London, There and Back Again
Trip Start
Apr 20, 2009
1
Trip End
Apr 27, 2009
London, England, United Kingdom
Monday, April 20, 2009
I was very lucky to have spent a week by myself in London, and during one of the most perfect weeks London had seen in a while, to boot. The weather was warm/nippy the entire time I was there
Millenium Bridge and St. Paul's Cathedral
. It rained heavily as I was leaving for Heathrow :( It was definitely great to be detached from the craziness at home. Anyway, for this trip, I made sure to go to places I haven't seen before (except for Harrod's - that's my mothership). I spend a great amount of time in the South Bank and East End. On my first day, I went to St. Paul's Cathedral - magnificent edifice. The cupola has such a commanding presence and it was more overwhelming when I entered the cathedral. It was unfortunate that picture taking is prohibited inside because of the fine arts that have surrounded the cathedral. I had the opportunity (and strength) to walk up towards the whispering gallery (about 200 steps). Regrettably, I didn't have the guts to walk all the way up the top of the cupola. I learned that it boasts the best view of London. Maybe next time. Across the cathedral is Millenium Bridge. I did not cross the bridge that day as I had to head over to Farringdon for lunch. But before that, I was able to stop by LeadenHall to take some pictures. I got there too early and the vendors weren't done setting up for the market day yet (same thing at Covent Garden). I went to A Gold and Verde Co in Smithfield (tube stop Liverpool) to buy some gourmet juices but ended up buying a roast beef with watercress salad sandwich from A Gold and this french mango nectar juice, roast beef and parmesan salad and Pierre Marcolini chocolates from Verde Co....I ate the entire lot and they were amazing
Organic truffles at Borough Market
! One of the best salads and sandwiches I have ever had. Verde Co. is this very small store that serves organic sandwiches and salads, gourmet sauces, juices, spices, etc plus Pierre Marcolini chocolates (I went crazy looking for these things in Paris last year but was unsuccessful). Next door is A Gold that used to sell uber-traditional English delicacies. They still do but their items were not as extensive as before.I spent my entire time the next day in the South Bank. I took the tube to St. Paul's, crossed the street and started walking over Millenium Bridge. It was frightening as the bridge would rattle and sway when strong winds would blow along the Thames. Thankfully, it was a short walk and interestingly enough, it ends right smack in the middle of Tate Modern (unfortunately, I haven't been here yet - maybe next year). My 2 reasons for going to the South Bank are as follows ; (1) Shakespeare's Globe Theater & (2) Borough Market. Because I haven't had breakfast yet nor lunch, I decided to head to the Borough Market first. It was unbelievable! Organic chocolates, veal burgers, fruits, the world famous cheddar sandwich (who already ran out of sandwiches when i arrived) etc... I was definitely bummed about the cheese sandwich but I decided to splurge on some oysters, veal and beef burgers, a couple of white nectarines and handmade truffles. I bought some toffee, fudge and fluffy nougats from this store called Burnt Sugar (they are accepting orders from the US now...I have placed mine and ordered 4 fluffy nougats)
Shakespeare Globe Theater
. After brunch, I headed over to The Globe Theater. it was Shakespeare birthday that week and was celebrating it's first play of the season, Romeo & Juliet. I bought my ticket, took pictures and started walking along the SouthBank. I, then jumped on the tube and headed over to Green Park. I made reservations at Wolseley for an afternoon high tea. The Ritz next door didn't have any availability for the whole week :(. I had a few moments to kill before my high tea so I walked around Burlington Arcade and bought some macaroons from Laduree (its main shop is located at Harrod's on Brompton Road). I always get caramel, vanilla, coffee and chocolate macaroons. I also stopped by Fortnum & Mason. Their food hall was outstanding! I bought quite a few boxes of teas (my favorite was Green Tea and Elderberry - so good!!! I still dream about). I also bought a ton of cookies (Double chocolate chip, butter cookies, clotted cream cookies and some fudge and hard candies). The high tea at Wolseley was definitely worth the splurge. I had their melange de the, savory and sweet tea sandwiches, petit fours and french macaroons.
I spent the next day walking around my favorite part of the city, Knightsbridge. Harrod's and plenty of other high end stores line up along Brompton Road. Feast of the eyes! I also went and had coffee at Andronica's World of Coffee. It was by far the best one I've had yet. A little pricey but worth it.
I spent the next two days touring other parts of England. I was not really a fun of guided tours but it's the most economical way of seeing and learning more about this great country
Leaden Hall
. With this tours, I was able to see StoneHenge, Windsor Castle, Bath, Cotswolds, Stratford-Upon-Avon and Oxford University. My last day was spent catching up on some much needed shopping. I bought a few real cool shirts from Uniqlo and had lunch at Wagamama (the one at Harvey Nichols). Had dinner at JSheekey before heading to the Globe Theater to watch Romeo & Juliet.
As I was leaving for Heathrow, I couldn't help but wish that I had an extra week to spend in London. It's a big, dirty and beautiful city so unique and captivating, it leaves me breathless at every opportunity. Till next year...
