London Calling, Milena Answering

Our last day in London (this time round) saw us be very cultural and go to the Tate Modern for some afternoon fun.  Luckily for us the weather was uncharacteristically sunny and pleasant, and so after the Tate we went on a lovely walk along the southern bank of the Thames.  Unluckily, it was low tide and smelled a bit though! I could show you hundreds of pictures I took in the Tate gallery, but for the purposes of not making your visit to the Tate redundant I picked a few favourites!

 

  

After the Tate we went to have a drink on top of the Oxo Tower, where you have beautiful views of London.  Aperol Spritz and beer followed, and then we merrily continued our walk along the river!

 

I'm sure for all of you from London reading this you would know about Southwark, but there are all sorts of interesting things going on here on the weekend.  A little bit of a skate/bmx thing was happening, which we stopped to have a look at, and then spotted that hair in the crowd.  Just a casual amount of hairspray going on.

Our walk then continued on to the Houses of Parliament, which were dead empty as by this stage it was Sunday evening, which appears to be the time when all other tourists are hiding.  Not that I'm complaining, it was good for us!

So that's all from London for now folks, I'll see you all in Cornwall.

'Ello Guvna, London Part II

All tuckered out after one day in the big smoke, day 2 called for rest and relaxation. Not. In the morning we visited the Borough Markets, which are probably my favourite markets anywhere in the world.  Big call, I know.  After spending an eternity lusting over all the deliciousness that can be found there, I finally settled on having a juice, some fudge, buying a loaf of bread, AND some olives, all whilst Chewy had a cider.  Very, very worth every penny spent!

Next, we scooted across the Tower Bridge and past the Tower, on our way to catch up with an old school friend of mine who I hadn't seen in 10 years.  However, before this walk, and after a lot of food, a big stretch out in the sunshine had to happen first!

How great is catching up with old school friends? After a spot of vegan lunch in Soho, we went to this pub for a drink, and even managed to nab a table outside.  I'm not sure why, but we decided to change venues for drink number 2, and went to the Cafe Boheme down the road, and also in Soho, where many an Aperol Spritz was consumed and a good time was had by one and all!

 

Several hours later, Chewy and I were no longer living in our completely awful hostel (never stay at Smart Hyde Park Inn please), and were staying with our 'new found' friends.  And their gorgeous cats - Derek and Hansel. Donning his stylish new onesie, Chewy and Derek curled up and barely left me any room in the bed.  And this was before Hansel jumped in too.
 

 

You Sound Like You're from Lundun, Part I

London!  Need I say more.  I've been a couple of times before, but am always happy to come back, and it was Chewy's first time here.  I love this city, and it turned on all its charm while we were there.  Our first port of call was the Natural History Museum, and some obligatory tourist photos ensued.

 

After some time spent looking at taxidermied animals and skeletons and insects and rocks and everything else inbetween, we had worked up some hunger.  Thankfully the Natural History Museum (which is also free by the way, if you're looking for something to do on a budget) is not too far away from Harrods, and so we walked through Knightsbridge to one of London's most famous department stores for a spot of lunch.

Chocolate scones anyone?

Delicious salads were had for lunch.  They really were yummy.  I would highly recommend you try some of them when you next find yourself in London.

The weather really turned lovely in the afternoon, and was perfect for a spot of walking.

After all this walking and touristy sightseeing, we were ready for some cultural goodness, and so visited the National Gallery (also free).  Unfortunately I couldn't snap any photos inside, as you're not allowed to, but I did manage to get this one of the roof, which I think is just beautiful.

By now we'd done a fair bit of walking, but decided to head up from Trafalgar Square to Piccadilly Circus and Regent Street..and then into the first oub we saw.  By now I'm sure you've picked up on my love for fruity, sweet ciders, and I was in extra luck.  Passionfruit cider.  Oh my goodness, I love it.

That evening we caught up with some old friends from Perth, which was absolutely lovely and we spent the nicest evening with them in a pub in Clapham.  On the way we passed the street sign in the picture below, and as Harry Potter fans were adequately stoked!

I'll end the post with the delicious veggie dog that Chewy demolished in said pub in Clapham, even though it unfortunately doesn't look like much.  So this was the end of our first day in London, a few more days still to come!