to Cardiff Bay to visit the Doctor Who Experience museum!

I plan to talk more in depth about our itenary in the next few blog entries. I'll do a quick run-down in my next post but then provide more detail in following posts.

Until then, au revoir!

First, a little background...

For my first entry, I'd like to share some information regarding my trip. First, I will be traveling with my boyfriend whom I will have been dating for over a year by the time we leave for our trip. This pleases me more than words can express because he shares my passion for traveling (we have a long list of places we'd like to travel to together). We went back and forth for quite some time trying to decide which trip we should take. I was set on going through GoAhead Tours as I had gone through their "sister website," EF College Break when I was sophomore in college with friends (we went to Ireland during St. Patrick's day and it was amazing).

The appeal of going through GoAhead Tours is that it's basically all-inclusive. Your trip includes: round-trip airfare, travel between cities, hotel stays, breakfast daily, a tour director, and private tours with your group to various attractions. Additionally, you can add on optional alluring excursions such as a visit to Stonehenge & Bath, a ride on the London Eye with pub dinner, an evening in Paris that includes a boat cruise along the Seine, and many more. You can opt to go on one or more of these excursions. Yet even if you decided to not do any excursions, you'll still have an enriching cultural learning experience from the tours that are included in the first place.

It might sound like you're bombarded with tours from one look at the company's name. However, if GoAhead Tours is anything like EF College Break, then I'm looking forward to plenty of free time to roam around each city that we visit. When I visited Ireland in 2008 using EF College Break, some of my favorite memories included renting bikes on the Aran Islands to explore the little town, discovering the beautiful parks of Dublin, and wandering the shoppes of both Galway & Dublin. These were things that my friend and I did on our own as we looked for things to do in Ireland at for little cost. So having free time is definitely an important aspect for my upcoming trip.

I'll end this post for now. I plan to come back to update on how we decided on our trip to London & Paris as well as our upcoming itinerary for all to follow.

Until then, au revoir!