It’s hard to believe that a week before this trip, I was stuck in a stressful job which left me burnt out. I was in dire need of fresh air and a change of scenery to bring back some zest into my life again!
We arrived to a cool blustery morning in London after a 14-hour flight from Singapore. I kid you not but the jet lag is real! Beyond all the excitement of being in London, I felt awfully tired with a slight hangover (oops I must have overindulged on G&T on board the flight)! The idea of crashing as soon as we checked in was real! To see things in a more positive light, the bitterly cold weather kept us alert and awake on route to Piccadilly Circus.
Fun fact: Did you know alcohol and wines taste better when you are on a flight due to the change in air pressure and lack of humidity? I know it’s not ideal given that it dehydrates you but one can’t be stopped from raising a glass to a fun-filled adventure!
Welcomed by a ghost town!
Do you how the Londoners keep fit? Yes, they take the metro! We experienced that first hand as we dragged our luggage up and down (multiple) flights of stairs. And finally, we arrived…to a dead Piccadilly Circus which is usually known to be bustling with life and people! I guess it was still too early for any excitement yet.
Macdonald’s will never let you down anywhere and anytime!We were so glad MacDonalds was open for the few cold and ravenous souls like us! It was the perfect place to take refuge for the next couple of hours before we could check-in!
Check-in: My Apartments Piccadilly Circus
Exterior of the apartment @ Piccadilly CircusThe place was filled with charm and rustic grandeur. The romanesque architecture made me feel as though I had travelled back in time. Our apartment inside had been given a modern makeover with a functional kitchen, dining space and comfortable beds. I was surprised to find a washing machine too (but head’s up, detergent is not on the house!)Refreshed and ready to explore! btw, that fellow behind me with the white jacket and a goofy smile is my cousin (aka the walking white polar bear)! Goodbye winter and hello spring! Dainty pink blossoms were beginning to emerge from the delicate, scrawny looking branches. We took in the scenery as we walked along St James park as we made our way to have afternoon tea with the Queen. I did not bring my headphones but the vibrant tune of Vivaldi’s Spring Concerto was playing in a loop on my mind. Oh, see that 4th window on the top level, that was going to be my not so humble abode for the night! The National GalleryThe weather couldn’t seem to make up its mind. One moment it was cold and blustery and the next, the sun was thawing our frozen bones. And before you knew it, it looked as though the dementors from Azkaban had been released and the city was covered in overcast skies. Fortunately, after a slight drizzle, the sun came up and decided to stay for the remaining of the day! On our way back, we came across a pop-up shop called Beltane & Pop serving drinks that would warm any hearts! As tempted as the hot chocolate looked, I opted for a mean hot whiskey which tasted just like a Christmas in a cup with invigorating tones of apple cider, cinnamon and lemon! Our second pit stop was at this baby blue minivan that sold the good ol’ Fish & Chips! They served us a generous portion of piping hot haddock on a bed of heavenly fries! Sorry to disappoint but I didn’t get a picture! It was a battle against time with three hungry souls digging in at record-breaking speed!
We ended the evening with some theatrical appreciation at the Piccadilly Theatre. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time tells a story of a gifted boy who takes on the detective role of investigating the murder of his dog. It’s a play you shouldn’t miss if you love head-spinning visuals and a heartwarming story!
The weather had kept us on our toes today but overall it was a day spent well jolly good fun with de cousins!
I do warn you not to scroll ahead if you are suffering from hunger pangs!Croque monsieurEgg’s Benedict Traditional English Breakfast Have breakfast like the King they said!
Right, so we were fuelled up nicely for another day of hunting and gathering! Oh, not like cavemen but more like enthusiastic explorers on a lookout for more places to leave our footprints and gathering memories!
Welcome to Borough Market!
This is the oldest and the biggest market in London that has withstood the test of time since its original glory in the 1850s!
It was filled with rustic little shops that sold freshly baked baguettes and loaves of bread, fresh berries, candies, an assortment of jams and spices, ice cream and gelatos, decadent fudges, cheeses and nuts, fresh seafood and lots more!
Brownies!Breads!Cheese! Seafood!Candied nutsToffee!Oh if this isn’t heaven, what is? Sadly, I missed the train departing from 9 3/4 to Hogwarts. But I was glad the next train took me straight to Spain for a short 5-min day trip! The bubbling cauldron was filled with squids, mussels and fresh seafood! If I had known earlier, I would have gladly missed breakfast! I will go back to try them next time! I also had to save space for the best Fish & Chip in town! The best best best Fish and Chips I have had hands down! The fish was oh so fresh, it just melts in your mouth! The batter was just light and crispy! If you want to have fish and chips, just catch a flight to London from wherever you are! #notkidding! #justwishfulthinkingWe decided to buy some authentic homemade marmalade, blueberry, and strawberry jams. These tasty treats would surely remind us of this wonderful place back home!
Next, we headed Camden Town for a little shopping!
Camden street marketThe vibes here was lively and upbeat! The quirky decor and the colourful little boutiques livened the street which was once again, going to be overshadowed with bad weather!
As predicted, it started raining heavily and we had to find shelter. Thankfully amongst the leather and souvenir shop was a little gelato cafe called Amorino. We didn’t even have to think twice and of course, it would be a sin to forgo ice cream in such lovely rainy weather!
Ice cream is always a good idea! We took a break till the clouds passed and did a little shopping for leather jackets and souvenirs before heading back. Matilda – can you form any words? We just had to catch one more show since we were staying right smack in the theatre district! It was an impromptu decision and we were lucky to get the front row seats to watch Matilda! As we waited for the musical to begin, everyone from children to adults was trying to form as many words from huge crossword puzzle right in from of our eyes! If you didn’t know, the story revolves around an extraordinary girl who uses her sharp wits and imagination to overcome a challenging childhood!
Before calling it a night, we settled down for dinner in this quaint little pizzeria called Fratelli la Bufala. It sounded legit enough, and frankly, we were done with all the walking today!
We cheered our last night in London with wine and a stone-baked pizza! We saved the best for the last and ended the evening with a lovely apple crumble!
Pizza and apple crumbles never goes wrong!
Hope you enjoyed exploring (and getting stuffed) with us in London. Now, pack your luggage and get ready to hop onto the train to Lake District!
Lake District, here we come!
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5 thoughts on “London”
It has been five years since I been to England. Bristol was the main home base- but first got to spend a little time in London. The adult choir at my family church was in residence at Bristol Cathedral- family, friends, and parishioners were allowed to join. My family went up two days early to get used to the time change and to get a little more out of London.
London- got to visit Platform 9 and 3/4, Les Mis, and with the group we went to Windsor Castle, did a Waking Tour of London (which is how we were able to see Buckingham Palace), attended Evensong at Westminster, went to Eucharist at St. Paul’s Cathedral. We ended up at Tower of London- only had one time to walk around.
Thanks for the lovely sharing Meg 🙂 The choir must have been so beautiful! There’s always so much to discover in a new place, it is impossible to explore all the places at one go! But it’s always nice to hear experiences from others like yourself!
Evensong at Westminster and Eucharist and St. Paul’s were seen to prepare the group for services at Bristol Cathedral. I was actually kinda of nervous leaving London.
I slowly was learning to love Bristol as the days went by. Each day, we were in and around Bristol. Still glad the trip started in London.
C’est La Vie 
It has been five years since I been to England. Bristol was the main home base- but first got to spend a little time in London. The adult choir at my family church was in residence at Bristol Cathedral- family, friends, and parishioners were allowed to join. My family went up two days early to get used to the time change and to get a little more out of London.
London- got to visit Platform 9 and 3/4, Les Mis, and with the group we went to Windsor Castle, did a Waking Tour of London (which is how we were able to see Buckingham Palace), attended Evensong at Westminster, went to Eucharist at St. Paul’s Cathedral. We ended up at Tower of London- only had one time to walk around.
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Thanks for the lovely sharing Meg 🙂 The choir must have been so beautiful! There’s always so much to discover in a new place, it is impossible to explore all the places at one go! But it’s always nice to hear experiences from others like yourself!
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Evensong at Westminster and Eucharist and St. Paul’s were seen to prepare the group for services at Bristol Cathedral. I was actually kinda of nervous leaving London.
I slowly was learning to love Bristol as the days went by. Each day, we were in and around Bristol. Still glad the trip started in London.
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Hope you got to enjoy the sea and countryside too! Sounds like a perfect place to kick back and enjoy the sceneries! Would love to visit next time 🙂
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Well, outside of Bristol and London- also went to Bath, Berkeley, Stonehenge, Old Sarum, Salisbury, Tintern Abbey, and Chepstow
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