Sometimes the best plans—no matter how far-fetched—are best hatched over a few beers, with a few good friends.
“You guys want to go to Canterbury, London, and Paris this winter?”“HELL YEAH, we do!”
When Marc and I verbally agreed with our friends Jon and Bianca to book a 10+ day UK–France excursion over Christmas and the New Year, I was hopeful but not confident it would happen. You just never know! Planning a trip abroad can be a doozy on your own, let alone with four people. But sometimes the stars align, and you have to take the plunge.
And then we blinked and all our travel arrangements were made. And no phones were thought desperately missing for 10 minutes when we arrived in Paris, no bullet trains nearly left the station without us, and no airbnb toilets ran for seemingly hours at a time.
I kid, I kid. Minor hiccups aside, the trip that produced the gratuitous photos you’re about to see was one of the best of my life. Any trip that includes an engagement along the Seine on NYE clearly earns a lot of brownie points, but even beyond that, it was amazing exploring the English seaside, Canterbury Cathedral, museums in London, and all of the meat, cheese, cappuccino, and champagne that Paris had to offer. Voilà!
Canterbury
Canterbury Cathedralthe Cathedral at nightCathedral entranceInside the Cathedral 😍, after listening to the most angelic boys’ choir in the worldCathedral courtyardOur gracious host, Rick, pouring the Christmas sherryOur attempt at a group Christmas photo in our airbnb.Marc and Jon’s favorite new game: bar billiards at the Unicorn Inn
Whitstable
Best seats in the house! Top of a double-decker bus headed from Canterbury to Whitstable.Headed to the coast!The rocky Whitstable seasideOur tour guides, Rick and Julie.Can you spot Bianca and me? We’re about to buy the biggest, gnarliest oysters ever. We ate them. We did not enjoy them.
London
Westminster Abbey at nightTourist shot in front of the London EyeProbably looking for a pubFound a pub!With this inside lol NOinside Tate ModernView of St. Paul’s Cathedral from Tate ModernTapestry by Eduardo Paolozzi, one of my favorite pieces at Tate ModernOn a very cold walk to Buckingham PalaceIt was fine.Then we went to Harrod’s, which was completely batshit. So many people, so many expensive brands, so many fine chocolates, and these awesome windows outside. (My face does not reflect my level of enjoyment looking at those Jimmy Choos.)Found our way to the secluded, “haunted” Grenadier pubGreat Court at the British MuseumA remnant of the Parthenon sculpturesWho knew the brits took their darts so seriously?! Last night in London, watching the World Darts Championship with a bunch of very rowdy, dedicated fans.
Paris
Notre Dame, which completely took my breath awayOur cute lil airbnb in the MaraisThe Louvre at nightHmmm…“Is this happening right now?”I think I was blacked out from happiness at this pointI said yes.Happy.Cheers! Thanks for the champers Jon and B!Toast at Café MarlyYup, it’s still there.Paris on NYEGreat night, great friends
Proof of my sparkly gold eyelinerSacre Coeur
Very tired. Very excited for crepes.
Montmartre
One of the coolest things Bianca and I did in Paris was an airbnb thrift shopping experience with a local. Unfortunately I have no photos of that, but I highly suggest checking it out if you travel to Paris! I came away with a bunch of great items (silk slip dress, linen shift, satin duster coat, etc.) for about 40€.
It’s safe to say I’ll never forget this trip, and I’m very glad to have a reason to go back to Paris. Hope you all had a wonderful holiday season!
It sounds like a wonderful trip! Harrod’s is my go-to recommendation for London. “Sure, sure, go to the V&A. And when you’re done YOU’RE AROUND THE CORNER FROM HARROD’S.” It’s a temple. It’s Narnia with snacks. It’s my flipping favorite.
Congrats also on the engagement – you two look very happy!
Thank you!! And whew Harrod’s was overwhelming, but I’m so glad we went! What a spectacle. We got some champagne truffles and I’m still kicking myself for not buying a box!
Sewing & Cocktails 
My heart is full 🙂 welcome to the family (officially).
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Mine too! ❤️🤗
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It sounds like a wonderful trip! Harrod’s is my go-to recommendation for London. “Sure, sure, go to the V&A. And when you’re done YOU’RE AROUND THE CORNER FROM HARROD’S.” It’s a temple. It’s Narnia with snacks. It’s my flipping favorite.
Congrats also on the engagement – you two look very happy!
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Thank you!! And whew Harrod’s was overwhelming, but I’m so glad we went! What a spectacle. We got some champagne truffles and I’m still kicking myself for not buying a box!
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