7/15 I'm in London. Where are all the scones?!

I didn't wake up until about 9:30. The bed was so comfortable, especially compared to the bed at the hostel that had springs poking into my back all night.

I went downstairs as Justin was getting back from checking on a job site. I got dressed as Frances prepared a cute little breakfast table outside on their patio. We ate cereal and toast outside in the unusually warm and sunny weather.

Afterwards, we looked up the location of my tour's hotel and found that it was on the very west wide of London, not near very much. We decided to get the train about 45 mins. later to head toward London.

I packed up my stuff, which was becoming increasingly more difficult each day. Frances and Justin were kind enough to help me carry some of my stuff. We walked to the train station which was nearby. We bought our tickets from a rude ticket vendor and immediately boarded the train and were on our way.

The train ride was a little over an hour. We then had to buy tickets to take the tube to west London. But before we got on the tube, we decided to eat lunch at a cool restaurant called Canteen. Frances and I had the Mac and cheese and Justin had the shepherds pie. After lunch we got our tickets and took the 40 min train ride on the unbelievably hot tube to Hammersmith station. We were so hot and sweaty and literally had sweat dripping from us.

It was a relief when we finally made it. We exited the station and only had to walk a few blocks to the Novotel. I checked in at the desk to get my room assignment. I had my fingers crossed that I would get my own room, even though I did not pay the $550 single person supplement.

When I got up to the room, I saw that no one else had been in there! Yay! I dropped off my stuff and the three of us headed downstairs to the tour desk. I got my info for the next morning and found out I may have my own room tonight but the next night I may have to room with a younger girl from the US.

Frances, Justin and I headed back on the tube to a marketplace called Portobello Road. Frances had seen it in a magazine and thought it looked cool. It was like an open air street market with clothes and antiques and fresh fruit and veggies. Unfortunately, by the time we got there, everyone seemed to be packing up. We checked out a few stands and a few antique shops and them decided we should just go for a scone and some tea, since that was one of my main goals while in London. Thus began our scone seeking adventure.

We looked for an open cafe up and down the streets near Portobello market in the Kensington ara and could not find one that was either open or had scones. We looked for quite a while and then decided to get back on the tube and head to Covent garden.

We got on the tube and rode a short distance. When we got up to the street, it had gotten a bit colder, which was even more incentive to find a nice warm cafe. Then Justin spotted the board outside the cafe: scones!!!!!

We sat down happily and ordered warm scones and tea. It came with clotted cream, which I had never had before and loved, and jam (not jelly! Right Frances??!!) It tasted sooooooooo good! After relaxing inside for a while, we headed off toward the shopping area. Many places were starting to close up. By that time it was after 8. We decided to get back on the tube because I had to be up early the next morning and Justin and Frances had a long journey back home.

We got to the tube and found where our trains went in opposite directions. We took a couple of pictures and said our sad goodbyes. I promised them I would be back the next year for their wedding in Ibiza. They walked me to my train and we did our final hugs. As my train pulled away, Frances and I gave our final princess waves.

I made it to my return station quickly. When I exited the station, I was a little confused about which direction to go in. I walked around the block a little and found my way. Back at the hotel, I expected to have a roommate. Luckily, my room was still empty.

I attempted to call my mom on skype but the wifi connection was horrible. I decided to take a shower and get my bags packed and ready. After reading for a little bit, I decided to go to bed around 11:30.