I WANT CANDY!!!

M&M World is truly a world of its own.


London just opened a four-level M&M store less than two weeks ago. We ventured there today, and decided to go inside and see what all the fuss was about. Gossip Girl took the words right out of my mouth: OMG.


It was colorful, fun, busy and candy-coated. I felt like a kid again. We really didn't know where to start; there was so much to see! We made our way through the four levels of M&M goodness, posing with some M's along the way. You name it and there was M&M memorabilia for it. Golf balls? Of course - one in every color of M&M. Kitchenware? Yep. Cups, plates, bowls, coasters, spatulas. Martini in an M&M glass? Don't mind if I do! (But I really didn't.) There were M&Ms of every color. A true M&M lover would have fainted from all of the excitement.


We left a good while later (time flies when you're in another world, especially one filled with CANDY). I made a few purchases, including a green M&M spatula for my mom and three M&M toy figurines for my 7-year-old niece. (Note: I purchased four, but only three made it into my bag. I came to the conclusion that one M&M had made a run for it.)


We walked out the front door of M&M World and immediately entered reality, and the busy streets of London.

All the colors of the rainbow

I was beside myself; look at the green M&Ms behind me!

If I were an M&M, THIS would be my room (see the trend yet?).

This is where the magic happens, folks... the M&M Lab.

Glass cases of collectible M&M items (not for sale).

Harrods: The envy of stores everywhere

Former President Ronald Reagan went to Harrods and asked if he could buy an elephant. The Harrods employee didn't blink an eye. "Would that be African or Indian, sir?"

I went into Harrods determined to inquire about a pet chicken, zebra or some other random wildlife for purchase. I really wanted a pet chicken, but forgot all about my request when I stepped inside.

Harrods is nothing short of AMAZING. It is huge, consisting of SEVEN floors - each with more and more surprises. Our small group quickly disbanded as we walked further into Harrods. Jennifer and I split from the group so we could take our time taking everything in. We spent hours in Harrods, and I know we still didn't see everything.

Little did we know we entered on the Ground Floor, which consisted of beauty, fashion accessories, food halls, an arcade, menswear, jewelry and watches.  Now, I didn't see all of this on the Ground Floor, but according to Harrods' map it's all there. I gawked at the gorgeous, yet overwhelmingly overpriced handbags. Someday, I thought to myself, someday...

Jennifer and I knew there were more floors to explore, so we set off for the First Floor, which housed women's clothing and shoes. Oh, the shoes! It was eye-opening. I walked slowly past each shelf, closely examining the color, design and detail of each shoe. Neither of us tried on any shoes - partly because we knew in the back of our minds that we'd fall in love with them and end up buying a pair that cost more than a week's pay - and also because we couldn't figure out the shoe sizes. Even more excited, we headed for the Second Floor.

The Second Floor held home decoration, bed and bath, kitchenware, tableware, travel goods, garden living, a bureau de change, gift registry and the Harrods Gift Shop. We spent forever in the gift shop. After all of my looking, I ended up buying only a few small items. (I'd tell you what they are, but I want them to be somewhat of a surprise to some who may be reading this blog.)

We cruised by the Third Floor, which contained furniture, home entertainment, books, lighting, pianos and musical instruments, antiques and bed studio. It was well after lunch time, so we hopped on the Egyptian escalator and headed to the Fourth Floor. (Each floor up to this point had included places to eat, we just hadn't found one we liked just yet.)

Floor number four had our answer. We walked through the Toy Kingdom, posed with a Lego statue along the way, and headed for The Diner. We split an appetizer meal and an order of cheesy fries. (I LOVE that they have fries ("chips") just about everywhere in London.) After, we headed past even more shoes, maternity and children's clothing to the Pet Kingdom and The Pet Spa. I heard a Harrods employee ask a teenage customer and her mom if they were waiting for someone. I was having a hard time listening in because of their British accents, and I thought I heard the teenage girl say they were waiting for her dad, who was having a bath. I found this odd, and wondered why her dad would be taking a bath in the middle of a department store. Then it hit me.

I turned to my right and there was the puppy pampering room. Sure enough, big and small dogs were there getting five-star treatment. I shook my head - at myself. The girl had said, dog, not dad. I decided I needed to brush up on my eavesdropping skills.

We had been at Harrods for hours at this point, so we decided to skip the Fifthy Floor (sportswear and equipment, hair and beauty, and The Penthouse). We rode the elevator ("lift") down to the Lower Ground Floor, which we had apparently skipped when we went in. Looking at Harrods store guide just now, I see that we missed a large portion of this floor, too. Oh, well. We at least made it to The Wine Shop and had a few samples. :)

Hours later we left Harrods with just two small bags from the Harrods Gift Shop... I had forgotten about my pet chicken after all.

Quite a busy place.

I almost caved and bought this one... but managed to talk myself out of yet another mug.

Harrods (Yes, it IS that big)

He's probably cross-eyed after too much time in the Toy Kingdom.

You can buy puppies at Harrods (and hamsters, too).

Too bad I don't drink coffee...

Buckingham Palace

I stood outside Buckingham Palace Wednesday morning, eager to witness the infamous changing of the guard. The guards walked out, formed a half circle, pulled out musical instruments and started to play a familiar tune. It wasn't long before I found myself humming along.

Her name was Lola. She was a showgirl.

The guards were playing Barry Manilow's "Copacabana." I didn't see that one coming, but I was thrilled! They went on to perform several other familiar favorites, which they were very good at. I hadn't expected a free concert, but I loved every minute of it.

A small group of us went to see the changing of the guard. We hopped on the Tube and arrived at Buckingham Palace a little before 11 a.m. The actual changing of the guard takes place daily at 11:30 a.m., so we had time to spare - which meant time to scout out a good place to stand and wait. We managed to spread ourselves out along the gate, behind three to four rows of people in front of us. I decided to take advantage of my height and occasional pushiness, and managed to move myself up a little closer to the gate so I could get a better view.

There were people everywhere. It really was something to see, and it seemed like everyone was there to see it. The guards were chanting as they marched, but it was hard to hear them over everyone else. But it didn't matter. I was in awe - and jealous of their fuzzy black hats (called "Bearskins"). They looked warm, and I was feeling pretty cold at the time. Plus, I think I could pull one off. :)

I ended up with great pictures - minus the ones where people's heads, hands and other limbs obstructed the camera lens - and great memories. I had crossed changing of the guard off my London bucket list.

Attention!

And they're off!

Much to my surprise, they pulled out musical instruments and began to play.



Me and Jennifer outside Buckingham Palace



Just outside the palace gate



The flag was flying... which meant the queen was home!

Regent's College (part of the University of London)

Regent's College quad

Campus signage

Entrance to Regent's College

Emblem

Regent's College is pretty neat. The campus is beautiful. It is located inside Regent's Park, and is across the way from the London Zoo. I do feel sorry for the college students who live in the dorms where I'm staying (Commonwealth Hall) during the school year because it is quite a trek. It's best to take the bus and then walk to the college. Check this out.

London pics



Big Ben



Me and Jennifer on a double decker red bus tour of London.

London Eye... can't wait to go!!

Me at London Bridge

Guard

We just don't get it...

Things we like, dislike and those that confuse us in the UK...

• You typically go through two doors before getting to the bathroom.
• England is very good about reducing its carbon footprint, but the hand blow dryers are as powerful as the jet engine of an airplane. Seriously, you worry about sacrificing a hand to the blow dryer gods.
• Public toilets. Some cost money, some don't.
• Seedy Internet cafes... You KNOW it's not a secure connection.
• The British aren't as smart on smart phones. They rarely use their phones.
• Question: Which side of the street do I walk on? Which side of the stairs?
• There is little to no water pressure in the toilets.
• LACK OF DIET PEPSI AND PEPSI PRODUCTS... Enough said.
• Coke dominates in the UK, but it all comes in glass bottles.
• Ketchup packets are nearly impossible to open.
• Brown sauce? It's like BBQ sauce? Just not sure...
• The women wear really tight pants (leggings, skinny jeans, etc.).
• Bikes are apparently a popular method of transportation.
• Which way do I look before crossing the street? Right or left? Pick one!?!?!
• Tennis shoes are called trainers.
• French fries are called chips.
• The beer is far more potent and served warm.
• The pubs play a lot of 80s music - SCORE!!!
• The police and other rescue workers wear neon yellow and drive neon yellow vehicles. Can't miss em.
• Even London has a China town.
• Trash cans are very hard to find, yet the ground is litter-free?
• There are public telephones everywhere. Maybe that's why Brits never use their smart phones...?
• They withhold wi-fi from Americans.
• You can find porn next to kids' DVDs... Whips and chains were next to "Chicken Run"!?!?
• There are cameras everywhere. England is very Big Brother. You feel safe, but also feel like you're always being watched... Because you ARE.
• The British actually use their coins to buy things. And, there are a lot of them. Paper notes are not as common.

London: Day Two

It was Sunday morning. My alarm went off at 6 a.m., but I stayed in bed until almost 6:15 a.m. I gathered my things and dragged myself to the bathroom to shower. Using the shower was an experience. The water doesn't stay on. I thought perhaps this was a European thing, saving water, etc. Nope. It just doesn't stay on. So, I took a one-handed shower.


We were told to bring our own towels, but found one in our rooms upon arrival. We were also given single-use shampoo, conditioner, lotion and flimsy foam DIY flip flops to wear in the shower. (I was very grateful for these foam flops with no traction come shower time.) I slipped and slided in the bathroom and made my way back to my dorm room to finish getting ready. I stopped by Jennifer's room on the way to breakfast. We made our way to the cafeteria in the basement.


Breakfast is a buffet, complete with cereal, milk, apple and orange juices, eggs, tomatoes, hashbrowns, some fruit and a few other oddities you wouldn't find at an American breakfast table. The food is good, typical college food. I befriended a girl while in line for food. Her name is Rachel, and she is from Utah. I invited her to sit with our Maryville group at breakfast. Rachel is in England for the summer for an internship at an art museum. She just finished her undergraduate degree and will start her master's in the fall.

After breakfast, we met as a group with the other students and faculty for our study abroad program. Then, we went on a very fast-paced walking tour of London led by a history professor here in the UK. It was an interesting tour, and the professor's animated voice and humorous stories made for a great walk on the streets of London. We returned to the dorms with a half hour to eat lunch. Myself, Jennifer, Kate (the Maryville resident assistant [RA], a senior at Maryville) and Tina (a fellow grad student [there are only three of us]) ventured to a local strip mall of sorts to grab a quick bite. After lunch, we headed back to the dorms to meet up with the group.

The group walked a ways to a bus stop in front of the British Museum, where we loaded a double-decker red bus for a sightseeing tour of London. Most of us found seats on the top of the bus - the best view. We rode around London and saw the sights: Big Ben, London Tower, Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, London Bridge and much more. The guide provided great information and humorous commentary, which added to the overall experience. The bus tour gave us a good idea of where we'd like to go back and visit.

We ended our tour at Piccadilly Circus, where we were told it was our time to explore. Jennifer and I stayed in Piccadilly Circus, a busy, touristy-type of area. We wandered around, taking it all in. We ended up in Chinatown (or what we named Chinatown), and had pizza for dinner. Haha. We saw a McDonald's, KFC, Hot Shots and a casino. We bummed around until about 9 p.m., when we decided we were tired and ready to head back. We hopped on the Tube and went back to our dorm.

Another student was going for a walk to find a local church, so at about 10 p.m., we joined him. After a few wrong turns we found it, and then started our walk back to the dorm. We stopped at a pub on the way, but it was near closing time. So, we continued to the dorm and stopped by the vending machine. The one with snacks and sweet treats works, but the one with soda either eats your money or just doesn't take it at all. We heard a wine/beer store down the street was still open, so we headed there to buy a soda. We got back to the dorm at 11 p.m. and I was in bed by midnight.

You are never without a phone in London.

Neighboring street

Traditional fish and chips

View from my dorm room.