My 20th birthday <3

My 20th birthday started with me spending over half an hour reading nice birthday messages, listening to sweet voice messages, and even watching congratulatory videos (including a serenade from a friend who sang one of my favorite songs for me!). Thank you all so much for that, it was so kind and creative and sweet of you! :)

After I got up and got ready, I went downstairs. Two of my four roommates were already waiting for me there, with cake and candles and gifts and very sweet wishes and birthday hugs. It was a great surprise! We cut the cake right away for breakfast. Chocolate Fudge Cake, how did you know, Miri? ;)

After that, I went to have breakfast at the Galleria, delicious Blueberry Pancakes and a Strawberry Milkshake. Because the weather was so beautiful, we sat in the Business Park afterwards - and watched the Koi fish sunning themselves on the water's surface :D

Finally, I met my grandpa and his girlfriend at their hotel, they came to visit especially for my birthday. First, we unpacked gifts, read birthday cards, and rejoiced. I want to thank everyone who sent me gifts from Germany!!! I didn't expect that and I was very happy about it! :)

After that, we moved on to the main event of the day: our trip to London! Around 3pm, we finally stood in front of one of my highlights of London's landmarks: Big Ben! With perfect sunshine and at least 15 degrees in the shade, we took one selfie after another. Then we walked towards Downing Street, Trafalgar Square, and Buckingham Palace, and then towards Picadilly Circus.

After the long walk, we needed a break, so we made a stop at the exquisite Caffé Concierto. They make some amazing cakes...! My Chocolate Tart was perfect. And the hot chocolate too :)

Afterwards, we continued walking down Regent Street towards Oxford Street. But we didn't get that far, because what would a birthday on Oxford Street be without a shopping stop at my favorite store, Hollister? :D
When we left the store, it was already getting dark.

Time to head towards Covent Garden! After all, another highlight of the day and my birthday present was waiting for us: the Mamma Mia musical! As a fan of the movie, I absolutely couldn't miss it!

After picking up our pre-ordered tickets, we went to a fancy dinner. I had never been to a restaurant with such great service before! The staff filled our glasses with water every two minutes, kept asking if everything was okay, and was incredibly attentive. The food was also very good. For dessert, there was warm Apple Tart with Vanilla Ice Cream.
And yes, by now you're probably thinking the same thing as me: How much sweet stuff did she eat that day? That was the third time I had cake on that day. But just wait for the end of the day :D :D :D

Then we went back to the theater and up to our seats in the balcony. After a brief shock about the height and the view down to the stage, the show began. Mamma Mia is definitely a feel-good musical, that's for sure! Although I have to say, compared to the absolutely perfect film, neither the set nor the actors nor the singing come 100 percent close to the performance of the movie version. Nevertheless, it was a super great gift and I really enjoyed it! My personal highlight song was definitely 'Does your mother know'.

When the musical was over, we took the subway and train back. Around midnight, I finally arrived back at my house, where I had cake for the fourth - and yes, also the last! - time on that day.

To conclude my birthday, I found another gift from my roommates outside my door. So nice! :)

To put it in a nutshell: What a beautiful day... almost perfect!
The only thing I missed were my parents and my brother. It's strange to spend a birthday without them after never having spent 19 (or in Yanni's case, 16) birthdays without them in another country.
But I have to say, everyone here made the greatest effort to still give me the perfect 20th birthday. Thank you so much! Without you, this day wouldn't have been half as perfect :)

Take care!

Yours, Leonie

9th of March 2017