On Tuesday, a group from my school in SC came to Maynooth and so Colleen (who also came from my school) and I showed them (the them included her dad who is a prof at our school, mom, and sister) around town and school. It was great being able to see people from back home!
Tuesday night my friend Paulina and I headed to the Dublin airport which evidently closes at night. Shocking. So we slept in chairs until four am when we checked in for our flight. From there we flew to Bristol, England and checked into our hostel. Then we grabbed a train straight to Cardiff, Wales and from there we went on to Caerphilly. I've heard about the amazing castle there so I had to go. And sure enough, it was worth it! It was absolutely beautiful. Second largest castle in the UK. So amazing!
After that we headed back to Cardiff, which by the way is the capital of Wales. We explored that awesome town for quite a while! Very cool!
After this we headed back to Bristol and passed out! The next morning was Thursday and we were off again! This time to Bath. There truly are no words for Bath. It was simply exquisite. By far, my favorite town over here. I'll let the pictures speak!
After that we did a trip to Stonehenge and in the beginning I thought it was amazing. I just HAD to see it. Once there, I found out that the stones have actually been removed and cemented back in place. So really, it lost its historical significance to me after that... Personal opinion. Not to mention, it was ABSOLUTELY freezing. Do not go to Stonehenge in the winter. Ever. Trust me y'all. Trust me. I'd actually say pass on it but I guess that's a personal opinion! Either way, here's a picture!
That night we headed back to Bristol and the next morning walked around the town for a little while. Found a beautiful church called St. Mary's.
Then we caught our train to Edinburgh! After our seven hour train ride we went straight to our hostel and got in bed! The next day we explored town with a girl we met in the hostel. Here are some pictures from that day!
So that was Saturday. On Sunday the three of us did a day tour of the Scottish Highlands. It was AWESOME!!! We saw castles, lochs (even the largest one in the UK), mountains, everything!
On Monday morning we were off to London bright and early! We got there that afternoon and met two American guys who were also looking for a hostel so we headed off to ours together. We then met back up and went to dinner and explored London afterwards. It was a really awesome first night! We ended the night at a kids center where we played laser tag, air hockey, and a dangerous game of bowling!
We spent five days in London and they sort of all run together now. So I'll lump activities together but in no particular order. I know the first thing we did Tuesday morning was head to the London eye!
After that, no clue what order these were taken so we'll go by location because that's how I have them saved on my computer!
First location will be: Westminster/Big Ben/Parliament (because they're all literally right beside each other).
Next location is: Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace
Next location is: Tower of London and Tower Bridge
Next is Trafalgar Square and the Horse Guard (because they're next door!)
Next is the British Museum which of course my favorite part was the Egyptian exhibit! Still positive I was supposed to be born in ancient Egypt... Anyways, here are some of my favorite pictures from there.
And then, of course, there was Abbey Road!
And now I guess I'll just give you some random ones from all over the city!
Had an awesome banana and nutella crepe in Camden Town!
Made a guard laugh and even got a wink!
Went exploring in Harrods but all I could afford was a chocolate bar...
The one above and below are both in the M&M store
Millenium Bridge!
St. Paul's Cathedral
Scotland Yard!
The Globe Theater
Wellington Arch
A replica of Chaucer's house
One of the two remaining actual segments of the original Roman wall that surrounded their town of London
The Gherkin!
One of the few remaining walls from WWII and also a road where Jack the Ripper killed one of his victims
In Hydde Park looking out at one of its entrances.
Went to Hogwarts for a minute...
Saturday morning we woke up and headed to Holyhead, Wales via train where we would catch the ferry back to Dublin. Here are some pictures from the beautiful journey!
So, overall, the trip was amazing. Without a doubt, the best Spring Break I've ever had! I still can't believe the places I've been and the things I've seen. It's so surreal. You see these places in movies and always say you'll go there one day but you never actually think you will. And then I did. And it was amazing. I am so blessed to have this opportunity and without my amazing parents I know it never would have happened. God has blessed me in so many ways. I can't wait to see what it's store next!
Xoxo,
B
