Trip To London for Valentine's Day

For some reason everyone is very surprised when I tell them that our trip to London last month was our first time there together (my first time ever). I guess I don't blame them since we've been to so many different places around the world. London was just how I expected it to be. What a fabulous city it is!

Jason had to go to London for a conference for a couple of days. Since I have never been Jason decided to bring me along as my Valentine's Day present and even took Friday off so we could spend a long weekend together. I was so happy! Sometimes I have to remind myself that Jason does have to work when we go to all these places so it was so great to be able to explore together. I just love it!

First off, I must say that I was very excited to go before we even left because I have always wanted see London, I was very excited that everyone speaks English and because the weather was supposed to be so much warmer than Salzburg. It's always good going into a new city with excitement.

Since Jason was at his conference, I was on my own the first few days (including Valentine's Day). I was okay with this because I am totally used to it by now and I got to partake in some much needed retail therapy. Let's just say it was a little Valentine's day gift to myself. ;) I also went to see The Vow. Can I tell you how nice it is to just walk into a movie theater and all of the movies are in English? It's the little things. ;) It was a very relaxing couple of days.

We started off the weekend right by going to dinner on Thursday night at The Hardrock. I am not sure if I have ever put this on here or not but we try to go to The Hardrock in every city we go to. I know this is very American of us but it is our thing so just deal with it. ;) We usually get at least a shot glass from each one as a memory. This time though our waiters gave us some of their "flare" off their uniforms. They rocked. No pun intended.

When Friday rolled around I was very excited. Jason took the day off and we went off to explore the city. I saved all the "tourist" things so we could do them together.

We started the day by going to Abbey Road. We stayed within walking distance of it and it was a "must see" since I have always loved the Beatles. And of course, I had to have Jason take a picture of me walking just as The Beatles did. I must say, this was rather difficult since there is regular traffic passing through. Then we went and took a picture in front of the studio.

After Abbey Road, we hopped on the tube and went to Buckingham Palace. We could not have planned it better because we arrived right during the changing of the guard. 

Afterwards, we stumbled upon the Westminster Cathedral that had a tower with a 360 degree view of the city. It was just lovely. Of course it was beautiful inside too but we couldn't take pictures because a service was going on.

Our next stop was some place to grab some fish and chips. We stumbled upon this gem. And oh my goodness, was my food good. To be honest, I wasn't expecting much but it was so delicious.

And of course, after lunch, I just had to get a photo in a phone booth. I just love them.

After a nice stroll in the city we finally made it to Westminster Abbey. All I have to say is that Kate is one lucky lady because I would have given an arm and a leg to have had our wedding there. It was just gorgeous and the tour inside was very interesting. The only thing that I didn't like was that we weren't allowed to take pictures inside. If you haven't seen it, google it! 

Then of course we walked right next door to see Big Ben. 

After our adventure, we went back to the hotel to shower and change for dinner. My wonderful husband took me out for a late Valentine's Day dinner at the lovely Blue Elephant, which is a fine dining Thai restaurant. Our dinner was amazing! I am such a lucky girl!!

The next morning we woke up bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. We were off to Notting Hill. Although I have yet to see the movie (now I really want to see it), we really enjoyed our day. We walked around the area and I picked out several houses that I would love to live in. Then we walked the market. Let me just say, it can be trouble if you don't watch out. Everything was just lovely and I loved all the antique stores.

Towards the end of our walk in the market, we came across Shannons bar. Of course we had to stop and get a beer at our pub. We drank Shannons beer and it was delish of course!

After our pit stop, we walked around a bit more.

After Notting Hill, we went over to London Bridge and Tower Bridge and walked along the river. It was such a gorgeous night and Jason took some amazing pictures. I am so thankful that I have such an amazing photographer capturing all of our memories.

The next morning we were up bright and early to catch our plane back to Salzburg. It's a good thing we were a bit early because after going all the way to the Gatwick airport, which we flew into, (almost an hour away) we realized that we were flying out of the Heathrow airport (10 minutes from where we started from). Needless to say, even leaving London was an adventure. Welcome to our life!

I had such a great time. I can't wait to go back!! :)

P.S. Thank you Jason for taking me to London for Valentine's Day. It sure is better than flowers and chocolate. I can get used to this! ;) You are the best husband in the world!!