Got peanut butter?

Here's to another fine day of  peanut butter.

Yesterday,  some friends also took their lunch along with them. We sat on the lawn right outside of St. Paul's Cathedral and enjoyed the scenery, some street music and a few laughs. (See my shoes sticking out)?

Today, I was peanut butter solo -. You never know what kind of adventures one might have when trying to fit in with the locals.  I found a spot up on a statue and was minding my own business eating my sandwich; when a tour group came up five steps from me and all stared at the statue. ( No, I did not try to take a selfie) - But in my mind, they were staring at me. I had my sunglasses on, so I just continued eating that yummy sandwich. Why was today's sandwich yummier than usual you wonder? AHHHH HAAAA..... because it had raspberry preserves. An extra package that I saved  while enjoying our breakfast that was part of our hotel stay in Scotland! (Another money saving tip).



Sometimes, you just gotta spend a few extra pence. In this case I could get a 16 oz water for 53 pence or the big belly buster size (that was not cold) for 44 pence. What a deal!  But, then who wants to carry that big ole' bottle around? Not this girl! Besides, no doubt I would not only to find a loo but likely pay 30 pence to use the facilities. So in this case, more wins.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory -- 5 stars!

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was on my London Bucket list. I was super excited that a couple of my new friends also wanted to check out this musical. Last night, as we were standing at the bus stop, a local told us it was only a five minute walk. Apparently we took the way of Omaha (way out of the way path) and got a bit lost. After eventually finding the theater, it turned out to be our lucky day, we were still able to obtain tickets! Even better we did not have to wait in the queue with all the other patrons since we were already inside. The Drury Theater is very old and magnificent and contained art work from late in the day throughout the theater. The music and actors were amazing. The plot followed closely to the print versions with the exception of a few modern day characters. We all had a swell time. It still amazes me that patrons can eat and drink during the production. One little event, that we could of done without; a teenager in the row of us threw up in the middle of the play. Praise the Lord that none of us were sitting in front or next of him. After discussing the misfortune incident, we came to the conclusion that we believe that the boy possibly got sick from the flashing strobe lights in one of the scenes. Of course we had to stop and get a few photos to add to our social media projects. On the way home we took a taxi!

Heidi enjoying her treat at the theater.

(No ice cream for this girl on a shoe string budget.).

In the heart of London -- money saving tips

Having been in London, for one week I have learned various money saving tips that can be helpful traveling on a shoe string budget.

Travel with a buddy: If you have a friend or two that you can travel with, you can share expenses. Recently three of us went to Scotland, we split the hotel room and some other expenses making our journey affordable.

Concessions: Look for the word “concessions” at ticket booths… concession is a British word meaning DISCOUNT. I have a student International ID Card that has given me the privilege of saving money on 4 venues this past week just for being a student.

Year long passes: I visited the Transportation Museum and not only was I able to benefit from the student price, my ticket is valid for an entire year!

When eating out  “take it away”. A fee is added at some restaurants if you dine in on each item. My favorite restaurant charges a dine in fee per item! With that being said, if I purchase a sandwich, crisps, and some of those yummy chocolate covered macaroons (that I resisted as long as possible)  I  would be paying an extra $2. 10. It seems like the thing to do is find a park bench, side of a building to stand near or just eat walking down the side walks and eat --“When in Rome do as the Romans”.

Carry a water bottle in your bag. It can get pricey spending almost $2 for a bottle of water every day, not only at meals but when walking around and you want a drink. England has clean and safe drinking water from the tap.

Cannot decide what dessert to have? Or feeling a little on the thrifty side? Share a dessert with a friend. Or even more exciting, buddy up with a friend and each buy some kind of treat share. Or even better yet, visit a market, many give out free samples.

Public transportation: Transportation can cut into a budget. I have learned many tips this past week. Share a taxi – it can be cheaper to share a taxi with six friends than take the tube/train. The cost of transportation via tube is based on how far you travel. The bus is one fee for your entire one way destination. A hop on and off pass will save money and is ideal if you have many different stops to make or if you want to see the city.

Reward Cards: Yes, I have already shared this tip – but wanted to remind readers to check out their local stores to see if they have loyalty reward cards. Not only can they save money, reward cards may offer free perks such as a tea/coffee or newspaper!

The last money saving tip of the week: How much discipline do you have to pack a lunch on the go vs eating lunch out? I have had more peanut butter sandwiches this week than I have had in over a year. But, remember – this is what traveling on a shoe string budget is all about. Making sacrifices saves  money (in this country pounds!) all those drinks I gave up, allowed me to treat myself to those tasty little morsels of fun called chocolate covered macaroons. 

How Silly Jilly lost a shoe while on holiday to Scotland

Take a weekend trip to Scotland? Yes, please – count me in! Two of my new London friends and I adventured to Scotland this past weekend. Even though it was rainy and dreary we set out to have dinner at the Elephant Café – to see where some of the famous Harry Potter books were penned. We decided to walk back to our hotel instead of take the bus. We arrived back to the hotel very soggy indeed. My shoes were soaking wet all the way through. I tried to dry them with the hair dryer, as you may imagine that did not pan out so well. I had high hopes they would dry overnight- no such chance.  The next day, wet shoes and all, we headed out to find new shoes as we started our day. On a Sunday morning, not much was open at 10am. At last we found a Primark clothing store. Immediately I found a pair of shoes for less than $10. I was very proud of myself as shoe shopping can be somewhat daunting task for me. I found socks and was ready to G-O. The sales girl cut off the tag and I attempted to wear my new shoes out the door, when I realized they were too big. So my very patient travel mates said go ahead and exchange them we can wait outside. I grabbed a new pair and made my way to customer service. I switched the new shoes that I was wearing into the wet and squishy shoes  while I was taking the lift up to the 3^rd floor. Well, low and behold when I researched the service desk, I was minus one shoe (brand new). I dropped it somewhere between being on the lift and the customer service desk. Of course I cannot return shoes with one missing. I tried to convince manager to watch the security camera to see who picked up the shoe, sad to say I was not successful. I gave up, as my friends were waiting for me and I was getting anxious to make them wait any longer. Later, in the day I talked to the store manager and they still had not found the missing shoe. They did offer for me to return the lonely shoe and exchange for a new pair of shoes; probably because they thought I was some crazy American girl that loses a shoe – brand new no less in the store. Who does that???? However by the time we made our way back near the store it was really close to departure time. I just did not want to risk missing the train back to London for a  pair of $10 shoes. Meanwhile, this girl walked around Scotland with soggy and smelly shoes that I am pretty sure were about to be turned into mold. Last night, the Keen’s had a spin in the washing machine and hopefully will be good as new. One of my London friends, said I could have a Cinderella ending. Perhaps prince charming could come look for me with the shoe, well he would need to hurry up and make his way to London to find me! 

Bayview Mac Race

Wishing Euphoria and her crew good luck and a safe journey. Wearing my shirt today.  Cheering them on from 4,000 miles away and across the ocean!

Platform 9 3/4

Platform 9 3/4. Touristy thing... but had to join in the Harry Potter fun! We did see one girl dress up... I know that my friend Bre would of gave her a run for her money!

Stepping outside of my comfort zone

Believe it or not, Jillian did the unthinkable! I taste tested food at the Market! Yes, this germaphobe is experiencing London and traveling on a shoe string budget. Once I found out that I could ask for free samples, it was on like Donkey Kong!