YESTERDAY ONCE MORE….Decades of Laugh….One Epic Journey

How It Started

We grew up together in Kolkata, India. School friends, the closest kind. And then life happened — we scattered across different corners of the world, built different lives, and 35 years passed.

London was where we all came back together. Flying in from different countries, different time zones, different everything — and yet the moment we were together, it was like no time had passed at all. This trip had been in the works for nearly 10 years. Dates that didn't line up, life constantly getting in the way. And then finally, it happened. We made it.

The Gang's All Here

We stayed at the Ibis London Blackfriars — clean and central. The hotel had its own restaurant, which was really convenient, especially after long days out. And the area had grocery stores and shops right around the corner, so picking up snacks or anything we needed was never an issue. About a 15-minute walk to the Thames.

Day One: Sightseeing + Hamilton

We kept it classic on day one — wandered around the main sights, soaked it all in. Big Ben, the South Bank, the whole thing. It's touristy, yes, but there's a reason everyone does it.

Evening: Hamilton at the West End. Honestly? I found it a bit hard to follow. It helps a lot if you already know the history behind it — the American founding fathers, the whole story. The staging and music are impressive, but without that background context, it can feel like you're watching something everyone else is in on except you. Worth seeing, but do your homework first. Definitely a must if you're a history buff.

Day Two: Greenwich + Chinatown

We took the public bus to Greenwich, which was an adventure in itself. First stop: the National Maritime Museum — genuinely interesting, not just something to tick off. Then up to the Royal Observatory to stand on the Prime Meridian line.

After that, Greenwich Market. So many vendors, so much to look at. I went straight for the Indian food (no regrets). The others got fish and chips — proper ones. Both excellent choices.

The ferry back into central London was unexpectedly beautiful. Watching the city come into view from the water, Tower Bridge, St. Paul's... London at its most cinematic.

We ended the night in Chinatown. Loud, delicious.

Day Three: Afternoon Tea + Shopping

Last day, full indulgence. We started with afternoon tea at The Dilly London — finger sandwiches, scones, clotted cream, the whole spread. Fair warning: the portions are generous, way more than you'd expect. We couldn't finish it all in one sitting and ended up with to-go boxes.

Then we shopped. No real plan, which is the only way to shop in London. Wandered, tried things on, bought things we didn't need.

Until Next Time

Thirty-five years since we were all together, a decade of trying to make this trip happen, and flying in from all corners of the world — and it was worth every bit of the wait. Get us in the same city, and it's like no time has passed at all.

If you've got old friends scattered across the globe and a trip that's been on the 'someday' list forever — make it happen. Don't wait another 35 years.

Girls' Trip: From Kolkata to London