LONDON

May-June 2016

I’ve been back in Sydney for a few weeks now and it seems I forgot to pack something for the return journey home - London captured my heart unlike any other. You’d think Craig David personally met me at the airport when I landed the way I rant on about the place. Like most of the mega-metropolis cities around the world nothing quite sums up their effect other than the vibe or the people, although let me try to summarise my recent fling with the city.

Half the time was spent getting my bearings, staring at union jacks, black cabs and red double decker buses like they were a dying breed and trying to figure out weather it was actually good weather or not. Soaking in the nuances of London and British life, I found them different but comforting at the same time. Lounging in pubs, the echoes of crowds chanting on their teams during the football Euro's heard from down the street. European accents everywhere, of course being particularly charmed by the British accent. I could’t help but stand back and let my inner character change up her accent like she was a local. 

The other half, the best part of all, was catching up and hanging out with friends. With quite a few mates currently taking up residence in London, a few of us left behind decided it was a good time to go visit them. 

We sent word out and grouped together who we could to come hang out. The resulting group of friends that banded together was a incidental mix of people with slightly crossed paths. The numbers of said group seemed to increase everyday, with more people dropping by to catch us while we were in town (thanks guys) This resulted in me declaring us a fully fledged #squad, London Squad 2k16. 

Filling the days with walking tours around the city led by friends turned tour guide, trying to fill in the time until it was a respectable point of the day to file into the pub. Having a laugh discussing what made the perfect yorkshire pudding, over a pint or two.

Ticked off a few of the iconic bucket list sites and bought a few ridiculous souvenirs along the way. Madame Tussauds included, the mothership, a necessary evil for previously employed Merlinites. 

Whilst I’m sure other wordsmiths have eloquently strung descriptions of London better than I ever could, all I can say is London is a great city that should be on all travellers lists. If London were a character he’d be the well travelled and worldly type, been there seen that, and while he may come off stand offish, cold and like he know’s more than you, he would still is down to try new things and knows how to make you feel at home when you go to visit. 

And you couldn’t base Monopoly off any other city. A beautiful city with a story to tell, a constantly evolving story. Having built itself over hundreds of years the beauty is seeing the layers of history as you walk around. With iconic monuments imbued with tradition, the city holds onto its past, its legacy, all the while racing through the present and into the future, the Shard piercing the skyline and old spaces reinvigorated into the next best museum, barbershop or bar. Cobblestone and graffiti seem to compliment each other, Audi’s and Beemers race down skinny streets where horses and carriages once trotted down. The mix of thinking, groups of people and cultures who have passed through leaving their mark throughout different pockets of London.

Although I didn’t understand the obsession of Pret a Manger, Starbucks and Costa Coffee’s. Whilst I am a caffeine fiend myself finding either one or all three every 100 metres throughout the city seemed a little over the top.

Highlights:

The Curious Incident of The Boy and The Night-time.
Book taken to the stage, currently playing at the Gielgud Theatre. Is the stirring story of a teenage boy with autism having to come to terms losing a friend after the mysterious death of the neighbourhood dog. The story itself is enthralling, brought to life through amazing set design (the look of which is half whimsy half rave club) and amazing acting, masterfully conveying the world through the atypical view of Christopher.

Harry Potter World.
Massive fan, this was a must do. Being surrounded by the sets and learning a few tid bits about the production behind the scenes.  

Peoples Park tavern.
A pub in what feels like the edge of England, turn right at Hackney and walk for what feels for forever. More beer garden than bar, it has a Mini-put put course in the back.

Street Feast.
A semi-permanent makeshift food market featuring a collection of street food outlets and pop up bars. A social foodcourt if you will, its novelty attracting quite the crowd. They’ve got the fires burning, keeping the cold at bay and the atmosphere lit. Unknowingly buying an extremely spicy taco, a couple of craft beers and dropping 30 pound on lobster rolls - It was well worth the visit. 
With 3 locations in London.
Open - Thursday , Nights
Pay 2 pound to get in 

On a another note - I had to go to Nando’s. Not even for cheeky lazy day, possibly hungover visit, but a straight up intentionally planned lunch. And whilst I didn’t hate it, and I’d eat it again no problems whatsoever. I think I like the Aussie one better?? 

Staying at Generator Hostel, Qbic Hotel and Jody’s place. 

Generator Hostel:
Felt a bit anxious in the beginning, as you approach an alleyway before finding the actual entrance. It became 'Home Sweet Alleyway' by the end of it. This place has their shit together, pretty comfortable for a hostel, great aesthetic, has everything you need and located conveniently near King’s Cross Station. 

Qbic Hotel:
As quirky as they come, Funky, comfortable, affordable. Aldgate East, A little bit of east London but not to far from central. 

Jody’s Place:
Felt like home, loved the plants. Although she doesn’t live there any more. Stoke Newington.