Don't Stop Believing : United Kingdom

When I began imagining my trip around the world the United Kingdom did not make my travel itinerary, not because I didn't consider the country travel worthy but because I wanted to wait until I could financially travel the country in style. I had always envisioned myself travelling through the United Kingdom, and Europe for that matter, when I was retired with pockets full of money so, I could eat in all the fancy restaurants and stay in posh hotels (it's good to dream right?). Anyways, after meeting Liam my travel plans took a drastic change and I soon found myself going through customs at the London Heathrow Airport.

When you set out to complete a trip of this magnitude most people have a desire to visit the place in which their ancestors where born. I had the opportunity to do this while in Hungary and due to Liam being part Australian, and part British, he had a desire to visit the town in which his Dad was born in England and meet his English side of the family. Not only did Liam want to visit the place where his roots resided he had been gently plotting the idea of us living in London pretty much since the day we met, thus we set off to England to meet his family and for me to get a feel for London life.

We spent five weeks in total in the United Kingdom which was only made possible by the wonderful friends and family who hosted us. Our first three weeks were spent in London where we split our time staying with two of Liam's friends from Australia, Joe & Shelley, and his Mom's cousin Victor & his daughter Fiona. Due to our London hosts making us feel so welcome it really felt like we were living in London rather than just visiting. We lived in real houses, with real people, doing real people activities versus living out of a backpack, staying in hostels and doing only tourist activities. We were able to do so much while in London so I'll just state what really stands out for me.
   Practiced Bikram for two weeks in various studios around London.
   Went to see Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty's Theatre.
   Saw a comedy show in Twickenhem & went to trivia night in a local pub.
   Connected with Canadian friend and shared some pints while catching up.
   Ate proper fish and chips in a proper British pub.
   Re-connected with two fellow yogi's from teacher training.
   Spent a Saturday watching The Walking Dead.
   Went to Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey! and...
   Had tea in Hyde Park and visited Camden Market & Convent Garden.

The list could continue on and on but lets just say we got a good feel of London life and Liam's dream of living there may one day become reality as I thoroughly enjoyed London and the buzz of the city is intoxicating. Perhaps one day we will rent a shoe box apartment there and eat fish and chips daily (it's good to dream right?).

After we pulled ourselves away from London we ventured up to Sheffield to meet Liam's English side of the family. They meet us at the train station and drove us to a small community outside of Sheffield called Rotherham. We arrived at a beautiful pub called Earl of Strafford where we stayed for five nights. Our room was above the pub so we spent our days meeting family members, eating the delicious home cooked pub meals and drinking pints of beer to keep us warm. During our time there we also had the opportunity to go to see Sheffield Wednesday, Liam's team and my first football game! It was a great experience and Sheffield Wednesday won but before we knew it our time in Sheffield was up and we were on the train headed for our next adventure.

The Lakes District was by far one of the most beautiful, calm, relaxing places I have visited during my trip. We were lucky enough to have an entire week to explore the Lakes District and spend time with our fabulous host Michelle Whalley. Liam and Michelle lived together in a share home in Melbourne, Australia five years ago. For them it was a great opportunity to re-connect and catch-up but for me I met someone who quickly became a lifelong friend. Throughout the last year I have had the gift of meeting and being hosted by many generous, accommodating and welcoming people however, Michelle definitely stands out in my mind. Not only did I feel as though Michelle was a long lost friend, she demonstrated a level of generosity you don't see very often.

During our time in the Lakes District we explored Windermere with Michelle's sister Alison, hiked mountains in Coniston and the Ingleton Waterfalls, drove to Manchester for the Manchester vs. Real Madrid game, had a spa day at the Marriott and had a backyard bonfire with Michelle's closest friends. Needless to say we were nowhere near ready to leave when our day of departure arrived but as they say all good things must come to an end.

Exploring London. Outside the Houses of Parliament

After having tea in Hyde Park

Walking around the streets of London at night

Spent a cold afternoon exploring Covent Garden Market

We spent many hours riding the tube. A picture was necessary.

Trivia Night with friends whom we stayed with in London.
Thanks again Joe and Shelley

While in London Liam and I spent two weeks doing Bikram.
I got the chance to explore a few different studios.
Above is Bikram Yoga Soho where a good friend from TT Simone teaches.
It was great to see you again friend!