So I present to you the church of all churches, the cherry on top of all church sundaes, the church that takes the cake {you get the idea of how in love I am with this religious structure...}, Notre Dame.
I've been to my fair share of churches in the last few months of living in Europe. And to be honest, after a while, each one starts to look similar: ornate detailing, breathtaking architecture, and astounding history. However, no church has yet to almost bring me to tears as Notre Dame in Paris. I don't know if it's because I'm getting older + more emotional or because it is really truly that stunning, but no words can describe the beauty of this church.
So I present to you the church of all churches, the cherry on top of all church sundaes, the church that takes the cake {you get the idea of how in love I am with this religious structure...}, Notre Dame.
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Westminster Abbey in 3 words {because the photos will speak for itself}:
This architecture. Wow. And to think this church was founded in 960 and the constructors had the means to design a structure like this. It's just breathtakingly magnificent. I almost {almost} started crying, knowing how many public figures have stepped foot in this church and at this altar. Kate and William stood here, in this very spot above, at their wedding. And I {this little American girl} had the opportunity to walk down the same historic + famous aisle as they did {and many others}. I could have cried tears of joy! Not only did weddings take place in Westminster Abbey, but so did funerals. Loads of funerals. Kings + queens + scientists {Charles Darwin's grave is pictured above!} are buried here. Creepy, as I felt like I was walking through a graveyard. Do you think the church is haunted? If you know me, I surely do!
Before we left, Ross received valuable advice from a colleague who had lived + worked in Asia for several years: When in doubt, when you're homesick, when times are getting tough, travel to remind yourself of why you moved abroad. So, that's exactly what Ross and I did this past weekend. As you've read, the transition has been less than stellar and we are still waiting for several things to make our lives normal here {a working phone and our Chicago items from the movers}; because of this, we just needed to get out. Even if it meant for the day {we can't travel outside the country yet without Angel's pet passport. Crazy, I know.}. I did some research and found this amazingly helpful article, so we picked a day trip from the list of countrysides. And we ended up at St. Albans on Sunday! About a half hour ride from Kings Cross St. Pancras tube station, we got into town right around lunchtime. I wish I had taken a photo of the breakfast place we ate at, The Breakfast Club. Because it's been hands.down.the.best.breakfast. since we've been here. The best part about the tiny restaurant is that it offered various veggie dishes, including ones with veggie breakfast sausage! We then walked into the city center, which boasted many shops. My favorite was Raindrops on Roses {above}. However, the most interesting part of the town was the magnificent {and I don't even know if that adjective does it justice} cathedral and park. Luckily, while the photos below show gray skies, you can't see the freezing downpour we somehow managed to ignore. This stained glass window was my favorite part of St. Alban's Cathedral. That blue garbage bag littered in this beautiful stream makes me so angry. Why can't people just throw out their trash here? We couldn't let the rain stop us from taking a picture in front of the 2,000+ year-old Roman ruin in Verulamium Park. After, we had to warm up in a nearby pub, which staked claim to the oldest pub in England. They had a fantastic squash soup, which was just what the doctor ordered after walking around in the rain all day. So it seems that this little day trip is another doctor's order, as I felt refreshed coming back to London. This is why we are here, and I'm excited about our future day trips and international trips. Coming up shortly will be a girl vaca with my best friend to Amsterdam and a birthday celebration in Paris. As always, stay tuned. Life is a crazy ride over here ;).
Besides chasing food around town, Ross and I have tried to go to church once a week for some individual prayer {this is new for us}. Not only does this allow us to see other beautiful structures throughout the city and learn about historical sites, but it allows us to slow down and find some peace in the crazy, city life. And it seems like these days, I have a lot to pray for {patience, understanding, comfort + peace for family + friends, more patience, having this opportunity, patience, did I say that already?}, so I look forward to these quiet moments. This past weekend, we explored the Southwark Cathedral, where the great playwrights like Mr. Shakes himself and Chaucer worshipped. John Harvard, founder of THE university, was baptized in this church in 1607, so this chapel to the left was dedicated to Harvard. Can you believe the church has been here since the 1600s? {Warning: This is a little sappy} So, this post is dedicated to all those that have been in my prayers this past month, especially some of my friends who have had a difficult start to the year. My heart breaks that I cannot support you in person, but I am thinking of you and sending you love from London. xoxo.
Love Walk Cafe is becoming one of my favorite local breakfast places! #nofilter This FREE museum is a must-see when wanting to learn more about London's history!
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Danielle MarieChicago native. Proud teacher. Wannabe yoga instructor. Life-long learner. Royal & celebrity enthusiast. Foodie. Animal lover. London implant trying to understand a new culture and lifestyle. Follow me and my journey abroad, by subscribing below with your email address. xoxo @pdathleisureArchives
May 2017
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