London

Just touched down in London Town…

Haha just kidding. We went to Southampton before London.

Lemme first start with our journey from Italy to the UK.

It started with a very nauseous car ride to Naples from Amalfi. I wanted to enjoy the view of the ocean one last time but Zola was feeling car sick. The Naples airport was a complete shitshow. The biggest unorganized mess. I cut off probably like 30 people without knowing it. But I wasn’t about to go back to the end of the line with two kids. Zola was such a big helper, I was pushing the stroller and pulling one big suitcase and she was pushing a big suitcase by herself around this packed airport.

I breathed a sigh of relief as we took off from Naples. Italy had left a sour taste in my mouth. We landed in Paris for our layover I couldn’t be happier. Aside from my stroller not being at the gate, and me having to strap Kingston into the Ergobaby carrier through the entire passport it was great to feel back in civilization. I had a Starbucks for the first time in over a month, we picked up some macaroons from Laduree, it was amazing. Even Zola was so happy to get her vanilla Frappuccino.

We had a short 1 1/2 hour flight to Southampton. Daniel left Italy a few hours before us and he drove from London to Southampton. The weather was cool and breezy, big difference from sweaty hot Italy. Southampton wasn’t too exciting but I was happy to be there. There was mall, West Quay next to the hotel. Grocery stores, restaurants all like 5 min walk away.

The best part about Southampton was the Seacity Museum. Southampton was a huge port from Europe to America and the rest of the world. With its most famous boat being the Titanic. There was a lot of artifacts and interactive experiences in the Titanic exhibit. The coolest but also haunting part is a section where you sit and listen to people’s personal recounted stories from escaping the Titanic the night it sank.

We drove to London from Southampton. Both kids slept the whole way. Then we made it to the Hyatt Churchill. They didn’t know we were with Daniel, the room was only booked for him. Which it usually is and they said we had to book a separate room and pay for it. We quickly said no way and just said I was going to be staying with a friend. Jk.

We were able to squeeze some tourist things into our short time in London. We went to Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace and Oxford street. Buckingham Palace was actually a lot smaller than I imagined, and Zola was upset we walked all the way there and we couldn’t see the Queen. Haha. Sorry Zo.

We were also able to squeeze in some much needed nights out without the kids. Thanks to a sitter one night, and a fellow stunt wife another night. The first night we did a full tasting menu at Street XO, off Bond street. It was not only delicious but out of the box. They had super creative drinks in unique glasses. One was served in a giant egg and dry ice. The second time we went out we ate at Hakkasan and then went to The Box. If you’ve never been to The Box or heard about it before. It is a club that has a burlesque show, kind of, live performance. Basically it’s fucking bananas. I can’t even tell you what goes on at this show. Since it’s rated R. Lol. Pictures and videos are strictly forbidden and I understand why.

The highlight of the trip was the Harry Potter Warner Brothers Studio Tour. I was looking forward to going since the beginning of our travels because I knew we were flying home from London. Well the tickets were completely sold out, but! We got the hook up from one of our friends who is currently filming something at WB.

I am biggest Harry Potter fan on the planet, and this place did not disappoint. It made all my Harry Potter dreams come true. From costumes, props, to full on live sets it was unbelievable. We even did a green screen broom flying experience it was so fun for Zola, and me. Haha. The tour starts with the set of Harry’s cupboard under the stairs and ends with a model of Hogwarts. The best part was the Gringotts Bank set, one was in pristine condition and the other was the blown up version after Harry, Hermione, and Ron break through the bank with the a dragon from the Deathly Hallows, part 2. Aside from a killer hangover I’m glad we did that on our last day in London. Followed by dinner at Nobu on Berkeley St to celebrate Daniel’s birthday early a few days early since we won’t be with him to celebrate.

Our flight home was a long 12 hours, in which I did not sleep. But at least Kingston and Zola both did sleep. We flew New Zealand Air and I upgraded to what they call a “Sky Couch” in economy. All three seats folded out and we were able to lay down it was perfect.

Coming home felt so good! After two months of living in hotels, with no space to run around. Three countries, three timezones. Two months with no kitchen to cook in and only one bathroom for four people. I feel happy to be home. Nothing is better than just sitting on my couch catching up on my DVD. Watching the kids running around and playing with all their toys they missed, and of course catching up with friends. We are getting back into our routine. Zola is in preschool three times a week, and they both have multiple activities. Jetlag lasted for a few days and now we are feeling back to normal. Aside from Papa not coming home for a few more weeks. We are back in LA baby.