I filled a bowl with yogurt, cereal, walnuts and fresh fruit and ate it along side a fresh baguette that I dipped in Nutella.
I also grabbed a chocolate croissant on my way out which was fantastic. It definitely deserved a photograph, but my camera was tucked away in my bag and I had chocolate all over my fingers. My family has been laughing at me this entire trip because somehow I keep ending up with chocolate all over my clothes! I need to do some laundry, that’s for sure.
Bus, Train, London
After breakfast, our tour group boarded a coach bus that transported us to the train station.
Once there, my mom and I bought a large pistachio macaroon because we couldn’t leave Paris without trying one!
I’m sure a train station isn’t the ideal location to purchase a macaroon, but it was really good! I can only imagine how fantastic they taste from a Parisian pastry shop or bakery. Mmm! I’m hoping they have these in London, too.
I wasted time waiting for our train by reading my book which is phenomenal.
Thanks for the great recommendation. I am seriously loving The Help and hope to post a review of it when I finish soon.
Eventually we all boarded the Eurostar, a train that goes nearly 200 miles an hour and arrived in London in no time!
Globus + Kees
Once there, we took another bus to our hotel where we had to say goodbye to our tour guide from our trip since London is our final stop.
It was sad saying goodbye to Kees (pronounced Case) because he really was the heart and soul of our trip and helped our group get from place to place without any headaches. He was extremely knowledgeable and his personality was so positive and upbeat. Our whole tour group loved him!
Since I’ve received quite a few emails and inquiries from your guys about our what tour group my family and I are using on this vacation, I figured I should address them on the blog. We’re on the “Essential Europe” tour through a company called Globus. It’s been a dream logistically and not having to worry about getting from place to place is such a huge stress reliever. This tour has really given us a great overview of four different European countries.
Now I just need to revisit every single one to really immerse myself in each location! I think I may have been bit by the travel bug.
The British Museum
After saying goodbye to Kees and settling into our hotel room, my family and I braved the London bus system and boarded a bright red double-decker bus for the British Museum.
Our bus ride lasted about 20 minutes and we hopped off right in front of the museum where we immediately headed over to a truck selling crepes for a pre-museum snack.
It was a bit chilly in London, and that hot chocolate warmed my soul!
Eventually we headed inside the museum where we spent the afternoon taking in the various exhibits.
The above picture is a visual representation of all the pills the average British person takes in their lifetime (a woman’s pills are depicted on the left, a man’s on the right).
Can you believe that the average person in Britain takes more than 14,000 medications in their lifetime? Insane, huh?
My mom, sister and I were also very interested in the difference between the statues carved of women and of men.
While the men are depicted looking very muscular with toned arms and abs, the women look a bit softer.
We noticed this trend in Italy as well and found it quite interesting. I find this version of a woman’s body feminine and beautiful and I imagine the people of this time did as well. I wonder what the people and sculptors would think of the “ideal” women’s body nowadays. Definitely thought-provoking!
After a while at the museum, my family and I declared ourselves “museumed out” and headed to a local pub for dinner.
Dinner
We followed the recommendation of the hotel concierge and walked down The Chapel.
The food was delicious and the atmosphere was upbeat and lively. It was a really neat place!
After dinner we came home, showered and crashed. It was a long (but fun!) day.
Stay tuned for London: Day Two shortly!
P.S. The Fashion page was updated!
I’ve loved all of your recaps about Europe so far! However, I have one jealousy-fueled comment: do they seriously have mini Nutella packets everywhere you go? If so, that is seriously amazing.
Megan @ On the Road Again
yes! it’s amazing!
julie @ peanut butter fingers
omg! your in the same country as me now! if you start to miss frozen yogurt, there are a few stores in london that just do frozen yogurt and toppings. Theres definitely one in Covent Garden and another in Soho if you’re anywhere near there. have fun
SarahS
I’m so glad to see you having such fun in London! I’m studying abroad there next year and I’m excited beyond belief!!
Whenever I go to europe we always do the baguette thing- so classic!
Hannah
I do think if we ever take a big trip to Europe that we will go with some sort of guide service like you did — I can’t imagine trying to get to place to place, especially without knowing the languages.
Holly @ The Runny Egg
Is nutella everywhere in Europe?!
Lisa @ I’m an Okie
yay you’re in my country!! good to see you’ve had a burger already
. Remember to try hobnobs!! have fun xoxox
rebecca
This is my favorite post to date, because I can’t wait to go to London myself in less than two weeks!! I’m interested to hear what you think of the food, because everyone keeps warning me that it’s horrible!!
Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine
You can get laduree macaroons in London from regents street (the street that takes you from Oxford st to Piccadilly square or the food hall at Harrods!!
Don’t forget to check out belgos in covent garden for mussels and frites. Oh and if you’re hungry walking around midday and need to grab a quick bite, pret a manger has the best sandwiches and salads ever!! Don’t forget to check out the foodhall from marks and spencers too.. good healthy lunch stuff.
Oh and last but not least buy something from topshop!!! It’s amazing!!
Primrose
we LOOOOOVED harrods!
julie @ peanut butter fingers
If I ever go to heaven, I imagine it to be like the food hall in Harrods ( but all the treats would be free and 0 calories!!)
primrose
Loving your Nutella kick!
Lindsay Loves Veggies
When I was in college, I studied art history and we learned that women were sculpted and painted to look a little bit “fuller” because that showed a sign of wealth. It really is interesting!
London is a city that I’ve been dying to go to. Any after effects of the royal wedding still hanging around?
Alaina
I LOVE London! It’s such an amazing place! Have fun!
Katy (The Singing Runner)
I love London, while I did NOT love the food. My mom and I joked around that we wish we would have gone to London last because there was nothing for us to eat!
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey
Julie – you’re about a 2 hour drive from me! Haha hope you enjoy your time! When are you going back?
Looking forward to reading about the rest of your time in London
anna
today!! i’m in miami now & am flying to tampa tonight – in orlando tonight or tomorrow morning.
julie @ peanut butter fingers
London is so much fun! Can’t wait to see what else you are going to explore while you are there!
Cait @ Beyond Bananas
Our tour guide on our globus tour was the life of the tour as well. She totally made the trip. I couldn’t think of one bad thing to say aboutthe tour. Such a great way to seemlessly travel around a different country.
Enjoy your next day in London. Hope you get some nice weather
Gina @running to the kitchen
I have been dying to have a macaroon. I want to make them, but they are hard. So far your trip seems fab!!
Chelsea J
I would not be surprised at all to find out that I may have taken that many ibuprofen so far in life.
Your trip looks like you have had soo much fun
Rachel
I loved The Help so much. It’s one of the best books I’ve read recently.
Have fun exploring London!
Brittany
Julie! Today (yesterday?) you were about a 15 minute walk from where I live! How exciting! Hope you enjoy your stay in London:)
Grace
If you want the authentic French macaron experience in London, you MUST go to either Laduree or Pierre Herme, which are also the most famous and best macaron shops in France. There are 2 Laduree locations, one of which is inside of Harrod’s. They are hands down the most amazing macarons (and perhaps better than any other dessert in my opinion) in the world!! I haven’t tried Pierre Herme myself, but I heard that they are better than Laduree, which is hard for me to fathom. These authentic macarons are to die for!!!!!
Haneul
She’s telling the truth!!!!
The salted caramel was beyond description…
Mari
OH MY GOD I’M DYING! The Chapel is right across the street where I lived during college!!! I lived at 44 Homer Street — it’s cattycorner from the Chapel. The Beehive is another great little pub just down the street.
I’ve been reading all your blogs and having lots of fond memories of my semester abroad more than a decade ago already (gah), and I just gasped out loud when I read that you ate the Chapel tonight.
SO JEALOUS! Enjoy the rest of your time in London!
Jackie @ MomJovi
So excited that you’re in London! My heart will always be there. Can’t wait for day 2 recap!
Khushboo
I’m new too your blog, but I am loving it.
I moved last year from Paris to the US, but I grew up in London, so your photos keep reminding me of how beautiful both places are. Even if it oes make me a little homesick too
If you have time and like Museums, you should try and get to the British Science Museum too- it’s a lot of fun!
Lucy Nash
yes the travel bug bites me TOO every time I leave
I love London…..but Switzerland is first in my book. Along with the Nutella and amazing cheeses and breads !!
Can’t wait to see more
Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife
Loving all of your European posts! I’ve only been to the Netherlands and Germany and want to travel to all the places you’ve been on this trip!
It looks like that macaroon is from Paul Bakery by what I can see of the bag. You’re in luck! I believe Paul has bakeries in Florida! Just not sure where…. They also just opened their flagship store in my work ‘hood and I’d be glad to send you a macaroon if needed.
Laura
Girl I alwayyyyys have food on my shirt! I have to buy a new white V-neck probable every month! NO JOKE!
I want to read that book so bad! Can’t wait to hear about it!
Cara (Yourowntwist)
I have to admit, I loved that museum, but I’m a nerd like that.
Glad you’re having fun
Tiff @ Love Sweat and Beers
ahh i cnt believe ur here!!!! im sorry the weather is a bit overcast and weird but at least its NOT RAINING!! big accomplishment for london!
Carrie
I did my Masters in London, I lived right down the street from Trafalgar Square..your pictures are making me smile!!
Safe travels!! Enjoy!!
Jayme @ Runner and Spice
Your trip looks like so much fun! I’m definitely looking into that tour company. I’m glad you like the Help. I loved it! It’s coming out as a movie in August.
Also, it looks like you all got your Longchamp bags! Yay!
Amy
I am so jealous of you, I’m studying for my exams and you’re having such an amaaazing vacation! I haven’t visited any of the cities you have even tough I live in Holland ( only Barcelona, which I’m sure you would love to -> huuuge fruit market)
Btw, was Kees dutch? Because it’s a dutch name and he looks like he could be from here too haha.
Have fun in London!
Miriam
yes!
julie @ peanut butter fingers
Looks like you had a great first day!
Crepes! Yum! I love me some crepes. All this food is making my mouth water!
Tori (Fresh Fruition)
Your trip looks amaaazing! Does your company plana good amount of time for exploring solo?
Megan@eatmybeets
you really had the option to do things solo or not. they had organized things included in the cost of the trip, but also optional excursions.
julie @ peanut butter fingers
I loved London when I was there a few years ago! Have fun on the last few days of your vacation, can’t wait to see more pictures! Hope you get to do some shopping on Oxford St!
Jacki
Looks beautiful! Glad you are having a good time! I just bought The Help to take on my vacation in a few weeks! Nice to hear it is a good read!
Carrie
Oh that macaroon looks soooo good! Can’t wait to hear about London. I have always wanted to go there!
Jamie aka “Sometimes Healthy Girl”
i live in london too – hope you enjoy! remember to try british chocolate bars especially Galaxy and Minstrels. And also try to go to the Tower of London its amazing! If you can, afternoon tea at the Ritz/Claridges is aweseme too. have fun!
Gill
Huh, that is SO interesting about how many pills people take througout a lifetime… and the statues! I bet they’d think women were crazy for working out the amount they do and for wanting “lean” body-types. Very interesting, for sure! That double decker bus looks like fun… did you sit on the top level? I’ve never been on one!
Allison @ Happy Tales
Macaron*
Macaroons are the little coconut treats! Omg I’m so jealous of all your nutella consumption haha
Jenn
ah! thanks! i totally didn’t realize that.
julie @ peanut butter fingers
That pill display is pretty extreme. ..I don’t quite get the point but those are the most instresting museum exhibits anyway. They don’t really have a point but they’re amazing the thinkabout!
Mary @ Bites and Bliss
WOW. That pill display is incredible. It’s so strange to think about just how many pharmaceutical substances we put in our bodies, and how nearly none of these compounds existed a hundred years ago.
ALSO: I am reading The Help right now too!! I love it. I’d recommend “Skinny” by Diana Spechler next!
SquatLikeALady
Already in London! I recognise the macaroon brand, and you picked one of the best ^^
I love London, it’s such a great city, so many things to see.
Gen
Wow, 14,000 pills… I wonder how British people compare to Americans? Something makes me think that we are more heavily medicated.
Looks like a fantastic and delicious day of your travels! All of us, and our stomachs, are living vicariously through you
Laura @ Backstage Pass
I just finished The Help this morning. I actually found myself taking it slow because I loved the characters so much and didn’t want it to end! Looking forward to reading your review.
Caroline
I cannot believe you are 25, you look so young! You’re super pretty by the way. Just thought I’d tell you that
Reading about your trip is making me excited for my trip to Europe in June.
So tell me, are Parisian macaroons as good as they look? Because they LOOK lovely but I’ve always wondered if their taste lives up to their lovely appearance.
The pill exhibit is so interesting. Geeze 14,000? That’s a whole lot of pills.
Haylee
Ok I just realized that I implied that 25 wasn’t young, but I totally didn’t mean that!! I should have said “you look so much younger than that” because that’s what I meant. 25 is still definitely young haha so sorry about that. :S But yes what I meant to say is that you look a lot younger than 25.
Haylee