Touring London

 



Where does one begin with London? We arrived expecting to see incredible sights and visit historic buildings but we got so much more. Once we were settled into our cozy little Airbnb home in East Finchley, we started to explore this fascinating city. Getting around London proved to be very easy because of their subway system. After we got used to riding the 'Tube', we found it easy to zip from one end of the city to another and back in no time. We have found riding the subway a very interesting and learning experience because you meet people in a very different way than on the street or in a mall. Most of the people were very friendly and sometimes engaged us in conversation when they realized we were from abroad. First on our agenda was taking another free walking tour like we had in Berlin to get acquainted with the city and get our bearings. From Buckingham Palace to Trafalgar Square to Big Ben, we got a good introduction to the city centre. During the next six days we added the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Lady Diana's Fountain, Royal Albert Hall, and many other sights.  We attended Evensong services in Westminster Abbey and St. Paul's Cathedral (we got to sit in the choir loft) which were really special. Listening to the angelic voices of the choir filling the immense halls with their singing was very moving. Every day ended with a visit to a different pub to check out their pub meals. From traditional fish and chips to Thai food, we loved hanging out in these places for some good food as well as a chance to rub elbows with the locals. We have found different neighbourhoods have different personalities as we explored Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus (at night), Notting Hill, Covent Garden, Oxford Circus, and Camden Town (we LOVED their Sunday Market). Everywhere we went there were posters for theatre productions and special exhibitions. You literally could go to a different event every night of the year here (if you won the lottery). London is a city that needs to be walked and we definitely did enough of that (although we did spring for a ride in a London Cab which was a real treat).