Ellen's European Adventure!

This blog is updated 2x a month...

Hi all, another installment of the blog! This time it comes with a twist. It is going to be written by my Cousin Ellen who just came up for a visit! I hope you all enjoy, and don't forget to LEAVE A COMMENT!

Ellen's Experience in London(Belton's Cousin)

After finally booking my ticket to come to London for my Birthday and visit with my AMAZING cousin BT, it just didn’t feel like Septemeber 29th would ever come, and then it did. A bit concerned with such a long flight, 2 meals, 3 movies, and a few snacks later, I’m actually looking forward to doing it again.

When I first touched down, I will admit, I was ready and tired. Going through customs was quite the experience. I went from being an American to “All Others.” Europeans now took precedence. I’d heard mixed remarks about the way people are in London. I heard it all from “You’ll love London and the people” to “They hate Americans.” My first impression was more like the latter. The woman at the customs counter gave me such a hard time and refused to smile, warning that she could hold me for hours in questioning all because I didn’t know my cousins address. Then, she decided to let me through because she is nice? I couldn’t help but to wonder, if this is nice… Thankfully on the Tube, the locals changed my mind. I was warned not to disturb anyone as everyone sticks to themselves, but that didn’t last to long. I met lots of nice people on the tube. It was a good thing too because I’d no idea where I was going.

Finally, I’d arrived at the Embankment exit, lugged all my stuff up, and called my cousin. It brought a tear to my eyes when I saw him. He looks AMAZING by the way. From the plane to a nice wine greeting, I must say it was a nice welcome indeed. Everyone was so nice.
The next morning (4:45 AM to be exact) we were up and at it again, and heading for Madrid, Spain. Madrid was Fun!!! While London was so cold, Madrid was so hot. The trip would not have been the same had it not of been for Maria, a friend of BT’s and now mine. One thing of I’ve learned about BT is that he knows at least one person where ever he goes (even if it’s out of the country), and leaves knowing even more.

This was my first time in a Hostel and it was an interesting but cool experience. We hoped we’d end up with fun room mates we could go out with, but ended up with two men from Russia whom BT appropriately named “Stinky & Stanky.” They were nice and gave us nice beers to try, but they smelled as though they hadn’t showered their entire trip. Even when they left the next morning, they just rolled out of bed and left.

Day one of exploring was fun but day two was much better because we had Maria to show us everything and she did just that. El Prado, The Egyptian Monument, The park where we went boat riding…I can’t even remember everywhere we went. Thankfully, there are pictures. I love how eating early and beating the dinner rush meant arriving at 10:30 PM. Spain is ALIVE. I mean by 4 AM they are still going with ease which made catching our early flight Sunday morning a breeze because we just stayed up. Sleep wasn’t really a part of the plan this trip, and as for the food…well…let’s just say that I’ve nothing to boast about when it comes to the food.

My birthday was one of the best ever. We had a great Thai dinner that also made great drinks in an area just past Picadilli Square. After dinner, Leanne(Belton’s good friend and now my friend), and I went to see the London Broadway show 39 Steps. BT was kind enough to give me his ticket, and I loved the play. After that we went out for drinks and dancing and I had an absolute blast. I mean, I couldn’t imagine it being any better. Even with the tube strike which made lots of people stay home, there were just enough people out. Additionally, terrorist alerts were issued shortly after our return from Madrid Sunday Morning, and the most concerning part is that there’s actual validity to it all.

I’ve seen and done so much in both London and Madrid that I can’t even begin to say it all nor do I want to. You’ll have to go and experience it for yourselves. I feel like I was able to do the touristy stuff, and get engrossed in the cultures, so I got the best of both worlds. My one suggestion would be, don’t pack so much. I made that mistake and it was a big one, huge even. Try everything and embrace the experience with an open mind. Be fearless but vigilant, hey, there were terrorist threats after all. Oh, and above all, hopefully if you are reading this, you know my cousin BT and will be coming to see him when you visit because he is the best tour guide and the experience just wouldn’t be the same without him. Mine sure wasn’t.