London - Sunday 2nd to Tuesday 4th January

Despite my iPhone alarm not going off when it should have I made it to the train on time to travel back to London. A quick stop back to Kelly & Will's to leave my pack, I headed into Coventry Gardens to have dinner with my cousin, Collin & Katie. We had some quite nice (& mild) Mexican at Wahaca, which is owned and run by a British Masterchef winner. It was lovely to catch up with them.

Monday 3rd Jan.
I was busy today. First I stopped at an Internet cafe and added a blog and photos. I stopped at Leicester Square and purchased a theatre ticket for tonight, then continued on the tube to Chalk Farm where I walked down the road and meet my old housemate, Will. We ate lunch at the Lansdowne Pub in the company of Jamie Oliver and his family (I have photo evidence:) cheekily taken with my phone). Will and I walked up to the top of Primrose Hill, where Will pointed out his lovely apartment, and Jamie Olivers home - perhaps Jamie needs an au pair??

Tiny flutters of snow occasionally fell from the grey sky as Will and I walked along the canal to Camden Town, where we stopped for hot chocolates. I was delighted to wander the Camden markets - they're my favourite place to meander. It was also brilliant to talk with Will, our conversation flowed ever so easily.

I farewelled Will and hopped on the tube to meet Sarah at Leicester Square. It was so delightful to see her again. We caught up on school adventures and travel experiences. I can't believe it's been a whole year since we first met and worked together! Whilst engrossed in our conversation we were briefly distracted by 3 people being searched and questioned by uniform and plain clothes police officers.
Sarah gave me some valuable tips for my travel in Norway, but unfortunately we had to end our catch up so that I could get to the theatre. Amidst our farewell I forgot to get a photo to record our time together - never mind, the pictures in my mind will remain forever.

On to the Theatre. I arrived at the Princess Theatre just in time to watch 'Billy Elliot'. Finally I made it to a Westend show, despite living in London for almost a year not once did I see a WestEnd show! And Billy Elliot was great, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
What a full and fantastic day! I am loving being in the flow and connecting with my friends. Just the best day!!

Tuesday 4th Jan
Once my washing was hung up, hair dry and straightened and eaten I ventured out to see some sights. I began at Westminster where I photographed Big Ben then headed over to the other side of the Thames. After a moment of dilemma I joined the line and purchased a ticket for the London Eye. It was lovely to see London from this perspective and I took quite a few photos.

Afterwards I wandered along the Thames crossing back to the other side as it began to drizzle. Thankfully it didn't last long and I enjoyed walking along the Millenium Bridge to the Tate Modern. Inside the Tate I went to the free exhibit in the Turbine Hall. The Chinese conceptual artist, Ai Weiwei's installation is called Sunflower Seeds. It us made up of 100 million porcelain handcrafted sunflower seeds! Truly amazing to see this huge space covered in porcelain sunflower seeds. I enjoyed the 15min video and photographing the installation. Before long it was time to meet up with Christine who worked at ARPS 2yrs ago. We went to the top floor, 7th level and sat at the benches drinking hit chic/coffee looking out over the beautiful London city lights. Had a great time catching up with Christine.

We walked across the Millenium Bridge and over to St Paul's Vathedral which was lit beautifully at night, then caught the tube to Oxford Circus. Under the big Nike store I met Ricky. We went to dinner at a lovely little Japanese restaurant. Our conversation covered all sorts of topics and was most enjoyable. It was great to talk so comfortably with such a new friend.
With a hug and a promise to stay in touch we parted ways, but not before some photos together at Oxford Circus.

And that concluded my whirlwind visit to London. It has brought up the dilemma, would I like to come back here after Finland? I feel comfortable here, are there options and opportunities here? This is how I felt and thought I'd see how I feel after being in Norway.