LONDON QUINTESSENTIALS

London is a city that I have yet to fully grasp. I feel like there’s still so much to it than I have seen – I mean, duh. I haven’t been there too many times. Two many times lang, char. No, I mean, I still can’t map it out visually in my head. Maybe because I haven’t studied its map enough? Maybe I haven’t fully immersed yet? Or maybe it’s just too large? Well, in fairness, Greater London is almost twice the size of NYC. I would probably need at least a month – with good weather at that! – to really get to know it. In short, dearest Universe, please send me back. I know people are going as far away as possible due to the Brexit, but it would be such a treat to go and explore the other cities (I hear good things about Edinburgh!) and re-encounter London again. Especially since there are some places I have yet to fully cross off my list. Overrated or not, we can all agree that the below are your quintessential London icons.

1. Trafalgar Square

The square that has seen almost everything – from New Year’s Eve celebrations to the festivities of the end of World War 2, and of course, some bloody moments too. 12 days before and after Christmas, a Christmas tree donated by Norway is erected in the center. It may not be as huge nor as lush, but check out how tall it is! There were even some carollers when we were there. So nice! Remember to check out the National Gallery, too!

2. Parliament House

I have yet to go inside, but from the looks of Bridget Jones’ The Edge of Reason (when Mr Darcy was at work), the inside would be just as nice. There are tours that take you inside, but it’s a bit pricy, so, let’s just re-watch Bridget Jones’ Diary again.

3. Big Ben

Although technically attached to the Parliament House, this bell tower deserves its own spot. An icon that is all too common, yet when you see it face to face, you’ll be like ohhh, damn. It’s worth the hype! Check out how ornate the design is!

4. Westminster Abbey

Aaah, the sight I still have yet to go inside too!! I’ve been wanting to go but both times, there wasn’t enough time. Lesson learned, do this in the earlier part of the trip and the earlier part of the day. It sucks arriving there only to find out it’s minutes to closing and you still have to pay full admission. I really would like to pay my respects to greats such as Darwin and Newton and Shakespeare and Dickens.

Let’s take a moment to admire the details:-

Closer still:-

5. London Eye

People say it’s overrated but I actually like looking at it, haha! I’ve never rode it, but guyssss, two words: IF ONLY. As in the tearjerker of a movie (that you can actually watch on Youtube, haha!).

6. Piccadilly Circus

If you want to see the world’s most exclusive and expensive advertising site, do visit Piccadilly Circus. I don’t advise you going all the way here just to see this, but if you’re in the area – as we were – then why not?

7. Changing of the Guards

No event screams England more than the changing of guards. With their bright uniforms and synchronized movements, whether it’s at Buckingham Palace or at the Royal Stables as below, it really is a scene to watch.

8. Winston Churchill

This guy. Next to the monarchs, there’s no one more influential (The Beatles are close, haha). I am interested in history and the great wars, so I really wanted to visit the Churchill War Rooms (spoiler alert: I didn’t, but at least there was this monument!). What makes him an even more fascinating person is his arsenal of powerful speeches and quotable quotes.

9. Harrods

The iconic Harrods building looking so bright and pretty. Honestly, I didn’t even bother going inside. I’d much rather shop at Primark and my new found favorite – TK MAXX! Oh my God, I LOOOOVE TK MAXX.

10. Covent Garden

Covent Garden is a bustling neighbourhood for shopping, culture, and food. I repeat, FOOD. It was here that I introduced Luke to my favorite London import – SHAKE SHACK!!!! Okay, it’s not entirely a London icon, but it was one of the highlights of my trip. (Always is, haha!) Best part? Salted caramel hot chocolate on a cold night, mmmm