My first day in England was a long one. I arrived in Durham and got to see my lovely cousin Emily where she gave me a tour of Grey College at Durham University and walked me around the town. We went up to Durham Cathedral and we got to walk around inside. We went out into the foyer and I instantly recognized the place. Emily explained that they filmed one of the scenes from Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone in that breezeway. I was pretty starstruck.

Check it out! 

After that we got tea and had a chance to catch up. It was lovely. Soon enough it was time for me to go and I was back on the train heading to London Kings Cross Station. After a few hours and a nap we were pulling into London. I quickly discovered soon after that how much walking was required getting in and out of the Train Stations and the Tube Stations. I somehow found my way onto the Tube on my was to St Earls Court where I would later have to walk some more to get to my hostel. Something else I  quickly learned was there are always stairs. Always. I finally got checked in and met some charming people in my Hostel room. It was nice to finally lie down. The next day I spent walking around Earls Court, planning my trip in London and relaxing after all that traveling. I had woken up that morning, realizing that from all the train hopping I had caught a cold, so my goal for the day was to take it easy lest I get more sick. I got my laundry done for the first time in a few weeks and it was great to finally have clean clothes. Later that night I bought my travel card for the next week and hopped on the tube to head right into downtown and see The Tempest at the Globe. My first time walking around the city was nothing less of traumatic. I walked over a mile out of my way because I was on the wrong side of Blackfriars bridge. Luckily I had left my hostel an hour and a half before showtime so when I finally found the theater and picked up my tickets I had made it just in time! It was a fantastic show and I got to see Colin Morgan as Ariel, it was an experience I won't ever forget! 

All my trouble getting lost was worth it to finally make it here!

The Set for The Tempest! 

Exhausted and feeling ready for bed, I hopped back on the tube and headed back to my hostel, longing for my bed. 

That was days 1 and 2 in England! Next I will post my Weekend in Stratford Upon Avon! 

XXX 

Lo

So I know I haven't updated in a few weeks and I've been back in the states for about 2 weeks now, but I'm determined to finish the day by day updates from my trip! So I will be uploading those in the next few days, for now I have my list of Dos and Don'ts in Scotland! Hope you enjoy :)

Dos and don'ts in Scotland

Do try haggis, it's delicious, and rarely is it made in a sheeps stomach anymore, most of the time it's an all natural casing they cook it in, like the stuff sausage and hot dog casings are made of

Don't get a hamburger. Just don't. Beef isn't as good to come by out there and they add stuff to hamburgers and it makes them rubbery and gross, just wait to get back to the states before you get a Big Mac, you'll be glad 

Do talk to people. I love talking to Scottish people, they are so patriotic in their country an they have some amazing stories to tell! 

Don't try and talk like them. I don't care how many times you've watched brave heart, you do not have a good accent so please do us all a favor and act normally. 

Do get a chance to experience the shopping. My favorite thing to do was to go thrifting. You get a chance to buy clothing you probably don't get to experience very often back home at an affordable price. I found an adorable striped topshop top for only 2 pounds (about 4 american dollars) it was a steal and I love it! 

Don't get caught up in the tourist souvenir shops. they can be super pricy and not offering the greatest wares. We went to the large Scotland shop outside of Edinburgh Castle and despite it's size, it was still tricky to sift though tourist junk and actually things you would be willing to purchase.

Do take pictures. It's beautiful there and I love the memories I've captured from my camera. It's something you won't regret. 

Do (because I like ending on a positive) savor every moment. Go to the castles and experience their history, listen to the stories they have to tell. Go to tiny pubs and buy a beer and savor it. Spend your money and even if you come home broke it's fine, don't let it stress you. Just enjoy what it has to offer you and just relax. 

These are a few of the things I learned from my time in Scotland and I hope there are helpful to anyone who plans to go there in their lifetime, it really is a wonderful experience. 

XXX

Lo