I.
Woke up to a good ol' cup of English breakfast tea (how appropriate). Spent the day in the Portobello markets admiring the masses of antiques and the delicious international cuisine stalls. My first taste of the famous London overcast weather, although not enough to drive me insane.
Walking through the markets and around Notting Hill, I observed the great fashion in the many Londoners out for a Saturday stroll. Fell in love (over and over) with the British accent... Lots of 'how can I help ya, darlin' and 'you right there, love?'.
After indulging in a delightful Indian curry voted as Time Out's 'top street food picks' I spent time in a British/Korean fashion designers shop discussing the gorgeous fabrics he sources from Italy... Ok and obviously that meant I had to buy something (a beautiful black wool dress).
Finished the visit with a carrot, apple and ginger juice and a quick peek at the famous Travel Bookshop (unfortunately without the appearance of Hugh or Julia).
As the sun set at 4pm I had a quick stroll through Shepherd's Gate admiring the autumn leaves and enormous manor houses.
As it was the 5th November (Guy Fawkes Night), we spent the evening with the neighbours sipping mould wine and setting off fireworks in the nearby marshes.
II.
The morning began in a store where both the wealthy and the tourists flock, where the Christmas decorations are extensive both inside and out and where one can find anything from gourmet foods to designer dog biscuits. It could be only one place... Harrods.
After exploring each of the different floors of the department store I surprisingly left empty-handed.
For the next few hours I visited the fantastic new exhibition in the Victoria & Albert Museum. 'Power of Making' celebrated the twenty-first century techniques of a number of artists, scientists and everyday people. I was most impressed by the dress made from 100,000 dressmaker pins and the giant gorilla constructed only of coat-hangars, as well as the fantastic Armadillo shoes by the late Alexander McQueen.
Red wine and good company was awaiting me at home, and Chris and I spent the evening frightening his Swedish friend Pierre with the many dangerous species found in Australia.
III.
Monday morning was spent viewing works by Manet, Monet and Van Gogh at the National Gallery. I also took a few minutes to watch the constant action in Trafalgar Square before heading to Regent Street and Oxford Street to see what all of the fuss was about.
More interestingly, however, I stumbled upon the back alleys of Soho with great shops and a groovy crowd.
Among the thousands of spots to eat I spotted Nordic Bakery (the cafe famous for it's cinnamon scrolls & the very place my dear friend Maddy waitressed in) and had a little peek inside. Oxford Street was more appealing a few hours later as the extensive Christmas lights were now greatly contrasted by the dark sky.
James and Jane, the two Irish folk from two doors down, came around and shared drinks for the most part of the night.
IV.
After a few hours at the Embassy sorting out my visa application for India, I walked to the Tate Britain.
The current exhibitions weren't overly interesting, rather the most fascinating works were in fact old newspaper articles reporting on the ridiculous behaviour of Mick Jagger and the other Stones.
The stories were accompanied by some fantastic photos of Jagger wearing a very smug expression whilst clearly in an unlawful situation, totally indifferent towards the surrounding commotion.
To adhere to the true British style, I visited a little cafe and ate a chicken and salad sandwich for lunch. It seems sandwiches are at the heart of the London culture... one can't go further than 100m in the city without passing a sandwich shop. Every second businessmen can be spotted munching on a turkey and cranberry delight.
At the bus station I was very excitedly met by Bel as we headed off to Birmingham for one very special occasion. In the evening, having just arrived in Birmingham, we chatted for hours in the common room of the hostel before enjoying a few great episodes of Friends.
Woke up to a good ol' cup of English breakfast tea (how appropriate). Spent the day in the Portobello markets admiring the masses of antiques and the delicious international cuisine stalls. My first taste of the famous London overcast weather, although not enough to drive me insane.
Walking through the markets and around Notting Hill, I observed the great fashion in the many Londoners out for a Saturday stroll. Fell in love (over and over) with the British accent... Lots of 'how can I help ya, darlin' and 'you right there, love?'.
After indulging in a delightful Indian curry voted as Time Out's 'top street food picks' I spent time in a British/Korean fashion designers shop discussing the gorgeous fabrics he sources from Italy... Ok and obviously that meant I had to buy something (a beautiful black wool dress).
Finished the visit with a carrot, apple and ginger juice and a quick peek at the famous Travel Bookshop (unfortunately without the appearance of Hugh or Julia).
As the sun set at 4pm I had a quick stroll through Shepherd's Gate admiring the autumn leaves and enormous manor houses.
As it was the 5th November (Guy Fawkes Night), we spent the evening with the neighbours sipping mould wine and setting off fireworks in the nearby marshes.
II.
The morning began in a store where both the wealthy and the tourists flock, where the Christmas decorations are extensive both inside and out and where one can find anything from gourmet foods to designer dog biscuits. It could be only one place... Harrods.
After exploring each of the different floors of the department store I surprisingly left empty-handed.
For the next few hours I visited the fantastic new exhibition in the Victoria & Albert Museum. 'Power of Making' celebrated the twenty-first century techniques of a number of artists, scientists and everyday people. I was most impressed by the dress made from 100,000 dressmaker pins and the giant gorilla constructed only of coat-hangars, as well as the fantastic Armadillo shoes by the late Alexander McQueen.
Red wine and good company was awaiting me at home, and Chris and I spent the evening frightening his Swedish friend Pierre with the many dangerous species found in Australia.
III.
Monday morning was spent viewing works by Manet, Monet and Van Gogh at the National Gallery. I also took a few minutes to watch the constant action in Trafalgar Square before heading to Regent Street and Oxford Street to see what all of the fuss was about.
More interestingly, however, I stumbled upon the back alleys of Soho with great shops and a groovy crowd.
Among the thousands of spots to eat I spotted Nordic Bakery (the cafe famous for it's cinnamon scrolls & the very place my dear friend Maddy waitressed in) and had a little peek inside. Oxford Street was more appealing a few hours later as the extensive Christmas lights were now greatly contrasted by the dark sky.
James and Jane, the two Irish folk from two doors down, came around and shared drinks for the most part of the night.
IV.
After a few hours at the Embassy sorting out my visa application for India, I walked to the Tate Britain.
The current exhibitions weren't overly interesting, rather the most fascinating works were in fact old newspaper articles reporting on the ridiculous behaviour of Mick Jagger and the other Stones.
The stories were accompanied by some fantastic photos of Jagger wearing a very smug expression whilst clearly in an unlawful situation, totally indifferent towards the surrounding commotion.
To adhere to the true British style, I visited a little cafe and ate a chicken and salad sandwich for lunch. It seems sandwiches are at the heart of the London culture... one can't go further than 100m in the city without passing a sandwich shop. Every second businessmen can be spotted munching on a turkey and cranberry delight.
At the bus station I was very excitedly met by Bel as we headed off to Birmingham for one very special occasion. In the evening, having just arrived in Birmingham, we chatted for hours in the common room of the hostel before enjoying a few great episodes of Friends.
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