After the January exams, we had a week off from university before the start of Semester 2. A week free to do whatever we wanted. Or do nothing at all.
Whoop whoop!
I was really happy when I finished my last paper. I vaguely remember me just sitting in bed, catching up on shows and books that very night. After a few days of bumming around and ignoring morning alarms, I started my plan for the week.
warning: this is going to be a lengthy post.
#1: London
My last visit to London was with my mom, and we had just enough time to go around and do the usual tourist-y things. This round though, I was with a friend who lives in London (and I therefore deemed her as the resident expert). Because of this, I was somewhat determined to go to the less popular spots.
On the first day, we visited Camden Market. Camden Town seemed to have a very urban and artistic vibe, with large and outlandish shop decorations dotting the streets and walls, graffiti colouring the alleys...you get the picture. There certainly wasn't a lack of people in the market. Small seating areas were provided, however you'd have to watch out for the constant flock of birds circling the place. I had to keep a wary eye out for them lest they steal my delicious meal.
The entrance!
An overview of the market.
Top to bottom: My Swedish meatballs, with mash and lingonberry jam (just like Ikea's!). The lady who served this was very chatty and friendly. Middle photo was a salmon wrap, with salad and bulgur wheat. The last photo was a bourbon-smoked burger (I forgot what the sides were, sorry!).
I think I can speak on behalf of my friends and say that it was all very satisfying to our tummies.
These few photos were actually from Camden Stables Market, which was a short walk away and seemed to have much more variety in food. Will stop by here the next time!
Afterwards, we took a leisurely stroll to Primrose Hill which was nearby. It was an easy climb and it was lovely to just gaze at the London skyline while overlooking the park.
PS: All the 'models' in the shots were random strangers.
Next stop was Chinatown. We had dinner there (no pictures of it, heh!) and walked about in Central London - Soho, Leicester Square, Covent Garden.
We also watched Wicked that night. Beforehand, I wasn't too keen on watching it but oh my, did it blow my mind. Defying Gravity was stuck in my head for days after! Highly recommended.
Day 2 started off with a late, wet morning. We went to Borough Market for brunch and mmm, the smells wafting around was tantalizing. I had my first ever paella and it was scrumptious! I preferred Borough Market over Camden Market in terms of food as I felt it had more variety and also spanned a bigger area. The problematic birds, however, was present in both places.
As the sky was still pouring down with rain, we headed off to the Natural History Museum. There were lots of interesting exhibits to look around, with the focus mainly on the theme of biology.
While we had a short space of time left before dinner, we walked to the Science Museum which was nearby. Some of the exhibits there were interactive, which made it really engaging and interesting. If only we had more time to spend there :(
Dinner was at Gold Mine in Bayswater, where their roast duck was rumoured to be among (if not) the best. Verdict? It was mouth-wateringly delicious. My cravings are now satisfied! Om nom nom.
#2: Wales
After the trip to London, I went to Wales for a student getaway with my church. It was a little tiring to be traveling so often within a short space of time, but it was well worth it. The teachings were focused on 2 Peter. I felt really happy to finish studying a book of the Bible early on in the year and this has only left me craving for more :) The getaway was definitely a great time to unwind and make new friends, as well as delve deeper into the Word.
We had a bit of free time during the second day, so we caught a train to Barry Island!
sorry for the lack of good photos
So, yeah. That concludes my ISB. Is it bad that I've already mentally listed my plans for next year's? ;)
All in all, thanks for sticking with me thus far and may Semester 2 be good to us all. Grateful to God for the many amazing opportunities that He's provided for me :)
"For I know the plans that I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11
Take care and till next time,
Cheryl
