Adventures in London and Disneyland (Dec 24')

December was one for the books—a month filled with festive lights, magical moments, and a whole lot of fun as I traveled to London and Disneyland Paris with my brother, his girlfriend, and my partner. From cozy strolls in the city to Disney dreams come true, this trip was all about making memories to last a lifetime.

P.S. Be sure to play the song at the end of this blog while you read—it’s the perfect soundtrack to bring our adventure to life.

Day 1: Leaving Aris and Exploring London

This trip started with a bittersweet goodbye to Aris, our 7-month-old golden retriever puppy. I hated leaving him behind, but knowing he was in good hands with a close friend staying at our house made it a little easier.

We hopped on the train from Cardiff to London and checked into The Strand in Covent Garden—a great spot for exploring the city by foot. The first day was all about soaking in the festive vibes. We wandered through Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, Regent Street, Oxford Street, and Soho. After grabbing a burger and pastry in Covent Garden, we stopped for the traditional Christmas tree photo—because, let’s be honest, it’s not December in London without one!

Later, we treated ourselves to Chin Chin’s famous hot chocolate in Soho. Spoiler alert: it’s ridiculously sweet, maybe too much for me, but worth a try if you’re ever nearby!

To wrap up the night, for dinner, we headed to Massala Zone, a fantastic spot for Indian food. The food was delicious and so filling—definitely the comfort food we needed after a day of walking.

Day 2: Notting Hill, Savoy Place, and Steak Heaven

Day two started with a trip to Notting Hill to visit the Greek embassy. This area always feels so fancy, with its gorgeous buildings and colorful streets. We even stopped by Holland Park to snap a few photos of the koi pond.

After that, we headed to Savoy Place for a work meeting. It’s a super modern tech space with views of the Thames and the London Eye—definitely not your average office vibe.

The rest of the day was all about food and shopping. First stop: Harrods, where I could spend hours in the food market alone. I picked up some Knightsbridge roast coffee beans and found an incredible chocolate slab that I couldn’t resist. We also visited Fortnum & Mason to stock up on tea, honey, and Christmas gifts. ADD BUS line 24

Dinner that night was at Blacklock, a hidden gem with amazing steak and the most incredible white chocolate cheesecake I’ve ever had. We all agreed it’s a new favorite spot.

Day 3: BlackHat and off to Paris

Day three kicked off with the Black Hat conference in London, which is always such a fun and engaging experience. I got to learn new things about cybersecurity, meet interesting people, and even take part in some of their games—including a LEGO challenge, which was a blast. I always enjoy visiting Black Hat; it’s a perfect mix of learning and fun.

What made the day even better was catching up with a friend of mine from Indonesia after so many years.

Later that day, we boarded the Eurostar to Paris and checked into Hotel de l'Aqueduc. After settling in and having a delicious burger, we headed out to see the Eiffel Tower. It looked stunning lit up against the night sky. Strolling through the Trocadéro area, with its lively atmosphere and beautiful views, was the perfect way to ease into our Parisian adventure.

Day 4: Disneyland Paris – Becoming Kids Again

Day four was all about Disneyland Paris, and honestly, we couldn’t wait to let our inner kids run wild. From the moment we walked through the gates, it felt like stepping into a magical world. Everything was decked out for Christmas—twinkling lights, festive music, and characters dressed in holiday outfits. It was impossible not to smile.

We spent the day hopping on classic rides like Pirates of the Caribbean and Big Thunder Mountain, but we also made time for some lighter, whimsical fun. We couldn’t resist the carousel, spinning under its glowing lights, and laughing like kids as it brought back so many childhood memories. The Alice in Wonderland Curious Labyrinth was another highlight—getting “lost” among the hedges and stumbling upon quirky, magical scenes made us feel like we were in the storybook itself.

Seeing the characters we loved as kids, wandering through the beautifully themed lands, and just soaking in the atmosphere was pure magic. There’s something so special about reliving those childhood memories as an adult and feeling the same excitement we did back then.

It was freezing, though—layers, gloves, and scarves were absolutely essential! Even with the cold biting at our noses, it somehow made everything feel even more festive. Warm churros and hot chocolate helped, too, of course.

One of my personal highlights was finally finding the Ratatouille shoulder plush I’d been searching for in Disney Studios. It might sound silly, but it made my day!

The grand finale came with the nighttime parade. Watching the glowing floats glide down Main Street, with festive music filling the air and the castle twinkling in the background, was absolutely magical. The fireworks over Sleeping Beauty’s Castle were the cherry on top, wrapping up a day that truly felt like stepping into a winter wonderland.

To wrap up this magical day, we’d booked a table at The Libertino, a stunning Italian restaurant in Paris (yes, Italian in France!). The food was some of the most delicious we’ve ever had, and the warm, cozy atmosphere was just what we needed after a day in the cold. It was the perfect way to end a day full of magic and wonder.

Day 5: Parisian Views, Galeries Lafayette, and Sweet Discoveries

Our last full day in Paris began at Galeries Lafayette, where the massive Christmas tree in the center of the store was absolutely breathtaking. We made our way up to the rooftop garden for panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower and the city below—a moment that felt quintessentially Parisian and a perfect start to the day.

From there, we headed to Rue de Rivoli to visit Verlet, one of the oldest coffee shops in Paris. The rich history of the place and its charming ambiance instantly won us over. We all ordered their signature hot chocolate, and let me tell you, it was divine—rich, velvety, and exactly what we needed to warm up on a chilly day. It was one of those experiences where you just sit back, sip slowly, and take in the moment.

For lunch, we stopped at a local boulangerie for a simple but delicious sandwich. There’s just something about French bread—it elevates even the simplest meal into something special.

In the afternoon, we explored the shopping mall beneath the Louvre, picking up a few souvenirs and gifts along the way. It’s always a fun spot to wander, especially during the festive season.

Dinner that evening was at a Vietnamese restaurant that came highly recommended, and it did not disappoint. Afterward, we stopped by a Japanese store nearby, where I introduced my brother to some Japanese sweets. Watching him try them for the first time was a lighthearted and memorable way to end the day.

It was a slower-paced day compared to Disneyland, but with the relaxed vibe, amazing food, and cozy stops like Verlet, it was the perfect way to wrap up our Parisian adventure.

The end

This trip was everything I could have hoped for—festive, magical, and filled with unforgettable moments. From wandering the bustling streets of London and soaking in the holiday charm of Covent Garden, to reliving childhood dreams at Disneyland Paris, and sipping hot chocolate at one of Paris’s oldest coffee shops, every part of the journey felt special.

Traveling with everyone made it all the more meaningful. We shared laughter, great food, and plenty of memories. As we headed back home, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the experiences, the people, and even the chilly December air that added to the magic of it all.

Until next time...

Irene