England

🧡 How It All Began

Everyone has a story, and I’ve always been open about mine. For me, it really started in December 2018, when one of my best friends from Canada got engaged and decided to have her wedding in London, England. London in December sounded magical, and I was all in. What I didn’t know at the time was that this trip would not only spark my love for travel, it would also be the beginning of my journey into photography. It’s where I started taking more photos and, over the years since, slowly learning how to edit and document the memories in a way that felt creative and meaningful.

But just a few months earlier, in August, something happened that completely changed my life. I had gone to a Beyoncé concert feeling excited and completely normal, but during the show, I suddenly felt off. The strobe lights made my head spin, and I started to feel lightheaded. Panic set in when the entire right side of my face went numb, including my lips and tongue. I sat down and tried to make it through the rest of the concert, but a few days later, my symptoms worsened. My right side became so heavy that I could barely walk.

After a hospital visit and an MRI, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. It was overwhelming and terrifying. Still, even in that moment, I knew I was ready to fight. And I still am.

Fast forward to December. When I told my parents I wanted to travel to London for the wedding, they were understandably nervous. It would be my first trip since my diagnosis, and MS was still very new to us. We didn’t know how my body might respond to the demands of international travel or what symptoms could come up along the way. MS is different for everyone. Some people have no visible signs at all, while others need mobility aids like canes or wheelchairs.

After many conversations, my dad finally told my mom, “If she’s physically able to travel, let her go live her life. We don’t know what the future holds, so let her do this while we know she still can.”

That moment changed everything. From then on, I made a promise to myself that every December, I would celebrate my birthday somewhere new. That trip to London marked the beginning of something much bigger than a vacation. It was the start of choosing adventure instead of fear. MS may be part of my life, but it does not get to define who I am.

And that is where the journey truly begins….

📍 Places I Visited

Before I even made it to London, I flew into England a few days early to visit my aunt and cousins who live in Northampton. It was nice to explore their town and catch up, and while the city had its own charm, it definitely had a slower pace compared to the excitement waiting for me in London.

I arrived in London on Christmas Day, which I quickly learned comes with a few travel challenges. Most public transportation shuts down completely that day, including the Tube, buses, and even trains. If you’re planning to visit during the holidays, it’s definitely something to keep in mind so you can plan ahead for how to get around.

Once I got settled in the city, I filled my days with iconic sights, cozy markets, and unforgettable moments. Here are a few of my favorite highlights:

Tower Bridge: Iconic drawbridge with stunning views of the Thames and the city skyline.
Kensington Palace: Historic royal residence surrounded by beautiful gardens and parkland.
Buckingham Palace: Prior to her death, the Queen’s official residence, perfect for spotting the famous Changing of the Guard.
Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain: A peaceful spot in Hyde Park to reflect and enjoy the water feature.
London Eye: Giant Ferris wheel offering breathtaking panoramic views of London.
Shopping on Oxford and Regent Street: Busy streets with a mix of high street brands and flagship stores.
Harrods: World-famous luxury department store with endless shopping and dining options.
Covent Garden: Charming area with street performers, boutique shops, and lively cafés.
Ringing in the New Year by the London Eye: Spectacular fireworks display and unforgettable NYE atmosphere by the Thames.
Waterloo Bridge: Offers some of the best walking views of London’s skyline, especially at sunset.
Trafalgar Square: Historic square with statues, fountains, and the iconic National Gallery.
Westminster Abbey: Stunning Gothic church steeped in history, the site of royal weddings and coronations.
Big Ben: London’s most famous clock tower and symbol of the city.
Hyde Park: Large green space ideal for strolling, relaxing, or people-watching in the heart of London.
Attended a Beautiful Wedding 💕

🏨 Where I Stayed

Northampton: With my aunt and family
The Chronicle by Supercity Aparthotels: 5/5 ⭐️
- The hotel was surprisingly spacious and came with a refrigerator, Nespresso machine with pods, washer, and a cozy living room area, all in an excellent location just steps from the Tube.

🏙️ Travel Tips

Oyster Card or Use Contactless Payment: A convenient way to pay for public transportation across the Tube, buses, and trains.
Transportation Schedules: Be aware of schedules on holidays.
Walk: Some of London’s best moments happen while wandering without a plan.
Stay Central: You’ll be close to major attractions, shopping, and dining, which also helps you save time on commuting.
Be Ready for Rain: London weather can be unpredictable, often cold and gloomy, so pack a light rain jacket or umbrella just in case.
Free Museums: Many of London’s top museums, like the British Museum, National Gallery, and the Tate Modern, offer free admission.
Watch the Crosswalks: Always look left first when crossing the street. Traffic comes from the opposite direction than you might be used to. I lost count of how many times I almost got hit because I instinctively looked the wrong way. London crosswalks definitely kept me on my toes!
Try the Local Food Scene: Even though I don’t usually eat or like fish, I made sure to try fish and chips. It’s a classic London experience that’s worth stepping out of your comfort zone for.
Be Mindful of Currency – British pounds (GBP), not euro