It’s our last day in London and this incredible trip is coming to a close. These past two weeks have been filled with adventure and some of the most beautiful sights and landscapes we’ve seen. There were two goals for this vacation. First, it was meant to be a celebration. Sydney has worked hard and her achievements are testament to that. Secondly, our time alone together has deepened our bond and she’ll have lasting memories to take with her into her adulthood. We’ll have stories to share together and moments between us that are ours alone. My expectations have been exceeded and all has gone smoothly. I just did a quick knock on wood because we still have a long flight home tomorrow. Please wish us safe travels!
Our day began with a walking tour of London through a wizard’s eyes…Harry Potter, that is! We participated in a 3 hour guided tour of the city’s Harry Potter film sites. Our guide, Monica, was from Brazil and has lived in London for six years, two of which she spent researching and training with Evan Evans Tours to be a Harry Potter guide in London. That’s right! She confirmed that it took her two years to train before she could guide her first group. She was so energetic and knowledgeable of all things Harry Potter. Below are some of the film sites we visited. The highlights: Westminster Tube Station, “Ministry of Magic”, the entrance to the “Leaky Cauldron” at the entrance to “Diagon Alley”, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Millennium Bridge, and Platform 9 3/4.
Immediately following our Harry Potter guided tour, we raced through the Tube and the streets of London to the Southbank along the River Thames below the London Eye for a possible chance encounter of true love. Sydney’s boyfriend, Brendon, just happened to be in London today on a group tour. They knew they’d be in London at the same time but weren’t sure if any of their time and locations would overlap. It just so happened that there was a small 30 minute window for a possible chance meeting, hence the race through London. It was adorable and brought Syd to tears. I stood back and tried to capture as much as I could while still giving them some privacy. As you can see from this slideshow, I wasn’t great at giving them privacy. There were a few of her other friends on his trip as well.
The last thing on our trip itinerary was to take a bike ride through Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, and we did just that this afternoon. What a beautiful day for it too! It was a bit overcast with a cool breeze. It was a perfect way to round out this trip.
Goodbye, London! Farewell great adventure! It truly was magical. I look forward to planning the next one.
The Uptight Traveler 
Awww Syd that made Grams cry 😢also! 😍 So fab that it worked out perfect so you and Brendan could have some very special time together Only in jolly ole England could such a chance meeting fall perfectly into place!😍Maybe Harry Potter himself had ahand in it!Haha,!!😍 As Grandpa Walty would say, “only love can run so smooth.” I feel your bike ride was the best way to end such a Magical Mystery Tour! Could either of you have ever dreamed of anything more wonderful? I was not there but I think not?Now as mom said we will be in prayer for a easy and comfortable and of course safe voyage back to the good old USA tomorrow!!!😍💞👍😘xoxo💋
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