Destinations London

London Calling

June 11, 2015

I was in London for the first time two weeks ago with some friends to celebrate the end of the school year. It ended up actually being cheaper to fly there from Edinburgh than take the train (gotta love Ryanair). Overall, I loved London because of how all the neighbourhoods have slightly different feels to them (not to mention all the Snapchat geotags!). I’m already excited for round two!

Here are a few of my first impressions.

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Walking around, I first noticed that at crosswalks, everyone just walks straight at you. It’s equally terrifying and harmonious. Also, pedestrians don’t have the right of way. Being a New Yorker, it took me a bit (and a few tugs from my friends) not to cross the street sometimes.

As for what we did, we saw all the usual touristy sights but managed to save (/chose to go to Chipotle instead of) Hyde Park, going on the Eye and seeing the Crown Jewels for next time. Being with a fellow art history student, we spent plenty of time in the National Gallery (where I saw my favourite painting, Bronzino’s Venus and Cupid!), The Tate and Art 15, a gallery expo show.

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Then there is the underground. I love it. The NYC subway could definitely take a few pointers (minus the trains being really small and low). I love the way Oyster Cards work too; swiping is so much easier.

The name “oyster card” doesn’t actually have an offical story behind it but the two most common theories are that either it’s called an oyster card because with it, the world is your oyster and it’s precious like a pearl or that it was inspired by Hong Kong’s octopus card and kept with the nautical theme. Either way, I’m a fan.

 

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How much more London could this get; with the bus, black cab and cyclist?!

How much more London could this get; with the bus, black cab and cyclist?!

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  • Elyse June 11, 2015 at 12:18

    I love London! I’ve been twice, there’s so much to see. Looks like the rain held out for you, when I went it was a horrible downpour so we went into the Victoria and Albert museum (can’t remember if you mentioned that one) so it wasn’t that bad. The Tate Modern is awesome too 🙂
    Can’t wait to go back!

    lovely pictures!

    http://www.thethingislemons.wordpress.com

  • Shannyn @frugalbeautiful.com June 11, 2015 at 22:48

    Love the pictures! I’d really like to go to London someday, I just have so many cities on my list. Thanks for sharing your experience!

  • JasminCharlotte June 12, 2015 at 12:01

    Yay glad you had an awesome time in London! I do love this city. It’s so odd with the trains right? They are just so expensive at the moment to get across the country! x

    Jasmin Charlotte

  • Dressed With Soul June 20, 2015 at 15:57

    It has been so long ago when I was in London – nearly 20 years (it was in 1997)! Therefore I thank you for the beautiful pictures and the lovely words you left on my blog <3 Vielen Dank dafür und alles Liebe für Dich!

    xx Rena

    International Giveaway: Bags are
    More Than Fun for Me

    http://www.dressedwithsoul.com

  • La Travelera June 23, 2015 at 15:16

    Fabulous London! Great pictures xxx