I finished packing this morning and my friend drove me to the airport. I’m a little sad to leave. The last two weeks have been an amazing adventure full of wonderful experiences and incredible memories with friends. We arrived at Queen Alia International Airport (QIA), checked into the flight, and made our way to security. Goodbyes are always difficult, especially when you only get to see your people once every few years. 

Security is a two-step process at QIA. I made my way to the lounge after dropping off my checked luggage and enjoyed a few minutes of journaling. The boarding process was a little unorganized but I was soon boarded and ready for the flight back to London. I was in business class again so there was plenty of space to get comfortable. The food was decent and I was able to journal during the flight. Departing Amman at approximately 8:30am meant I was arriving in London at approximately 11:15am. 

Again, the customs and immigration process at Heathrow is easy and quick. I took the train between terminals and located the Left Luggage counter. Since I am only in London for the night, I packed my carry-on bag to have the clothes and toiletries I need and can leave my checked luggage (and various souvenirs) at the airport. This is super convenient, prevents me lugging around two checked bags, and is not overly expensive. Bags dropped, I took the tube to Covent Garden on the Piccadilly Line. 

The lift line at the station was intense so I opted for the stairs. Random fact, the Covent Garden station has 193 stairs and I understand why the lift line was intense. It’s either the stairs or the lift and only crazy (or really fit)  people take the stairs. A few breaks to catch my breath and 193 stairs later, I walked to the Waldorf Hilton London where I am spending the night. The Waldorf is a very nice hotel in the heart of the theatre district and just a short walk from Covent Garden. I checked into my room and freshened up before getting a late lunch at the hotel. I wanted to have another afternoon tea experience but the Beauty and the Beast themed tea was fully booked so I opted for Good Godfrey’s Bar and Lounge. The food was good and the service was exceptional. 

I had a few hours before my theatre show and decided to walk to Covent Garden for browsing and shopping. Covent Garden is a lovely area with plenty of food and shopping options. There are a variety of shops ranging from everyday to luxury. Ladurée is a delightful French pastry shop with amazing macarons; worth every cent and every calorie. I made a couple purchases and decided to walk to the theatre so I knew the route before going back to the hotel to change for the show. I found a Waterstone’s bookstore while walking and had to pop in. I’m so glad I did because I found an autographed copy of Nadiya Hussain’s newest cookbook Nadiya’s Everyday Baking!

I am ecstatic to see the Great British Bake Off Musical at Noel Coward Theatre! I have been watching the Great British Bake Off series on Netflix for years and am a huge fan. Thankfully the dates aligned for me to be able to see the musical tonight! Noel Coward Theatre is lovely and only about a 10 minute walk from the hotel. The GBBO Musical is a limited time show and is very popular with the Brits so the queue was forming a full 45 minutes before the show began. The doors opened 30 minutes before the show started and I had time to stop at the merchandise counter and bar before finding my seat. I am seated in stall row P seat 13. The topmost portion of the screen is slightly obstructed but the stage view is un-obstructed perfection. 

The show was AMAZING and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND! As a fan of the series, I could see some contestants’ stories on the stage and the storyline is the epitome of the human experience. I felt every emotion as I laughed, cried, and sang along with the incredible cast! It was amazing!  I nearly skipped my way back to the hotel afterwards and struggled to go to sleep from excitement.