What a Magnificent Day

Two days in a row without a schedule, what more could I want. :) After a disappointing venture to Picadilly Circus yesterday, I decided to try it again in hopes that a weekday would be less crazy. On my way to Picadilly, I took the Tube to Leicester Square. I had heard that this is the central location for cheap theater tickets. I would love to see another show so this was definitely a place I had to check out. As I exited the Tube, I immediately saw multiple locations advertising cheap tickets. A friend and I inquired about the general "cheap" cost and found out that we could get theater tickets for around 25-30 pounds. I was glad to hear such a low number and plan to buy tickets to see either Wicked, Love Never Dies (Phantom Sequel) or one of the countless others. After checking on ticket prices, I continued on to Picadilly Circus. At first glance I knew I would like Picadilly far better today than I did yesterday. The number of people in the area today was far less than yesterday. Walking down the street and meandering in and out of shops was much easier and enjoyable today. I went into some of the shops selling "London gear" as well as GAP. The GAP here in London had a different selection than in the states and was having a sale. I simply could not leave the store without making a purchase. :) After leaving GAP, I continued walking around Picadilly. It really is a neat place to be with large advertisement screens and a large sculpture right in the center of the circus. When I had finished exploring Picadilly Circus it was getting close to lunchtime. Katie and I had packed our lunches and planned to have a picnic in a park. We caught the Tube and headed toward Hyde Park. When we stepped onto street level we saw the beautiful and large Hyde Park. We began walking around the outskirts of the park for a place to have lunch. We found a darling little rose garden with several benches and people having lunch and decided this would be a great spot to picnic. As we ate, the pigeons began to think we had invited them to join us. As dirty as these birds are, I am beginning to get used to them. The birds are all over and do like to get close to people, but I have realized the locals just ignore them and I am trying to do the same. Right down the street from Hyde Park in one of the largest and most famous department stores in the world, Harrod's. Because we were so close to the fabulous store, making a visit there was certainly an opportunity we could not pass up. As we made the journey down the street I had no idea what I would find upon arrival. Before too long, the magnificent Harrod's was in front of me towering high into the sky. Even the outside of the store makes a statement and stands out from all others around it. The salmon color of Harrod's is what gives it such demanding attention compared to the other buildings near by. Walking through the rooms of Harrod's was overwhelming to say the least. Currently, the biggest sale of the year is taking place at the store and many people are taking advantage of this. As Katie and I ventured through the mansion of sales we spotted something that sparked out attention, a Chocolate Bar. We knew immediately that we would be heading to this sweet spot to have an afternoon treat. When we arrived at the chocolate bar I was overwhelmed by the menu of delicious goodies. I settled on a chocolate, hazelnut and praline danish and boy was it yummy. The danish was very light and crispy like a croissant but sweet and chocolatey like a candy bar. I thought I'd share a photo so everyone can see just how amazing it was. :) I knew I would not be able to leave Harrod's without a souvenir and I had spotted the perfect item before I went to the Chocolate Bar. I headed back to the jewelry counter after eating to purchase my prize. I chose to get a ballerina charm for my Juicy Couture charm bracelet. I have been wanting a charm for my bracelet for a long time, but could never find the right one. This charm reminded me so much of Swan Lake that I saw the other night and it was 50% off. I knew that this charm would be the perfect memento. After leaving Harrod's we continued down the street toward the Victoria and Albert Museum. The outside of this museum is absolutely beautiful and quite ornate. There are lots of stone carvings all over the building that I haven't the slightest idea how someone was able to create. I took several photos of the museum because I was basically starstruck by its size and character. We walked around the museum for a short while before realizing how tired we were. We decided to head back to our flat and relax after out long busy day. I am looking forward to a relaxing evening and plan to watch a movie. Thanks for stopping by!

AM