Hi there! I’m Amberly Smith, Tea’s Manager of Customer Operations. Recently, I took my first international trip in nearly 30 years, got lost more than once (my favorite way to meet interesting people), obtained a British Library card, and saw amazing talent. As someone obsessed with street art, books, and people, you can imagine just how much fun I had!
I started in London, where one of my first stops was the British Library. This place is a treasure trove of knowledge, and there’s something magical about being surrounded by history and rare manuscripts. They’ll issue anyone a free library card with a photo ID—my most unique souvenir to date!
Next up was a guided tour of Shoreditch, an area known for its vibrant street art scene. The graffiti here is more than just spray paint on walls—it’s commentary, and protest, and a celebration of the neighborhood’s diversity. It was a great opportunity to learn about the different styles of street art, and it left me with serious art envy!
Of course, no noteworthy trip is without a little mishap. Mine came when all trains from London’s King’s Cross Station were canceled. I was headed to Alnmouth in Northumberland, but instead got rerouted through Manchester and York, ended up on the wrong train, and many hours later… I finally made it! But getting lost wasn’t all bad—I met a professional musician with a doctorate in 19th-century musical practice, a world traveler from Leeds, and Ms. Jo from Wales, who kindly invited me to stay at her guesthouse the next time I’m in England.
Why Alnwick? That was the most common question I got that day. Well, I went for the Poison Garden, the filming locations (hello, Harry Potter and Downton Abbey!), and the beautiful scenery.
My last stop was Edinburgh, and it was packed with adventure. I got to make my own tartan bag—a lovely souvenir almost as cool as the library card. I explored the National Museum of Scotland which has exhibits ranging from ancient history to futuristic technology. And of course, I couldn’t leave Scotland without a whiskey tasting! Nothing knocked my favorite (Woodford Reserve) off the top of my list but I enjoyed learning about the craftsmanship behind each one.
In the end, this trip was filled with unforgettable moments, bookish bliss, and a few unexpected twists—just the way I like it!
