Back in London a Year Later

So I have just arrived in London and am currently waiting for my travel buddy Alex to arrive!! At this moment you could say I am experiencing some jet lag since I pretty much slept by just resting my eyes but the flight was pretty good. No one was in the middle seat so I got to spread my legs a little more. However in flight entertainment was the Reese Withersoon chick flick "how do you know" and Conviction. Usually I wouldn't mention the inflight movie but the week I rented "How do you know", I also rented Conviction so I guess I have good pairing ideas since those were both our movies.

Once I arrived in London I heard the most precious words spoken by the flight attendant. "Welcome to London!!" Although these aren't that special of words to most people, to me it's heaven. I'm what you would say a little obsessed with the country. Love football, pop culture, artists, and the royal family which is one of the main reasons I am here. To be witness to the wedding of Kate Middleton and Prince William!!!! To be honest I can't believe I am here. About a year ago I went backpacking here and showed my friend Katie what an amazing place London is and now I'm here to witness an historic wedding.

Another thing that's great about London/ Europe is the arrival gate. Now in the states, the arrival gate is combined with the baggage claim however, in Europe the baggage claim is behind doors and the arrival gate has bars on both sides with people waiting for you.

One of the best ways to describe it/ give a picture is to quote one of my favorite movies Love Actually. In the beginning Huge Grant dubs over people hugging in an airport. He says along the lines of "Anytime I think of love I think of the arrival gates at Heathrow" ( well what do you know I'm there right now haha) and then he mentions 9/11 and how there were messages of love not hate. Well while he's speaking there are actual video of people arriving at Heathrow hugging and this was not taped just for the movie. No matter if you have seen the movie or not it is a great way to be treated.

People waiting behind the gate with signs and cheer and are happy. Although I didn't have anyone waiting for me it makes you feel welcomed and somewhat like a Rock Star. ( Come on when are you ever going to have people cheer for you for just arriving)

So I have to say this trip is off to a great start but then again I feel like London is a magical place. It's about the same excitement level I get for the Whole Foods in Lincoln Park. Anyway, while I wait for Alex I'm in a coffee shop drinking Earl Grey tea which is a little thing we do when we see each other. One thing they ask here when drinking coffee if it's for here or take away. Obviously I had it for here but a different way of ordering considering most of Starbucks in the states is take away.

Anyways I'll keep ya posted the best I can. It's 70s here all week which is insane since back home were in 40s/50s. We spent the day picnicking by the London eye and walking around the Thames but left just in time when we saw lightening. It overall was a perfect way to start the day. Frankie, the person were staying with is Amazing!! She's an amazing cook and I keep baffling her on my Brit culture like hosts on tv and music artists plus she's making me feel right at home.

Cheerio and Happy Easter and birthday to Julie and Alex who without you two there would be no JAM

Location:London