London, UK

A few weeks ago I found out I was going to have a long weekend available and I wanted to use it to travel to a new place. I began to look for places to visit and as I thought through many potential trip options, London was one of my top picks. As I was thinking through it I remembered that my friend from college, Natalie, is currently living there. So, I reached out to see if she'd be available to get a cup of coffee and catch up if I decided to go. Well, in very typical Natalie fashion, she not only said she'd join me for coffee but then offered to host me for my time there. I took her up on her offer, booked a plane ticket and a few days later was off to London. It would have been special enough to be in a cool new place with a familiar face, but Natalie went above and beyond, as is her nature. She is one of those people who is so genuine and generous, compassionate and loving, someone who it's just easy to spend time with. The weekend was full of new experience with little pieces of home scattered throughout, which was such a blessing. While I was there I was able to do and see all the typical touristy London things and I really feel I got the absolute most out of my short time there. It was a very fun, sweet trip. One I will be forever thankful for.

Here are some photos from the trip.

A very typical London welcome.

The first real breakfast I've had in three months! (aka - not just bread and a sip of coffee)

Fun fact: only the Queen can go through the middle gate.

I was lucky enough to get to watch the Changing of the Guard.

Buckingham Palace and all the people there to watch the Changing of the Guard.

As close as I got to the London Eye.

London is a very metropolitan city, however, there were still many buildings weaved throughout the city that tell of the rich history the city is made up of.

The Tower of London.

The Tower of London from another angle.

It may have looked like fall but it felt like mid-winter!

In this picture I'm standing in St. James Park with Buckingham Palace behind me and the Household Cavalry Museum in the distance. It was one of those "is this real life?" moments. (Also, fun fact: The Household Cavalry Museum use to be the entrance to the Palace of Whitehall which is why it looks very castle-like.)

Another fabulous breakfast to be thankful for!

My sweet friend, Natalie.

On the steps of the National Gallery (which is actually behind me).

In front of the National Gallery. If I went back to London I would set aside half of a day (maybe more) just to spend more time here. It was the most phenomenal art gallery I've ever been to.

In most galleries I'm used to not knowing the artists, but The Gallery had paintings by Degas, Van Gogh and Monet which was very fun. This was my personal favorite. "The Water Lily Pond" by Monet.

Even the walls the art was hung on were beautiful to look at.