London, England – Favorite City

It is difficult to pinpoint when my appreciation for all things British kicked in but it took hold in my youth and persists to this day. So, it was inevitable that I would go to the other side of the pond once I had the opportunity. I have had the pleasure of visiting Great Britain, more specifically the city of London, twice in the last ten years. The size, diversity and ease of traveling this city makes it a logical starting point for anyone who wishes to explore Europe.

It was the ease of travel that allowed me to go about this journey on my own. Using the internet and some basic guide books I as able to book a flight and make accommodations with relative ease. There is no way to avoid the inflated costs you’ll be met with when in the big city. It’s not cheap. But, once you accept that the benefits outweigh the negative aspects then you can appreciate the experience.

I’ve found that there are so many options for where you can stay. The first time I went I found a basic Comfort Inn in Earls Court(an area filled with hotels for tourists). My second trip there I found renting an apartment for a week was a great option. They can easily be found online and are sometimes even cheaper than staying in a hotel for a week. Coming home to a couch, bed, kitchen and even a balcony is a great way to end a grueling day of traversing the town.

Getting a feeling of the layout of the main sights around town is just as important as figuring what sites to see. Using a map before you head out for the day, mark the location of the sites you plan to visit. You can then decide what would be the best and quickest route to take by foot or by Underground/Subway to help you squeeze in all your top attractions. The Underground will be a necessary tool to use. It’s cheap, easy and fun to use. Busier stations will have customer service-type agents milling around. They can help answer any questions. Other lost-looking tourist like myself were another great way to answer questions, meet people and learn of the best places to visit.

The sites to visit are obviously too many to list but the amount of books and info you can find online and in stores will help narrow down the field. My interest was in museums and parks. Examples of these are found around every corner. Just wear a comfortable pair of shoes as you will need them to keep going. My favorite spots in London were the British Museum, Covent Garden Market, The London Eye (Ferris Wheel) and the Planetarium. Also easily accessible and about twenty minutes by Underground is Kew Gardens. For a nominal fee you can spend a couple hours walking through gardens and century-old greenhouses that are massive in scale. I could have spent all day here. The only downside was that it is in the flight path of planes going to nearby Heathrow Airport. But I did look up and see the Concord in the week prior to is final flight.

While my best days were my trips to Kew Gardens my most disappointing time was a day trip to Brighton Beach. Reachable by train and about an hour or so away, rainy weather made this side trip gloomy. Also, as this was midweek, my feet were growing sore from constant walking and I was simply not in the mood to check the town out. The beach is located along the English Channel and has plenty of fun attractions like a small amusement park at the end of a long pier. But, this trip was short-lived and I hitched a ride on the train back home after only 3 hours.

Chatting up locals can be an easy thing to do. My traditional way involved asking questions while waiting for trains while in the Underground. I once was sitting next to a woman who was carrying some colorful clothes, feathers and sequined masks. She told me she was a “platform dancer” and that she was on her way home from work. We talked the whole ride we were together. It was an interesting ride and conversation.

Don’t be afraid to get lost on the winding streets. Signs at various street corners will lead you back to the main sites and attractions. It was at a time like this that I saw a bunch of school age kids playing cricket….it doesn’t get more British than that.

Lastly, although the city is safe, keep your valuables close to you and always be aware of your surroundings. As mentioned earlier, expect to spend money on food and for admission to sites. Your map is your friend. The streets are winding and change names…often after only a few blocks. The 1 pound($1) coins are heavier than they need to be and the paper money is way-cooler looking than ours. Finally, don’t be ashamed to pop into a McDonalds or Pizza Hut for a taste of home. Sometimes, it’s fascinating to see all the subtle differences in the menus…who wouldn’t want to try a McDonalds “Lamb-burger”?