This is a piccadilly line train to cockfosters

I can't believe I only have a week left in London, that seems so weird! I feel like there is so much more to see and explore and I wish I had more time! BUT I am so so so excited to be home and with everyone. This past weekend we went to Scotland and it was probably the best thing I've ever done. We went on this backpacking trip called "Mackbackpackers" which was absolutely amazing. We started out in Edinburgh and then up into the Isle of Skye and back down with a few stops in between to swim in loch ness and climb mountains. NOT a big deal or anything but...I waded in Loch Ness. I know. Lame right? I should've just jumped in but it was so so so cold! Oh well, at least a part of my body was in it! The first night before the Mackbackpackers tour we were in Edinburgh where I had my first taste of haggis. I must say..not that bad. On our tour we met and became friends with these amazing French people! We also met a girl from South Africa and one from Scotland. We had a whole house to ourselves in Skye so we got to know them quite well. The last night in the house we taught the frenchies how to play spoons and I beat the Parisian man! We also taught them how to play circle of death which was quite entertaining. I wish I had my own computer so I could post some pictures! I will soon enough...hopefully..

Scotland is absolutely breathtakingly gorgeous. I don't think I've ever been to a place so beautiful. Skye was probably my favorite part, I felt like I was lucid dreaming the whole time or something because it was just that beautiful, unreal. The first day we went up into Skye we went to this creek near where my ancestors came from actually and dipped our faces in the water. Apparently if you do that you have eternal beauty so I'm set! Later that day we climbed a mountain!...Well not a whole mountain, more like the base of a mountain but it was pretty high up there. I was soaking wet the entire time and for a short while there was a fear that my cheeks were frost bitten, either way...completely worth it. We ended that night by going into a fairy glenn which was probably the most peacful, almost dreamlike place I've ever been. The trees were covered in moss and we were cradled by the hills. If you couldn't guess why it is called "the fairy glenn" it is said that that is where the Fairies live and there is a sort of positive energy about it. I believe it.

The next day we made our way home and stopped at Glencoe where it is said that the water from the rushing river there is the purest water, purer than evian even! I had a cup of it, it was delicious.

Overall Scotland is my favorite thing ever. The end. No question about it. I go to Ireland in a week to do a 2 week session at the gaiety school of acting. Scary huh? I'm a little nervous I won't lie. It should be a really good experience though so I'm excited.

I hope its not strange when I go home. I miss everyone so much so it will be good to see people, but i fear that I will be missing London quite a bit. It will be so weird not taking the tube everyday, or not seeing the london eye in the background of everything or not going to tesco or the patisserie or covent garden or soho. GAH. I'm making myself depressed so I'm going to stop for now. I can't wait to see everyone. Get ready for huge hugs!

<3
~ali~

TOP TEN LDN

I figured it was about time for a top ten list so here we go.
Here is a list of the top ten things I love about London in no particular order:

1. The street performers/tube performers. These people are great. I love walking through the underground late at night and hearing anything from guitarists to opera singers and whistlers.

2. The crypt cafe/surrounding Trafalgar square area. The crypt has delicious food and a great ambiance, there is no place like it....you're eating on top of a crypt! CRAZY! Trafalgar square is absolutely gorgeous, maybe overcrowded with too many tourists, but it is my favorite place at night.

3. Hyde park. I've been there a few times, but the other day I went there by myself and it was so peacful. It's a great place to sit and read or just people watch, or in my case...pigeon watch.

4. Taking the bus. Although I take the tube much more frequently, riding the bus gives you more of a chance to see everything. And double deckers are sweet.#

5. Baked beans with breakfast! To most of you that sounds disgusting, but since I've been here I've developed a love for those delicious beans. I don't know what it is, but it gives the breakfast a little more...pizazz?

6. Walking along the Thames. The Thames is especially gorgeous at night, the London Eye is lit up, the National has it's crazy lights going on and there is a certain romance to it. Also great place for people watching.

7. Falling asleep on the tube. Between the hours of 4-7 or so, the tube is packed and usually more nausiating than normal. BUT, when no one else is on and you are able to sit, it can be one of the most soothing, sleep inducing things ever. mmmm so good.

8. Camden town. An area of open markets, good food, music shops, cheap clothes, interesting characters. Need I say more?

9. SoHo. Although it can get a little sketchy at night, it can be a lot of fun just walking around the area and drinking strawberry beer! SO GOOD!

10. Le Maison Du Moulin. Best. Patisserie. Ever.

Oh! I forgot! I went to Paris last weekend and it was absolutely wonderful. We stayed in the "Aloha Hostel" which was smelly but good. We got to see pretty much everything that we wanted to, we even went to the top of the Eiffel Tower! And we also went to one of my favorite museums called Musee D'Orsay which used to be a train station. Paris is absolutely gorgeous and charming. I got to use some of my french as well, although it wasn't very good...at all. Needless to say, Paris was an enjoyable time. And I recommend the Chunnel! (when its not on fire that is)

Unfortunately my computer is still broken and will be for the rest of the time here but I will try and blog as soon as I can!

Much love from the UK!
<3
~ali~