54. London

BACK TO EUROPE!! When my sister Carly decided to go to graduate school in London (GO GIRL!) we knew an amazing sisters-only trip would happen. We decided on 4 days in LONDON, then 3 days to Palma De MAJORCA (next post!). It was 5 days after my birthday and my dream trip to start off the new year.

For the past year, I feel like the posts have mostly started with 'So, within this really intense life chapter...' Not to be repetitive but yes, this starts again like that. Being in Texas without my family or best friends, I was in need of some sister adventure time. Carly is my favorite person in this world; time with her is always completely rejuvenating. And of course Europe always is too :P

Through this trip, gratitude, self-care, relaxation and FUN came back to me. I always call Carly my little Buddha as she is so spiritually, mentally and life wise. Her words of advise, centeredness, aliveness and peacefulness fill anyone with joy. The strength of family and adventure has quite the recharging power.

London is an AMAZING city and one that I am incredibly proud my sister conquered and made home for a year. It was incredible to see her navigate the huge subway system (I was shocked at how I felt like such a small town NH girl with this!), show me around her workplace of Kew Gardens, explore the greatness of her second workplace Wakehurst (both are must-sees for anyone visiting London), and experience this beautiful European life that she created for herself.

In a world where comfort is so easy to choose, the unknown can be terrifying, and complete change can feel impossible, Carly shows the world how choosing all of this can create such positive life changes. I forever admire her bravery, passion, and confidence in making a place so far from home, home.

Favorite parts of the trip: arriving to Carly after a red-eye flight to her holding the cutest 'Welcome to London' sign!, first London meal of fish & chips, first day spontaneous London bus tour, MANY teas (yeah, we're so British), coffee shops, Kew Gardens, Wakehurst, traveling the European transportation together, delicious London meals, shopping (Carly's Believe In Yourself shirt), Carly's hand-picked Airbnbs, London pubs, finding my birthday present in her adorable apartment, lots of walking, thrift shopping (white fur vest- "you so deserve to always wear something this fun!" - Carly), European Architecture, Mama Mia! play, our first sister international adventure together....and then taking off to Majorca together!

I thank you with my whole heart Carly, you da you da best!