Luckily, we had our Aussie with us to explain the game. Once we got the hang of the rules, we really started to enjoy the game (not just the view!).
Of course, Munster beat Edinburgh! We had so much fun and were so glad to experience more of Ireland!
Then after a few days of trying to make ourselves study early we were ready to hit the airport again ( and I actually did a whole study guide and started another one! Was very proud of myself). Jacqui, Mary Jo, and I were off to London for a longer trip than normal. Now why would we plan our longest trip in the most expensive city we've been to, which also has the worst exchange rate, you ask? Uhhhhhhhh cuz we don't think things through apparently!
BUT we're all very glad we had a good stretch of time in London! We all tried going to bed early because our flight was due out of Shannon early in the morning and we had to be on a 3:40am bus to the airport. However, excitement left us all sleepless (which of course reminded me of my all time favorite commercial - press play below!):
After getting up VERY early to catch our flight to London, we caught a train, the tube, and walked a few blocks to our hostel. Eventhough we were exhausted, we knew taking naps would leave us worse off for the day so we kept on truckin. Luckily, we had entertainment close at hand. Our hostel was located right by Hyde Park/Kensington Gardens.
We knew Hyde Park was having a Winter Wonderland Carnival while we were there and decided to make our way to that for the day. On the way, we ran into the famous statue of Peter Pan and the Princess Di memorial fountain. We also encountered quite a few swans and other various birds that like to get verrrryyyyy close to people. I think London made me more scared of birds than I have ever been.
I think the carnival was more than any of use thought it would be. There was an ice rink, a gift market, mini-pubs, rides, Santa, and possibly the coolest bar I've ever seen!
Yes the bar does rotate!
After hanging around the fair, we were off to dinner and in bed early! The next day was full of our favorite mode of transport - the 'Hop On-Hop Off' Bus! We went to Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum and met some of our favorite celebrities (and my future husband Prince Harry of course!)
I'm planning on sending this out as an engagement announcement....
Had to get a picture with John Wayne - couldn't help but think of Grandpa's giant cardboard cutout!
Then it was off the London Eye! The giant ferris wheel that gives you a view of all of London and Westminster!
We caught a boat tour up the Thames after dark to see London Tower, London Bridge, and Tower Bridge.
Day Three was spent around Big Ben, Westminster, Buckingham Palace, and St. James Park. We took our boat cruise again - but this time in daylight with a hilarious guide. 
We met up with one of Jacqui's friends from home who is studying in London this semester too! I can only imagine she was just as happy to see Marie as I was to see Steph. Their hilarious stories about home made me so excited to go visit them in Boston someday soon!
Our last day in London, we decided to fly solo from the buses. We went shopping on the famous Regents and Oxford streets, shopped around Nottinghill and the Portobello Market, and made our way up to Camden to take a look at their street market as well. As night closed in, we visited our beloved Hyde Park fair one last time and called it a night. We were up early again for an hours worth of travel to the airport before catching an 8 am flight. Exhausted, we all wandered back to our rooms to 'study' (aka nap).
I don't think it's really hit us yet that London was our last big trip. We've really led 'the life' while in Ireland. We may be exhausted and sick of hostels now, but I know it's only a matter of time till that itch for travel comes back. Who knows, maybe the three of us will continue to have insane European adventures together in the future. As for now, it's Limerick and exams (possibly with a day trip to Cork thrown in.... after all, we have to kiss the Blarney stone!).
I can't believe how quickly this has all gone by. I'm due home in less than 2 weeks! And while I'm so excited to see my family, oooo and ahhhh over how much my little guys have grown, and recount my adventures to many, I'm going to miss this country so much.
I think it's safe to say I'll be back here again - the sooner the better!
Until next post!
With love, from Ireland!
~Biff~
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