The Stag

June 18th

Brett announced in class on Wednesday that there was a little extra money left in the budget. He gave each of us ten pounds back. We decided to go out to breakfast the next morning with it.

Everyone met up at the Creperie next to South Kennsington and got crepes take out. Actually I got a waffle and it was still delicious. The hot chocolate on the other hand was nothing stellar. After drinking Cafe Nero hot chocolate, nothing compares. 

We took our breakfast across the street to the Museum of Natural History and had a picnic. Twas a lovely day. We sat on benches though instead of the grass. It was a little too wet for our liking.

Justyne decided to tag along with me to the Science Museum when everyone split up after breakfast. I don't like studying science in school, but this museum was sweet.

My favorite room was the airplane room! 

They mostly had modern stuff, but old airplane and hot air balloon were fun too. It's on my bucket list to ride in a hot air balloon.

.... I am a child.

I love clocks too! Whoever thought of a clock is really pure genius. The picture on the right is me pretending to be Izma from Emperor's New Groove.

You've been cool Science Museum, you've been cool.

As Justyne and I were walking toward the door, two little girls, no older than three, came speeding toward us. The were a little bit of a mess and giggling like maniacs. We tried to stop them, but they quickly responded to our questions and were off again on their adventure. A few moments later, two frazzled moms zipped around the corner. We pointed them in the right direction and then went into the vintage appliances section. Those little girls seemed like a party to be around. I wish their mother good luck.

Let the packing begin. I did not buy as many souvenirs as Justyne, who was cramming goods into every single bag, but I was really nervous about my teacups and the weight of my suitcase. 

Here I am in a tree I climbed at Hamstead Heath. The park supposedly has not been changed since the 1800s. I thought it was overrated at first, but the hills, woods, and lakes grew on me the longer we roamed through the grounds. Parks are so big here that you forget you are in a city.

Delanie leading the way.

We forger our own path.

"I king of just want to fall down and lie in the grass," I said.

"Okay," Delanie responded while dropping to the earth.

We spent at least a half hours laying on the side of a hill and chatting. On the other side, a man played the bongos. Around the corner was a cute lake. I love London.

For our last night in London, I went to dinner with Delanie, Raeni, and Justyne. Raeni is in love with Bennedict Cumberbatch, so she knows all of his favorite places around London. One of his top suggestions was eating at this pub, The Stag. She made a reservation and we all met up after exploring Hampstead Heath. 

It seems like a normal pub from the outside, but this fun courtyard was filled with large tables, booths, flags, and different kinds of lamps. The food was not bad either. We talked to our two waiters a lot and found out that the star of Sherlock was not the only celebrity to frequent The Stag. Tom Felton, Tim Burton, and Coldplay are all known to frequent the joint. The waiters laughed at how starstruck we were.

It must not have been a big deal to them, but we were able to snag a private tour of the upper room and rooftop terrace from our new waiter friend. Events here are booked out a year in advance. This ordinary pub is a magical place. We were half tempted to sit there the whole night in hopes to glimpse see someone famous. The star power here is real. 

Delanie, Me, Justyne, and Raeni

VIPs right here. Next time we eat at The Stag I expect a celebrity to sit down at the next table. Still confused why we have not connected with someone like that on this trip.

~Emily