bhakti kansara
THE WORLD THROUGH MY EYES
[ Travel date : November 2023 ]
LONDON !!! Ahhh, the city that's like a magnet for travelers worldwide! It's got this unique blend of old charm and modern buzz that just draws you in. You know, it's like that friend you haven't seen in ages but the moment you meet, it's like no time has passed at all. It's no wonder people from all over the world are head over heels for this place!
So, there I was, staring at my calendar and thinking, 'Why not spend it in London?' I mean, who wouldn't want to dive headfirst into this fascinating city? Plus, I had a friend there, so it was the perfect excuse for a visit! So I took 15 days off from work, punched in my leave, packed my bags, and off I went. And let me tell you, I must've had some good karma because I snagged those flight tickets at a steal—16,000 Rs. only! I mean, if I could get tickets at that price every time, I'd be hopping on a plane to London every year!
Stepping off the plane, I felt a chilly breeze that made me reach for an extra jacket. As it was almost end of November, the weather was quite cold. Upon reaching to my friend's apartment in Feltham-a small town on London's west side-I found that it was a cozy and peaceful place, with friendly vibes, local shops, and quiet streets.
The Shard, Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square
On my very first day in London, I made a dash for the Shard, that pointy skyscraper you can't miss. From up there, it was like I had London at my feet, literally! From 72nd floor of the building, I had a scenic view of all the big shots like London Bridge, the Tower of London, and the grand old Big Ben. Even the River Thames looked like a winding ribbon from way up high! The experience was akin to watching a trailer before diving into the full movie. Trust me, it was so COOL! I almost felt like I could reach out and grab a souvenir postcard of the city. Which I did- I made sure to snag a map of London from the souvenir shop.(it felt like a must-have for my adventures!)
And talk about reaching new heights—going to both the Burj Khalifa and the Shard in the same year was like hitting the skyscraper high! From the soaring majesty of Dubai's tallest tower to the breathtaking views atop London's own architectural marvel, it was a year of literal highs and dizzying sights. Who needs a plane when you can conquer the world one skyscraper at a time. Right?
After taking in the sights from The Shard, I hit up central London for some exploration. My first stop was Trafalgar Square, a super famous spot right by the National Gallery. It's got the famous Nelson's Column, surrounded by majestic lion statues, and often serves as a hub for events and celebrations. After Trafalgar Square, I continued my exploration of central London, hitting up Covent Garden and strolling down Oxford Street. The whole place was decked out with twinkling Christmas lights, and there were massive Christmas trees everywhere you looked.
As I strolled around, I felt the holiday vibes sneaking in on me like a surprise present. People were out and about, shopping, munching on chocolate strawberries, enjoying various street performances and even hitching rides on those funky "pedicabs" with colorful lights and decorations. I figured I needed a little pick-me-up to ward off the chill, so I grabbed a coffee from Pret—a temporary warmth solution that was almost as good as a hug from a friendly snowman!
After all that exploring, the hunger pangs kicked in and I headed to "Dishoom" for dinner —a spot known for its awesome Indian food with a modern twist. The place was buzzing, and the food? Let's just say my taste buds were in for a treat! I had to wait for over 45 minutes in the cold, but ngl, it was worth it! Definitely a must-visit spot, even if you have to brave a bit of a wait.
The London Eye & The Big Ben
The next day, I decided to check out the famous London Eye. It is a giant 'merry-go-round' that gives you a bird's-eye view of the city. Visiting here on a Saturday, we found the place jam-packed with people, which kind of took away some of the excitement. But, even with all the chaos, the London Eye was still pretty awesome!
To add a sprinkle of joy to my day, I hopped on the carousel nearby. You know, one of those classic rides with prancing horses and whimsical music? For a moment, I felt like a kid again. London sure knows how to sprinkle some magic into your day!
Right in front of the London Eye stands the iconic Big Ben, towering proudly over the city skyline. This majestic clock tower is actually part of the Palace of Westminster, which houses the UK Parliament. When the sun hits the golden-hued exterior of Big Ben just right, it's like the tower comes alive, gleaming and sparkling against the blue sky. It's a sight that never fails to mesmerize, especially on a clear day.
And of course, we can't forget about THE CLOCK! The Great Clock of Westminster, housed within Big Ben, is one of the largest and most famous clock faces in the world. With its intricate design and precision timekeeping, the clock has become a symbol of London's rich history and timeless charm.
After having my lunch, I realized I was really close to the Baker Street. Now, how could I possibly pass the chance to visit THE 221B BAKER STREET—yep, 'Sherlock Holmes' stomping ground. It was like stepping into the series. And guess what? Right there, next to the famous address, was a souvenir shop. Talk about serendipity! I couldn't resist popping in for a peek. Next thing I knew, I was walking out with a hefty £59 bill! It was a splurge, sure, but it made my day—and that's what counts!
P.S. Seeing the adorable little violin miniature on my desk brings me joy every day.
As soon as I stepped out, I stumbled upon a bakery shop called GAIL's. Let me tell you, I absolutely adored their coffee and Croissant. In fact it was so good that whenever I came across this shop - which was almost every other day- I couldn't resist grabbing a cup.
During my trip, I explored central London almost every day. And every time I went out, I stumbled upon a new street all dressed up for Christmas! Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Carnaby Street were my top picks. They were filled with cool decorations that made me feel like I was in a winter wonderland.
And you know what's the best part? You can hop on any bus and simply cruise through all the streets, taking in the breathtaking sights from the cozy comfort of your seat. It's the perfect way to soak up the festive atmosphere and marvel at the twinkling lights illuminating the city.
And if you're a shopping fanatic like me, Oxford Street in London is an absolute paradise! But here's a little heads-up: you better keep a tight grip on your wallet because once you step foot into a shop, there's no telling what you might end up buying on a whim. It's like being caught in a whirlwind of temptation as you wander through the stores. So, consider yourself warned—Oxford Street has a magical way of making your shopping desires come to life, whether you're ready for it or not!
St. James's Park & the Buckingham Palace
The next day was a delightful adventure exploring St. James's Park and Buckingham Palace. The weather was on my side, with a gentle drizzle adding to the charm of the day. As I strolled through St. James's Park, the air was filled with a misty fog, giving the park a dreamy atmosphere. The ground was carpeted with large autumn leaves, painting a picture-perfect scene.
After exploring St. James's Park, I made my way to The Buckingham Palace. A huge, fancy palace with guards standing watch outside, and flags flying high. It's like the ultimate royal crib, right in the middle of London.
A day trip to
WINDSOR
Windsor, a town on the River Thames in southeast England just west of London, is home to Windsor Castle, a residence of the British Royal Family. One of the best place for a day trip from London, this picturesque town will surely captivate you with its historic charm and royal allure.
Even if it was only a day trip, this was indeed my very first solo trip and I loved it! With no plans or spots decided, I hopped on an early morning train from Feltham to Windsor, ready for a day of adventure. As I boarded the early train, I couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement in my stomach. The train route was scenic, with just the right amount of sunlight peeking through the clouds.
Arriving in Windsor, I was immediately smitten by the town's charm—quaint hill roads, cute little shops, and a vibe that screamed, "Welcome to Windsor!" I decided to start my day by strolling towards Windsor Castle. Wandering around the castle grounds, I felt like I was stepping back in time.
While I was at it, I also decided to treat myself to a solo breakfast date at the café within the castle itself. Let me tell you, folks, nothing says "living your best life" quite like indulging in a slice of cake and a piping hot coffee at a cute cafe, especially when it's located within a castle. And that definitely made my mood soar even higher.
Fueled by sugar and caffeine, I continued exploring further. As I entered the grand chapel inside the castle, which gave off such a unique vibe, I couldn't help but think about all the royal weddings I had watched on TV since childhood that had actually taken place here. The weight of centuries of history seemed to press down as I gazed around the chapel, imagining the regal processions, the exchange of vows, and the echoes of joyous celebrations that had filled these hallowed halls.
The Long Walk
With a sun-kissed afternoon stretching before me, I decided to conquer "the Long Walk" - is a 2.64-mile tree-lined avenue created during the reign of Charles II right in front of the Windsor Castle State Entrance. Now, I don't know if it was the fresh air or the sheer excitement of being on my own, but walking solo through this picturesque park felt like the ultimate therapy session for the soul.
Surrounded by the park's beauty, I drifted into a reverie. Every step I took seemed to lift my spirits higher, and before I knew it, I was not only walking but also running, capturing photos, and recording my own videos. It was pure fun !!!
What I found particularly charming about this town is that every corner exudes its own unique charm and aesthetic appeal. Each nook and cranny seemed to beckon with its own allure, tempting me to capture its beauty through the lens of my camera.
After working up an appetite with all that walking, I went to a small restaurant for lunch followed by exploring the shops in the town, searching for unique souvenirs and stuff.
I still had few hours to spare before saying final goodbye to this place, so I took a detour to go see the River Thames. And talk about the perfect setting for some deep contemplation,the view in front of me was simply unmissable. Before me stretched a serene expanse of water, its surface shimmering with the soft glow of twilight. Along the banks of the river stood quaint little houses, their windows aglow with the warm light of evening. A bridge arched gracefully over the water, its silhouette etched against the backdrop of the setting sun. Ducks and birds danced upon the gentle ripples, their playful antics adding a touch of whimsy to the idyllic scene.
Spending a couple of hours here, lost in my own thought, I realized that sometimes, the best company you can have is your own. Being a person who doesn't like to be alone and who thought could never be interested in going on a solo trip, here I am enjoying my own company in a completely new place. I am happy :)
As the day wound down and the sun began to set, I reluctantly made my way back to the station, not wanting to miss the last train to Feltham. It had been an awesome day—one filled with adventure, reflection, and the joy of experiencing new things on my own. Couldn't have asked for more.
Few other places that I visited in London:
The British Museum
Stepping into the British Museum felt like stepping into a giant maze of history and culture. From the moment I walked through its grand entrance, I was swept away by the sheer magnitude of its collections. It was so huge that you could spend more than 6 hours there and still not see everything! As I wandered through the halls, I found myself face to face with ancient artifacts and priceless relics from civilizations long gone. Among the countless sections, a few stood out to me the most. In the Egyptian exhibit, I was mesmerized by the grandeur of Cleopatra's tomb, feeling as if I had been transported back in time. The Japanese section captivated me with its famous paintings, each brushstroke telling a story of tradition and beauty. I also loved checking out the ancient clocks in the Clock Zone—they were really cool! It was a journey through time and culture, leaving me in awe of the wonders of the world and hungry for more knowledge.
If you are someone who's into ancient history, diverse cultures, and the evolution of societies worldwide, this museum is indeed a must-visit for you.
Christmas at The Kew Gardens
Christmas at Kew is a must-do if you're in London during the holiday season. It's this amazing garden transformed into a wonderland of lights and festive vibes. Imagine strolling through paths adorned with twinkling lights, feeling the holiday cheer in the air, and being surrounded by magical displays at every turn. It's like stepping into a real-life winter fairy tale that keeps you smiling from ear to ear.
As you wander through the illuminated wonderland, there's never a dull moment. You'll encounter different light shows, cool decorations, and interactive exhibits that make the experience even more special. Just a heads up: don't forget your comfy shoes and an extra jacket—trust me, you'll thank yourself for staying cozy during the entire trail!
Money saving tips if you travel to London:
Travelling in London can indeed be expensive in many ways. Here are few tips which might help you to cut down the expenses :
1. Public transport : Travelling in and around London is very easy through public transport. Purchase a Visitor Oyster Card or a contactless payment card (if you have a contactless debit or credit card) to access the public transport which includes buses, the Tube (metro), trams, DLR (Docklands Light Railway), London Overground, and some National Rail services. Transport for London (TfL) has a daily cap on fares for travel within zones 1-9, which means once you reach a certain spending limit, you won't be charged for additional journeys for the rest of the day. When I travelled it was £15 per day, meaning even if I travel more than that, I won't be charged. So this is a cost-effective option when you plan to make multiple journeys in a day.
2. Explore Walking Routes: London is a walkable city, and many attractions are within walking distance of each other. Take advantage of walking routes to save money on transportation while also experiencing the city's charm up close.
3. Choice of stay : Choosing where to stay in London is a balancing act between accommodation costs and transportation convenience. While staying outside Central London may offer more affordable options, staying within Central London can significantly reduce daily transportation expenses and travel time, especially if you plan to visit popular attractions clustered in this area. Staying in Central London provides easy access to iconic landmarks like the London Eye, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Oxford Street, Covent Garden, The Shard, Tower of London, and various museums—all within walking distance or a short Tube ride away. This proximity not only saves time and money on transportation but also allows for more flexibility in exploring the city's attractions at your own pace. So, it's kind of a personal preference in finding the right balance that suits your travel style and preferences.
4. Shopping : If travelling in Christmas, many stores offer significant discounts during these periods, allowing you to snag great deals on clothing, electronics, and more. Specially on days like Black Friday. You can also consider taking a day trip to outlet malls like Bicester Village or London Designer Outlet for discounted prices on designer brands.
Pics, descriptions, places, everything.....just sundar!! Wondering if there was an Indian section at the museum with our pre-independece stuff and if it generated some emotions? Ar Kohinoor.....wo nhi dikha kya?
Amazing pictures as always! The Long Walk!! 😍😍 that's going to be one thing I will look forward to if I ever happen to land in London. Here's to your growing souvenir collection and me visiting you one day to see a room full of those miniature masterpieces rather than just a box. Cheeeers Bhakti Kansara! 🥂
Wow, reading your blog post felt like I was strolling through London myself! Loved it ☺️ - Priya
😍😍😍