WMA.

Westminster Abbey really is as elegant and dominating inside as it is

on the outside.



The 16-pound admission fee includes the audio tour, which is crucial

to understanding the history, the multiple memorials, the breathtaking

altars,and the intricate marble and gold decor.





My 3 favorite gems of WMA were:

1. Standing in the exact place that William and Kate exchanged their

vows. I mean, I may or may not have re-enacted the entire wedding

ceremony during my visit.

2. The marble odes to various British literary figures like Chaucer,

Dickens, and Shakespeare.

3. A little bit of Susan by my side.

West End Tix.

This time in London, I was determined to see a play in the West-end.

Carla and Susan were up for the adventure of standing in line to buy cheap-day-of tix at tkts.

{BTW:  This whole process took way less time and effort than I originally planned on--making the deal-io even better!}

We opted for Billy Eliot because it seemed much more British than Thriller Live and Legally Blonde.

To be honest, Billy Eliot was a really odd play. 

The story covers everything from worker strikes to Margaret Thatcher's political controversies to motherless sons to poverty to children's dance

classes to sexuality exploration. It was a good storyline, but the

overall production was just weird.

Nonetheless, I get to check "Play in the West-End of London" off my bucket list.

And I got to enjoy some great sister time.

Thanksgiving, English Christmas Market Style.

Mulled Wine + a Sausage Fest + Ostrich burger = Thanksgiving Dinner

Not exactly the home-cookin' we're used to, but when surrounded with

Christmas Markets, it was hard to even remember it was Thanksgiving.

Please Don't!

I just feel like this sign should read, "Welcome to Heaven, Allison".

Hello 29!

It's interesting that as a I turn 29, I am finding myself in much the same place that I was when turning 18. Knowing that I am finishing up one part of my life and moving on to another, is a refreshing change and yet it is accompanied with certain feelings of remorse, regret, and even raw sadness.

The truth be told, I have such an amazing life just as it is. And I know that every day, I will miss it. Especially the people.

And so today, while in London, while enjoying the sh@& out of my 29th birthday, I will celebrate the life I live right now.


So cheers

to cheap cans of beer under the London Eye at sunset.

to healthy parents who raised me to love adventure and kindness.

to Susan, for all you are.

to Mr. Umbrella for choosing to love me.

to every honest and true friend and companion I have ever had, whether lasting or fleeting.

to being in love with my career - to falling in love with 100 9th graders who are funny, brilliant, and beautiful - to working every day with great teachers - to Emily for dealing with me.

to travels, skiing, mountains, roommates, little dresses, Target stores, happy hours on patios, pedicures, macaroni and cheese, the gym, the tavern, excitement about newness, Facebook stalking, blogs, bookclub, cooking club, and everything else.

to loving 29.

Tea Time

When in London, have afternoon tea in an atrium styled balcony.





For 28.5 pounds, tea at the Terrace Restaurant includes tea or coffee, an assortment of miniature edible delights, homemade jam and cotted cream, an excellent view of the sky without hassle of the elements, and a glass of champagne. For a cheaper price, skip the champagne.




Deuce sign for livingsocial, London. Well before visiting a new city, sign up for groupon and livingsocial in your place of destination. They may not only save you some moolah, the daily coupons may suggest unique and authentic places to see and eat.

xoxo, allison

Location:Terrace Restaurant, London

True Love

equals butter chicken from Thespians.

Clearly, d - to - the - licious.


Sidenote: the restaurant is located within walking distance to the Royal Shakespeare Company theater in Stratford-upon-Avon and offers a 10% discount with ticket stubs. (As if the food itself isn't worthy of one million deuce signs!)

Train ride to Stratford-upon-Avon

Mimosas, gourmet cheese, and crackers.



Blogging.



Lesson learned: there is nothing better than right now.

Location:London to Stratford