We thought the accommodation we had rented in Helsinki was till the end of May. Sadly we were mistaken and it ended at the end of April. No problem... or so one would think, we'll just extend it. Unfortunately there was an international Medical Conference on in Helsinki at that time and we couldn't even find a hotel to stay at! Call us Mary and Joseph 'cos we would have even taken an Inn! It just wasn't meant to be...
Instead we had to fly back to London for a week while the conference was on! We've now learnt our lesson... Anyhow, that's how we ended up back in London during May.
Marc only stayed in London for 5 days and I remained for 2 weeks. Although it was great catching up with friends and family, I was ill, so spent most of my days in bed! Sux!!!
However... here are some of my favourite things to do and see in London
The classic tube - The city of London is actually only a square mile and it's quicker to walk to your destination than catch the tube - that is of course only if you know where you're going!
The classic red busses of London - I'm really not a fan of buses, however, occasionally it's great to catch them, park off and watch the scenery go by!
Canary Wharf. I used to work here, it's modern, it's clean and has a great vibe! Also stunning view when on a cruise boat. Definitely worth visiting!
Hyde Park - when I worked in central London, I used to stroll over to Hyde Park during my lunch breaks... it really is so tranquil in the midst of city life chaos! Speakers' corner on the weekend is also very entertaining - especially when they are discussing controversial topics!
Ah, Leicester Square. I worked here for 3 years, building on the left - Granada Television on the 4th floor (they have since relocated and are now known as ITV). Richard Branson's mobile phone offices were on the 7th floor. He would often frequent the building. Loved working in central London - always something different going on. Also loads of theatrical productions which were just so convenient to attend after work!
The only bad part about working in Leicester Square were the movie premiers! Man, it would become so crowded you could barely move... and the noise! You would either have to leave work early or really late on those nights... but still a wonderful experience I'm glad I had the opportunity to enjoy!
The Tower Bridge - This is a must see - both day and night, really beautiful. I would recommend having a late lunch or dinner at Butlers Wharf as the sun sets... this is the view - gorgeous!
Houses of Parliament... well apart from being famous, it's just such a stunning building - really pretty! And of course, Big Ben. Big Ben is actually the bell inside the tower and you can't actually see it... but the clock tower it's in is famous!
Love this view of the London Eye and Big Ben. It's taken from behind Westminster Abbey
The London Eye. The views are amazing and I really can't do it justice. In order to really appreciate the UK seasons you have to go on the London Eye - 4 times - yes FOUR!
Summer
Spring
Autumn
Evening
You'll be amazed at how different London can look!
The Pall Mall - one of my fave walks in London
Buckingham Palace - I haven't been inside (YET) but it is gorgeous from the outside.
It's quite surreal - imagine living there!
Piccadilly Circus... this is why they say London never sleeps! Always buzzing - great vibe!
This is one of my fave views; it's just off Piccadilly Circus - Regent Street. When you turn that corner... a world of shopping opens up!
Trafalgar Square - If I wasn't in Hyde Park having lunch, this is where I would come! Simply LOVE Trafalgar Square! There are 4 Lions (you can see one in this inset), the myth is, if Big Ben chimes 13 times, they will come to life!
The Gherkin (on the right) - really beautiful and Tower 42 (on the far left) my second fave place to have sundowners in London
Tower 42 view, an almost 360 degree view of London! There is a Champaign bar at the top and you have to pre-book. The max you can stay is only 2 hours... but it reaches L'Oreal status - SO WORTH IT! Another must do when in London!
Here is hands down my fave place for sundowners - The OXO Tower.
A mission to find... but the hunt is worth it! They have a bar with stunning views of the water front, an amazing cocktail drink selection, brilliant vibe and a classical pianist in the back ground and if you feel like a bite to eat - a great restaurant!
Just down the road from the OXO is the Tate Modern. This gallery hosts some fantastic art.. my fave artist Salvador Dali and then a painting I fell in love with many many years ago - you have to see this in person for the full effect:
Jasper Johns - 0 though 9
You could stare at it for hours - simply exquisite!
Well that concludes Tour dé London... through my eyes! Loads of fun times and great stories to recall of London days - that will come in time. But for right now, whenever I think of London these are the things I miss the most! I'm sure this list will grow - so keep posted!
with my book and Roberts Coffee - not quite Wayne's Coffee (Best coffee in Europe!)
The "Catamaran"
The Baltic Flags as I left the harbour in Helsinki
Docking in Estonia - I generally don't like graffiti, but this was pretty colourful
What a stunning harbour - amazing view of modern Estonia
Everywhere you went there were stunning sculptures and the paths were lined in green grass and blooming flowers
Simply breathtaking - created such a great atmosphere
Headed for the old city, enveloped in old castles walls
There were 27 gates, but this was the main entrance
Quaint streets lined with cafe's and shops
And of course restaurants
And no city is complete without a Molly Malone's!
They do have some great sayings
Old Estonia was simply gorgeous
with different markets tucked away in nooks and crannies. It was like a little treasure hunt
This is the University of Tallinn... mmmmm makes me REALLY want to study!
This random, odd, church... quite unique
Statue built for a ship that sank
So pretty - couldn't tell you what the meaning is or even what it is as it was all in Estonian
I just thought it was beautiful
Ahhh the country side is gorgeous!
The TV Tower
This was built for the Olympics
This statue represents parachutes - who knows why?! Pretty though
After a long day, nothing like a nice cold beer
Saku Beer
Then headed back to the port - so pretty
That's the "Catamaran"
