England

I arrived in London a bloody mess,departing from San Francisco, a lay over in Frankfurt only to landing at the London City Airport 16 hours later. I hadn't slept in a day or so. The airport was tiny but I knew that outside of the airport was a gigantic city that I knew just one person in. I was visiting my friend, Stacey Harrison, whom I had been roommates with in Kathmandu earlier this year. Being the amazing person that she is, she showed me as much of England as she could in two days, meaning London and where she lived, Surrey. The first day she treated me to a pasty in a popular square in London where street performers often gather to share their traits with passerby's hoping to make a few pounds.
Venturing about the city of London I couldn't help but feel the charm that grew from every cobble ally or the taxi that would pass. We visited Buckingham Palace which lacked the men in red suits, huge bummer. I for one, was stunned to see parliament. This may be a fact that most people wouldn't admit, but seeing it in front of me made me remember when I used to watch the men in wigs argue with one another, too bad they were all on holiday. Exhausted from walking around the city all day we hopped the Tube, were I deliberately made eye contact with every Brit to make them feel uncomfortable as they would read their newspapers.
The next day we went to a neighboring city where we drank very tasty juice, even though that has nothing to do with England, the juice was amazing. We carried on to a small castle over looking the city and rolling green hills that made me fall in love with England.
Making our way back to town, we were headed for the pubs. Stacey said it was crucial that I visit a 'proper pub' while in England which ended up being more than just 'a' pub. We ended the night with a few drinks while watching the football game, England vs. Croatia. I think during this match, I also became a fan of football or may it has to be a combination of Stella and football, I am not sure but am most definitely willing to test my theory as much as needed.
Saying good bye to Stacey early on Thursday morning, I boarded the train to the Gatwick airport, I wasn't too fond of the lay out and lack of signs, but people were helpful. Waiting only 20 minutes, I was anxious to arrive in Doha, Qatar and munch on Arabic pastries.

London, United Kingdom