Finding London...

During the previous "Open Topic", I spent the majority of my blog writing about how I was ashamed of myself for not experiencing the "true" London. I was embarrassed that after living in this expansive city for over a month I had little to share about the city and its real beauty; the beauty that only the full-time citizens can know. I hadn't spent my time wisely and my time was only wasting away. Well, I am proud to announce that shortly after writing that blog I decided to immediately take my own advice. The couple of months after having written the blog have found me with stories to tell and enthusiastic memories that I will take back to New York.

I began by taking the "typical tourist route" and making it a point to get all the tourist "attractions" completed first. No stop in London is complete without making a visit to the largest Ferris wheel in the world--- the London Eye! Created by British Airways and erected in 2000, this 135 meter tell eye is known for giving the most beautiful panoramic views of the city. On a clear and sunny day, which can be extremely rare for London, this slightly expensive "ride" is well worth the cost. When you are standing in your semi-spacious capsule looking out over the London skyline you really get a feeling of why people appreciate this city. The greenery is overwhelming and peeking through the tops of trees you can see the most beautiful and historical buildings. The most noticeable building from the eye was of course, Parliament and the infamous clock tower Big Ben, which was the next stop on my list.

Across the bridge and sitting alongside the River Thames stood Parliaments clock tower. Although I could not make it inside the Parliament building I was still able to clearly hear its famous bell toll. Little known fact, the only time you can call the clock tower Big Ben is when the clock strikes upon the hour. When the bell rings on the 15, 30, and 45 it is in fact a different bell all together! 

Next stop was Buckingham Palace. Unfortunately, I did miss the changing of the guards (that's what happens when you don't plan your trips and you spontaneously decide to go to the palace!) but the palace was nonetheless magnificent. Other stops along my tourist-y tour of London included the Tower of London; this uniquely well-preserved medieval castle of Henry VIII, Trafalgar Square which is home to the National Gallery and Nelson's Column, a river cruise of the Thames which brought us to Greenwich home of the Royal Naval College and the Queen's House, and of course to the famous shopping districts of Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Circus and Regent Street. 

St. James Park

After the exhausting tour of "tourist London" I found myself still wanting to get in touch with the "real Londoners"; the people who live their day to day lives in this marvelous city. Many people believe that to meet true Londoners one must to go a pub or go clubbing but quite frankly I believe it is the opposite. Instead, on the rare occasion of a sunny and warm day, head over to a park. To be honest, any park. My favorite, I have found, is between either Hyde Park or St. James. You can sit there all day with a good book or some music, (don't forget your lunch!) and just people watch. Students, business men and women, the older generations, everyone alike flock to these parks looking for a relaxing time and some good conversation. 

If ever you find yourself in London I do recommend the tourist-y sites, but try not to miss out on a day in the park. Plan a relaxing, no-stress day to do absolutely nothing and meet the real London. The London that is calm and fresh; and meet the real people who are simply loving London!