Tis Me Michelle

Warning: this breakdown will be a bit longer, since it was basically double the length of my Paris trip. My small Insta following voted for the daily post style vs a highlights recap. So… Let’s get into it this 6 day adventure!

Why the UK? One of the great things about living in Orlando these past few years is how the food scene has been developing and how the airport has been expanding. There are more and more direct international flights, London being one of the first. And it’s rather affordable. Obviously I had just been to Paris, so it was a great alternate spot I really enjoyed and didn’t mind repeating. That plus it being an English-speaking place, gave me the confidence to do a solo trip.

Why a trip so soon after Paris? This trip was rather impromptu. But I had left my doggo with my parents, because of all the other trips I had taken recently, and only getting him back for Thanksgiving. And I was in a slump, with work and life. The Paris trip was far too quick, so I took a much needed, longer break for myself.

The affordable flight from Orlando to London-Gatwick was with Norse Airlines. I’ve taken them before, and it’s a rather barebones flight. I’d consider it the Frontier/Spirit of international travel, but so much better. Initially, I booked the regular seat, and last minute upgraded, which was lovely because I ended up getting a full aisle to myself. It was an overnight flight, and usually I would watch movies the whole time. With a lackluster selection, I chose something at random on and fell asleep. Otherwise, it was a quick and smooth flight.

From London-Gatwick, I took a couple trains, which landed me right in front of the hotel I stayed at the first leg of my trip,The Stratford. It was a great hotel, and I enjoyed my stay, but it was a bit out of the way. Of course, there was transportation close enough to get wherever I needed. There just wasn’t anything I had in my plans within walking distance. So, I wouldn’t really recommend staying here, unless you don’t mind the commute. I was lucky enough to get this room with my Marriott Bonvoy points, so can’t complain.

My first London town activity? I got my eyebrows done for the first time, probably since pre-Covid. I knew it would be a great experience because there is such a big Indian population there. I have not found a good spot in Orlando that is also reasonably priced. So yes, I had to go all the way across the pond to get my eyebrows threaded well and for the cheap. It was only six euros, which is under $10!! I can’t remember the last time I paid so little. And they did a great job. So if you need a spot to get your eyebrows did, go to Ria London in Dalston.

Then, I did my main activity when going abroad. I walked around. A lot. Specifically, in an area called Hampstead Heath. It was a gorgeous day, and a beautiful park area. Spent quite a bit of time wandering and enjoying the views. There were a bunch of pubs nearby. On the way to any one of them, I stumbled on the Burgh House. A charming house that’s become an art gallery. With free admission, it was a great little find. They also have a cafe and cute garden area with seating. I could smell the deliciously buttery baked goods from the house. It would be a lovely way to spend some time to enjoy a pastry in the garden, but I needed food food.

After going back and forth on where to eat, I finally decided on a place that just called to me, The Old White Bear. It felt like a hidden gem, yet a local favorite. It was relaxed and charming, just like this whole town. I wound up getting a beer I hadn’t had before, a Madri Excepcional. A very easy, refreshing lager. Which I paired with a basic bitch option, fish and chips. Fresh, hot, and delicious. It totally hit the spot. The portion of all of it was ginormous, so the 20 euros could kind of be justified. If I had room, I would have totally tried their sticky toffee pudding, but there was not an ounce of space. And unfortunately, I didn’t try it all this trip, or on any of my previous London travels. Maybe one day…

During my meal, I looked up what was playing in the London theaters that I could see for the cheap. There was a play which I hadn’t heard of, but recognized the actors so I decided it was worth checking out. I ordered those tickets and continued on with my day, stopping at a couple shops before heading over to the theater district. First I went into a bookshop, grabbed a little Emily Bronte poetry book. It was cheap and felt like the right thing to get in London. Now, when will I have the reading level to comprehend it… We shall see…

I also stopped in an art shop, which was perfect, because I wanted some cute washi tape. I brought a mini journal and my polaroid camera with me, but forgot tape to attach the two. I’ve taken my polaroid on many trips and never use it, so I challenged myself to take at least one a day. Highly recommend it as a keepsake.

I headed over to the SoHo and realized a couple of the stores I wanted to stop by were in the area. There was one called Choosing Keeping that I saw on TikTok. It does look cute, but with my Parisian TikTok fails, I felt that it being closed was a sign to just do my own thing. There was also a Byredo nearby… And I loved the perfume I got in Paris, so I balled out and did my bougie purchase on Day 1. I do love both of the perfumes and use them on the regular now.

With a little time to spare before the show, I wanted to scope out where the stage door would be, in case I wanted to go after the show. An exciting little surprise, I saw one of the two leads, Ncuti Gatwa, having a lil smoke break by the stage door. I am as awkward as they come, and I would never disturb someone while they are clearly taking a break, so I just thrilled in the fact that I saw him up close and kept moving. If you aren’t familiar, he was the previous Doctor, in Doctor Who and played Eric in Sex Education. The other lead of this two-man play was Edward Bluemel, who I knew from My Lady Jane and A Discovery of Witches.

The show was called Born with Teeth, a fictional play about the professional and possible romantic relationship between William Shakespeare (Bluemel) and Kit Marlowe (Gatwa). Both are dynamic actors and their chemistry was fun to watch. However, much like all of Shakespeare, unless it’s modernized in the likes of She’s the Man, it goes right over my head. To be honest, I’m just not smart enough to have really enjoyed it. Regardless, an evening well spent.

And a whole long post later, I was back in my cozy hotel room and had a much need slumber.

How are you liking this daily recap format?! What do you think is coming next on the UK Adventures?