London wrap-up, !UPDATED - with photos

Boy that was a nice vacation. I didn't get to do all that I wanted, but London is a marvelous city. At times it can feel overwhelming, but it's also one of those places where if you just wandered about for a day, chances are you'd come across stuff by accident and have a good time. I didn't get to see Tate Modern. Somehow I forgot all about it until it was the evening before I had to leave. Oh well, till next time.

Highlights, all of which I would recommend for anyone going to London whether it's their first or fifth time:
- running in Hyde Park
- walking down Portobello Road in Notting Hill and checking out its shops, but also going a few blocks off the path to really take a good look at some very affluent property... not to mention that Bentleys, Aston Martins and Jaguars are relatively commonplace.
- The sticky toffee pudding at Holly Street Pub. Worth every calorie, goodness. And a wonderful pub atmosphere
- Daytrip to Bath. DO pay the museum admission fee, and DO utilize the free audio tour. Walking up Alexandra Park provides a great view of the city on the rolling hills.
- the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibit at the Natural History Museum was breathtaking. It's amazing the dedication many photographers put in their work, and it shows nature at its finest, but of course also some heartbreak with mankind's influence as plain as day. If you're ever in London when it's on display, it's a must-see in my opinion.

Maybe next time I will invest in an Arsenal match. I should also remember to make sure my next trip includes a weekend while in London. A lot of galleries and museums offer after hours admission with DJs and somew interesting looking events on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

London calling

Last night, I felt a bit unnerved as I tried to fall asleep, knowing I was going to London the next day. I was trying to think of how to make the most of my trip, but also wanted it to be a unique experience. I was also kind of struggling with where to start. I'd been to London before and knocked down most of the big hotspots (Tower Bridge, Big Ben, the Palace, etc etc) so I wanted something … different. 

Sometimes I struggle in giant cities because the vast majority of things to do encompass eating, watching or shopping. All of these activities are of course unique to each city someone visits but seeking these activities ad nauseum can get a bit mundane. And expensive. 

Fortunately, London has a plethora of unique activities I could pursue. And really, the opportunities are limitless because as the saying goes, "Tired of London, tired of life". Of course, as I said above, a lack of limit in choices can be paralyzing in itself so I've thought hard to have a few goals over the next few days:

- find different ways to learn about parts of London's history (walking tour? London fire? one or both world wars?)

- see Tate Modern (I missed it last time)

- find an interesting place to read

- do a "day trip" exploring one area/borough/neighbourhood in particular

On deck today - I have been craving sushi for a long time. Let's find an affordable place to see. And I'll check out one of the National History Museum (there is an exhibit of the best wildlife photos of the year) or the National Portrait Gallery, which is something slightly different and should be a good learning opportunity. 

London ho!