London Calling!

So for my first post I decided I would start off with one of my favorite cities in the world(that I've been to at least). Almost three years ago I went to London with family. Actually, it was my first time ever to Europe so I guess that it meant a lot more than it would if it was my third time there. So, London. It's just a fantastic place. From the wonderful parks, to the amazing feats of architecture, London is simply the place to be.

With some of the most incredible landmarks and museums, London excels in having some of the most varied restaurants. Although England is not famous for its boiled food, the many cultures that have immigrated to the UK have brought some of the world's best recipes with them. From India to Japan to fusion food, London has a great selection of restaurants to chose from. However, if you're on the go, and you're not in the mood for any formalities, fish n' chips would be a great choice. You can find fish n' chips on almost any corner. Also, don't forget the pubs! Oh yeah the pubs and the carveries are some of the greatest places to have a taste of well known roast beef with gravy. Finally, the beautiful victorian tea rooms with their delicious scones are a great alternative if you wish to dine lightly.

London is one of the world's busiest cities, nevertheless it holds plenty of historical sights and buildings were people still find the time to visit. Beginning with the Beautiful Westminster Abbey, built around 1045-50, being the burial sight for renowned British politicians, authors, poets and royalty. Including the tombs of William Shakespeare, Queen Elizabeth I, and Winston Churchill, it has also been the setting for almost every coronation in British history. Another important landmark is the tower of London. The "tower" is note really a tower. It is a building with a courtyard and several rooms. One of its many uses was a prison for royal prisoners. Today, it holds the crown jewels. A sight worth seeing. It also holds an ample display of medieval armor, from a knight's armor, to Henry the VII's horse's armor and the huge jousting equipment. Both Westminster and the Tower of London are beautiful landmarks that really give London historical credit.

Another place worth visiting is Harrod's. I was never actually inside this gigantic department store, but I've seen pictures and I've been told how splendid it is. I guess I'll have to go back to London some time soon and give you an eye-witness review of the place. There were also other places I could not go to that are just another excuse to persuade my parents to take me there one more time. I missed Shakespeare's globe theater, and Abbey Rd. Imagine actually standing were famous English muscians have stood! Abbey Road is definitely on my list for places to go to. Specially being such a Beatle fan! Well at least, I can tell you about one place that I did go to. Hamley's. It is the coolest toy store ever. If you have any little kids around you, Hamley's is sure to blow their minds away.

If you are looking for a peaceful outing to a park it is easy. Go to the nearest Tesco, get yourself some bread, salad and drinks. After you are all ready, pack your party and go to a park for a picnic. While I was there, I visited Kensington, the old home of a famous slavery abolitionist. After his death, his home is now a museum and the rest of his land was made into a park. With live music and beautiful fields, it is the perfect setting for calm and relaxed family-time.

So, although I had a great time outdoors, there were a couple of musical shows that left me singing and dancing all the way back to the hotel. The Phantom of the Opera and The Sound of Music. These two theatrical acts with the fantastic Andrew Loyd Webber and Roger and Hammerstein music were experiences that reminded me of the beauty of musical theater. It is shows like these that remind you of the value of theater and all the hard work put into it.

I suppose these are all good reasons and justification as to why London is the way it is. I guess that my one-time visited tourist experience has a very limited perception of what London is really like. In any case, it is safe to say that London has a vibrating pace that I fell in love with. For the past three years, every time I have traveled, I always come back to London as one of my top cities. Well, if I missed anything, I'll be sure to post it later.