For the most part, I really try travel as economically as possible, but once in a while I will allow myself a little splurge. Which is why, when I got an email from Norwegian Airlines asking if I wanted to bid for an upgrade to business class I said " what the heck! why not?" I kid you not, I made the absolute lowest bid the website would allow and I was absolutely thrilled when they accepted! The upgrade cost me about 200 USD, but seeing as it was a FOURTEEN hour flight to London, I decided it was well worth it. When I got to the airport, I made my way to the airport lounge, an included perk of the business class ticket. Feeling somewhat like royalty, I walked up to the counter, showed my ticket and was admitted inside. In front of me I saw a delicious spread and feeling my stomach turn, I walked up to a worker. "Hi, where can I pay for the buffet?" She looked at me funny and told me that it was complementary. WHAT?! Let me remind you, I am a poor backpacker and this is the stuff of dreams. You better believe I made it my mission to eat as much as humanly possible in the 90 minutes before my flight! When I got on board things were even better. I had one of those reclining seats, and as I settled in a flight attendant approached with a tray and asked if I wanted a drink. Let me tell you, this was the best money i ever spent.
Anyways, I arrived in London in the afternoon and my plan was to take the train a couple of hours outside to visit one of my best friends Hayley. After a 14 hour flight I was anxious to get to her house, so I bought the very next train that was leaving in..oh crap I had 5 minutes. I ran through security and got on the train just as the whistles were blowing. Whew that was close. The train was entirely packed because of rush hour and over the loud speaker the conductor announced that in 6 stops, the train was going to split, cars 1-6 would be going to Thanet, where my friend lived and the back cars would be going a different direction. "Umm which car are we in?" I nervously asked someone next to me. "Car 14". Oh right. Of course I was 7 cars away from where I was supposed to be..in a packed train. "You'll never make it up there" said another passenger. "You're better getting out at the next stop and trying to run up." So my friends, for the next 6 stops I ran like a lunatic in the opposite direction of the Londoners who were getting off the train, not an easy task, especially with such a big bag. It was, I'm sure, a sight to behold. I eventually did make it to the 6th car and ended up in the right station, thank GOD. As always it was amazing to see Hay there waiting for me, and as always I went to get in on the wrong side of the car! 😂
While she was working during the week, I set about exploring her new neighborhood which I loved! Turns out it isn't always raining in the UK, and I had some gorgeous weather as I strolled along the British seaside!
At the weekend, we took the train into London to watch the marathon which was such a cool experience! I was a bit nervous with all the people there but was so much fun nonetheless..And of course we had to take some touristy pictures!
And let's be honest, what would a trip to England be without a little bit of afternoon tea?!
This was the absolute perfect way to end my trip around the circumference of the world. It was amazing to get to spend time with my British bestie, and we had the best time! We don't get to see each other nearly enough, but when we do it's always as if nothing at all has changed! Thank you for being the hostess with the mostest Hayley!
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