TEA TIME , I mean, ME TIME roaming around in London
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I belong in England. If for whatever reason I do not reach California, you will perusing the streets of London. I need that posh accent and monochrome style in my life. I could probably make do without the temperamental weather, but I'd pay that price for my new found life in London.
So London was my third stop on my European Tour in 2016. I got there by way of RyanAir, which is God's gift to us travelers, I swear. The ticket only cost me $100! Because RyanAir does not fly into major airports in Europe, I flew into the Stansted Airport and then took the Stanstead Express to London’s official “underground” transportation system, “The Tube” where I caught the train heading to my accommodation in Balham. *Side note * The Tube" is pretty much what it sounds like, a skinny pipe-like train car attempting to cram tens of people into each car...like sardines. I don't have a problem with cramped spaces unless someone’s hot breath is right in my face. Regardless, it was pretty clean.
Moving On...
True Patriotism
London was way too much fun for me!I had been wanting to visit since I was a child, so having this opportunity was amazing. While in Germany, someone helped me to make a pretty decent itinerary and I was able to nearly accomplish the entire list! I spent a lot of my time solo, roaming around the city. However, that is honestly the best way to discover the city. You will find that the Brits are super proud of their country, as you will be able to tell from the many country flags that you see on every corner. I loved it!
In terms of transportation, I did not Uber..at all. In fact that never once crossed my mind. The tube is super efficient and goes to practically anywhere you could want to visit. I decided to purchase an unlimited transportation ticket so that I could hop on and off the buses. Yes, the double decker buses! I was hype. I repeat, I went.. everywhere on those double decker buses. I could not believe that I was truly living one of my childhood wishes. It was very relaxing and I felt like a true Brit.
Also, being the shy, nervous wreck about traveling, girl that I am, I felt really really chill traveling the streets alone. Just be cautious of who is around you at all times and it will be fine. I always spot out those officers and/or gauge the behavior of people around me before asking them questions.
The Itinerary:
Go to Everything On this list & you will have done sightseeing properly
Map of the City of London
In no particular order, my itinerary was as follows:
Oxford & Piccadilly Circus
I could write up on everywhere I went, but honestly, I want you to experience it for yourself. I definitely recommend the parks, the department stores, the markets and the view of the London Eye from the Thames bridge.
I know when I mentioned department store, you probably prayed for me and the sources of my pleasure, but look London department stores are unlike anything in America. They, too, are palaces. Each room adorned with a theme or product. There was a coffee/ tea room & a chocolate room in Harrods.. a chocolate room.. Where do they do that?… in London, naturally.
I just… ugh…. talking about this makes me want to go back. The breathtaking view of BIG BEN ALONE, it is enough to want to apply for citizenship there.
Tower Bridge
It was a dream to witness the beautiful architecture designs of Big Ben. Big Ben is the nickname for the landmark clocktower at the houses of Parliament. When you’re there, you will get to hear his bell ring… it rings every 15 minutes or so, so you will hear it a lot. Seeing big ben from all the angles is a must. You won’t look weird, I promise. It is a huge tourist attraction. There were nearly 15 groups of 10+ people taking photos on the lawn across the street from parliament.
Also must do!!! BIG BEN AT NIGHT. I am a sucker for lights… at night.. on buildings.. glistening and reflecting on water. The most magnificent view of BIG BEN is at night! I am telling you. Stand on the bridge ( I am pretty sure it is called the Thames Bridge but do not quote me) and you will be diagonally midpoint of both the BIG BEN and the LONDON EYE, which is the marvelous ferris wheel in the London Proper.
Below is evidence of where I spent most of my time. There is no shame in playing the BIG BEN game.
"Describe London in one photo
Big Ben (a.k.a .Elizabeth Tower)
Big Ben Reflection after a twenty minute rain
At night
Carnaby
This was taken on a rainy day in London.
Westminster Abbey :
Westminister Abbey
Westminster Abbey or "The Abbey" has been the source of great stories that my father would tell me of his days in school in London so when I saw it in person, I felt like I had been there many times. A work of architectural genius, a place of daily worship, deploying the resources of high musical expertise, a burial place of kings, statesmen, poets, scientists, warriors and musicians, The Abbey is the result of a process of development across the centuries.
The Portobello Market
Portobello Market was my another favorite spot of mine because it was so dainty and colorful. It is also where I had my first Fish & Chips!!! Sort of anticlimactic, but I can get into that later. It was still pretty good, besides the fact I thought it would come with some type of gravy or sauce or something. Anyways, I digress…
Camden is neat with all of its thrift stores and colorful row homes, which I obviously snapped photos in front of.
If you ever visit and want to find a cute little coffee & cake shop, Hummingbird Bakery is my recommendation!
Camden Lock
Camden is the cutest spot for shopping and observing the local art scene!
One way to describe Camden Lock is that it is a different world where all the worlds collide… if that makes sense. Here is where you can pretty much find a myriad of different types of food and or markets. I bought a silver name necklace from here and it’s one of my favorite things that I purchased from the market.
They also have this really neat spot called the “Cereal Killer Cafe” which is home of a crazy-intense cereal menu. It is decked out in all of the cereal brands you could want and love plus more. It is also a really neat place to visit and say you went.
Besides really neat restaurants, Camden Market is home to all of the really neat retro art and clothing you desire. So definitely check out all of the stores on that strip.
Ramen at Pop Brixton
This. gem. will.be.my.spot. whenever I am in London. Pop Brixton is actually a temporary project that has turned an unused space into a creative space for independent artists and businesses.
There are tons of activities, shops and restaurants. On this night, at Koi , I consumed my first authentically prepared Ramen.
Cousin selfie at Pop Brixton
Pop Brixton is like an outdoors entertainment space where they have performances/ music playing and tons of people out and about around different food options. It is sort of tucked away in South London, but it is so worth it to check out. The vibes and ambiance is on point.
My time in London was characterized by the joys of being a tourist. I took pride being a tourist and ir allowed me to fully experience a pure snapshot of the city. Aside from the minor travel rbf that I usually have when traveling, I took my little touristy time to talk to strangers, take photos of everything. Believe you me, the pictures in this post is not even a quarter of the photos I took during my week in London, it is just the amount I could stand my slow computer uploading.
More Photos of London :
XOXO Safe Travels!
