Farewell Britannia (for now)
After two weeks in Asia and a brief two day stop-over in London, it’s time for me to head to warmer climes for a couple months. Bidding farewell to the Big Smoke in the middle of winter feels kind of cheeky, but I sincerely hope and plan to return in the spring time. Now, after a little more than 6 months of living here, I feel that I am just barely qualified to make a list of my favourite London to-dos, haunts, and gems:
- A walk over the Jubilee Bridge. The Thames, Big Ben, Parliament, London Eye— it’s all there. I always appreciate that a would-be mundane walk to Waterloo Station becomes so spectacular on a crisp, clear day.
- Royal Parks: Richmond, Regents, Green, Hyde, and Victoria park— I love them all and would not survive city life without frequent long runs in London’s green-spaces.
- Guardian/Observer: I love the columnists, I love the quirky & offbeat stories, I love that they broke the phone-hacking scandal and I love the quick crossword puzzles because they make me feel smart.
- Favourite spot: Top of Primrose Hill- whether it’s early in the morning, late at night, or the middle of the day, I can’t run past this spot without stopping for a few minutes
- Warm Pubs in cold weather: If you’ve ever wondered why Brits drink a lot, it’s because it’s bloody cold outside
- To sip: Yumchaa in Camden for Primrose Hill tea and buttery scones, Monmouth in Covent Garden for silky cappucinnos, Luxe espresso stand in Spitalfields market for Americanos on the way to the office
- To drink: Loch Tavern beer garden in Camden, Casa Blue on Brick Lane for Mojitos and Mexican beer.
- To eat: Pilpel for top-notch falafel, Leon’s for vegetarian fare, Spitalfields Organic market for the hippie food I miss from Northern California, and the vegetarian english breakfast from Dalston Lane Cafe (essential when hungover).
- To shop: Episode in Camden for vintage clothes, Henry Pordes books on Charing Cross Rd for musty smelling second-hand books, the V&A museum shop for pretty things I don’t need.
- Best thing you can buy for less than 3 pounds: Half a Russian loaf from St John’s Bread & Wine on Commercial Street— just expect to eat the entire thing.
- Biggest Accomplishments: Knowing which way to look before crossing the street & speed walking through Waterloo station during rush hour without altering my pace
Cheerio for now London-town…
