I think we have all had that one trip that just flies past you. The experience and moments are so wonderful that the memories will last forever; but before you know it, you are back on the plane headed home.

I feel like that is a majority of my vacations, so wonderful and lost in the moments that time flies by and is ready to sweep you back home. One vivid trip I am excited to revisit is London, England. I went two years ago on a study abroad program that lasted 10 days, and I extended the trip four additional days to visit acquaintances in Manchester, England, made years ago on a different vacation in Mexico. We flew out as a group from Kansas City International Airport, with a layover in Chicago, to journey across “the pond” to London. There was just something so spectacular, sitting in my seat on United Airlines, watching the sun set out the window, and yet rise once again just a few short hours later on an overnight flight.

We landed at Heathrow Airport around 6 a.m. and went straight to our hotel to check in and begin the exploration process. The group was all from Emporia State University, 20 students all with different majors and backgrounds. Our professor, now taking his 10th group of students to London, was phenomenal — an exquisite man with many years of experience and a love for the culture and atmosphere of England.

Once checked in, we made our way to the British Museum, so many artifacts and pieces to see! The museum had me in awe and fascinated with the history. We only spent a few hours in the museum, but let me tell you, it is on my list to go back. While we saw so much, there was so much more to cover and admire. After the museum, we stepped across the street for lunch at The Tavern. We just took the day to explore and adjust to the time change.

By Day Two we had adjusted to the new time zone and rolled out of bed early in the morning, thrilled to explore more. We started with a double-decker bus tour through the city. While I thought this was cliché at first, you know, “the tourist” thing to do, I highly recommend it as the best way for you to see many different sites and spots to go back and check out later. Not to mention, it’s a break for your feet. The London Museum was quite fascinating. A quick lunch by the Thames River and a visit to Westminster Abbey followed.

I have to highlight the experience in Westminster Abbey. First, this trip was just days after Meghan Markle and Prince Harry got married. All royal brides place their bouquet of flowers on the Unknown Warrior grave, a tradition of many years. We visited just days after Meghan Markle placed her bouquet there! Walking through Westminster Abbey took my breath away. The history, the Royals, the atmosphere, there is just so much to take in and observe that you lose time admiring the past.

We then trekked down to the Thames River for a boat tour, which gave a different view of buildings off the water compared to the bus tour. Big Ben was under renovation while we were there, scaffolding around the sides with the clock still showing, at least. Still a sight to see!

While I was able to highlight just two days of our adventure this time, let me tell you, there is so much more to London than meets the eye.

To be continued in the next blog.

— Lexi Holstin, digital account executive