The Final Stretch - part 1, London -
For our final three weeks of the trip we settled on England, Scotland, and Ireland. We had initially thought we’d stay in South America or end on a beach in the Caribbean, but we quickly realized the first might be less relaxing than we’d want and the latter more so. Turns out we aren’t really extended-stay beach people. It’s great for a week or two during the cold winter months, but three weeks in the middle of the summer seemed less ideal. So, we turned our sights to the UK and Ireland in hopes of luring my parents back for the final leg as they’d never been to these countries and we have English and Scottish roots on my dad’s mom’s side. They couldn’t make it, but we did get to welcome Maddie back to stay with us through the end and had some other friends (Joanna and Charles) join us for different portions.
London
Joanna met us in London, where we hit all the highlights in the city and some of the surrounding area: London Tower, London Bridge, London Eye, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Kensington Palace, Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, Harry Potter Walking Tour, Afternoon Tea, Great Pubs with Fish and Chips and plenty of Black Pudding, Stone Hedge, and Bath. Despite all of these incredible sights, a highlight for us all was connecting with Ben’s cousin Jack.
For those who don’t know, Jack Harlow is a world famous, Grammy nominated rapper from good old Louisville, KY! He is incredible and his current hit First Class has been number one in America and on the top 10 list since it debuted. He’s currently on a World Tour and was in London to play the Wireless Festival.
Ben, Joanna, and I were given VIP access and got to be on the side of the stage to watch him perform. To see the international crowd sing the lyrics to every song was so cool and to watch Jack be in his element was the best. Couldn’t have had a better time! Since the kids and Maddie didn’t make it to the concert (not really appropriate for the kids), Jack invited us all to brunch at his hotel. The kids loved getting some one on one time with him, as we all did.
