Take it away, Ernie

It's officially been over a month since arriving in Europe. It's bizarre to look back on how much I've seen in such a short period of time. I find myself wishing that time would slow down here. I know that my departure in May is right around the corner.

Last weekend I went to London with a few girls to take in the splendor (but mainly see the Harry Potter film studios). Megan's aunt was kind enough to house us and preemptively buy us breakfasts for the weekend. She rules. 

First thoughts on London: 1) Dang, this place is expensive. I spent 20 pounds on the metro system for 3 days, (keep in mind 1 pound = $1.50) whereas we spend 20 Euro each month for the metro in Madrid! Absolutely nuts. 2) Anywhere in the city is a trek to get to. We were always looking at a 45 minute commute minimum. 

Even though we sat on the train for an hour and a half, the trip up to Leavesden for the Harry Potter studio tour was worth it. We had unlimited time to go through the exhibit which included the props from the actual movies. It was incredible how much detail went into background pieces that were part of ten minute scenes. Sets were built for weeks only to be torn down after a couple days of filming. 

It was a dream come true to walk through years of my childhood obsession. You can bet I will be rewatching/rereading these stories when I come back home this summer. 

Made it to Platform 9 3/4

When we entered the Great Hall, the initial tour guide had everyone cheer for each House they liked. When he got to Hufflepuff, no one said a word. Poor Hufflepuff. The unloved underdogs. 

Yummy butterbeer

Struggling with the yummy butterbeer

Don't worry, Mom. It's nonalcoholic

Looking into transferring schools

That night we went to separate musicals in the West End. Kate, Hannah, and I went to Phantom of the Opera while the other girls went to Wicked. A fun tradition in London is to sell small pints of ice cream during intermission at all musicals! Did we buy any though? No, because two bites of ice cream for 5 pounds was just ridiculous. 

On Saturday morning, we left the apartment to make it to our bike tour around the city. While we didn't anticipate it to be three hours long (or 10 miles for that matter), it felt wonderfully youthful to be back on a bike again. We hit all the main landmarks around the city and I was able to try a London lager at the short lunch break we were given. 

London lager

Ridin' dirty

Unfortunately my only telephone booth picture was next to a garbage can

Miraculous MK

#fit ladies

On our final night, we planned on going to a local pub for a quick drink. However, this somehow turned into us running to the local grocery store where we depleted the shelves of anything chocolate related and bought all we could carry. The night ended with us watching a John Mulaney special on Netfix and I could not have been more content with the turnout.  

Cadbury chocolate really is incredible

Probably laughing at a parenthood joke

Fabulous Fulham

Fun facts about the town Fulham where we stayed: supposedly Hugh Grant lives there now and it's where Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) grew up!

Megan's aunt Monica took us out for brunch on Sunday morning because apparently her kindness and hospitality have no end! She insisted we try Scotch eggs and boy was I glad she did. These were hardboiled eggs covered in breaded sausage with spicy mustard on the side. I know you're salivating right now like I am.

Scotch eggs

The miraculous disappearance act in 30 seconds

Tulips we bought for Megan's aunt as a thank you

This past weekend I'm relieved to say we spent in Madrid. Only my second weekend here and it was oh so nice to not be traveling for once. We kicked off the weekend by going to Kapital, Madrid's famous seven story club. Despite the 17 Euro cover charge (eek!), I had a ball switching between the different themed floors. 

The next day we went with some friends to a restaurant called Ojalá, which means "I wish." The basement of this restaurant is covered in sand to give the beach vibes everyone craves. 

~cozy~

Adorable little bookstore in Malasaña

How I spend most of my days

On Saturday I went to my first Real Madrid game with my friend Owen. The fans were extremely rowdy considering we were sitting next to a section of Bilbao fans. It was very interesting to see the number of people that turned around to make obscene gestures to them. Before the game started, we found out that alcohol was banned from the stadium! (Don't worry, Mom. I was just asking for a friend.) So basically everyone walking around with beers in hand were a) posers or b) really love the taste of beer, regardless of alcohol content.

Happy to see Cristiano Ronaldo in the flesh

I wanted to share a picture of this Cuban dish that our host mom makes. We've had this dish three times and it's nearly everyone's favorite. I wish I had a name for it other than Cuban dish, but that's what Ana insists on calling it so there you have it. You'll have to take my word that this vaguely named plate is great. 

Cuban dish?

The adventures of Spain continue next weekend as we venture to Granada, the city where my sister studied abroad . I look forward to returning and get some more of that "leche" gelato that I've missed so dearly. Catch you on the flip side (of Spain).