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London Calling

Tuesday 9 April 2013


My first trip to London was indescribable, but I'll try my best. I didn't manage to do half of the things I'd planned to, despite accidentally having to stay another night. I arrived at Kings Cross late Wednesday night, jumped in a black cab and headed off to my hotel which was pretty much across the road from Spitalfields market. The next day, I braved the London Underground and hopped on the central line to Bond Street where I was overwhelmed by designer boutiques and important looking people in suits. I traipsed around Mayfair feeling sorely out of place in my scruffy jeans and baggy hoodie, but it was snowing and miserable so I was more concerned about that. I spent around 40 minutes trying to navigate my way to the US Embassy, which was the primary reason for my trip to London. Around 30 minutes later, I emerged from the embassy having been officially granted a US visa for the summer - cue one very happy, if slightly bedraggled from the weather, Scottish girl dancing her way on to the tube at Green Park station.

I headed back to the hotel and was all set to take a nap, but I decided instead to jump back on the tube and head down to Oxford Street. I was feeling all pro with this tube business, I even managed to help a woman catch the right one! I think I've managed to perfect my "I'm not a tourist, I get these trains all the time" non-expressive face whilst being squashed like a sardine in the tiny capsule trains. Although, it was clear that I was indeed a tourist since I must have squealed 'sorry, excuse me' around 10 times every journey. People in London seem to find it strange if a stranger acknowledges them, everyone appears to be in their own little bubble and I couldn't quite grasp that concept.

I only spent around 2 hours shopping, by which time I'd had enough of the bustling streets, queues and being shoved out of the way everywhere I went. Having grown up in a rural area, I'm not exactly used to seeing famous people, like ever. So when Scott from last year's Big Brother walked past me on Regent Street, I had to try my absolute hardest not to scream. I phoned my mum squealing down the phone that I'd just seen a 'celebrity', and she didn't exactly sound impressed when I revealed said celebrity was an ex-BB contestant. It was a big deal, alright!

One of the main things I wanted to see when I was in London was the famous Tower Bridge, but I stupidly got mixed up between that and London Bridge. I made my way down there on Friday evening just as the sun was going down, and I ended up at London Bridge. It didn't take me long to realise that I was in fact at the wrong bridge, but at least it gave me an opportunity to take some photos of Tower Bridge. I also kept catching glimpses of the 'pickle' as I had been affectionately referring to it as, until I was eventually corrected (rather embarrassing) and informed that it was the Gherkin. Tourists, eh...

I was supposed to head home at lunch time on Saturday, but I missed my train by about 10 seconds. I ran around Kings Cross like a headless chicken for a bit, trying not to cry or have a meltdown. I eventually ended up staying an extra night at a Premier Inn in North London (was cheaper than staying another night in central!) and catching an 8am train the next day. I can honestly say that I didn't want to leave. Despite the crowds, the complete culture shock and the city stress, I think London has stolen a little piece of my heart. I'm so, so excited to be moving closer this year and even more excited at the prospect of eventually working and living in this city. I only wish I'd had more time there last week to do more exploring and adventuring. There is so much to see and I don't think I'll ever have enough time.




11 comments:

  1. Congratulations on getting your visa! :D I've never been to London before, I'm going for a few days after exams for my birthday though and I'm really excited to see the "pickle" haha!

    Love, Hails x | www.hayerlily.blogspot.co.uk

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  2. I love London so much! I hope I can visit it again soon or even more there for some time. :)

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  3. Ah I love Libertys! Glad you had a good time.. despite the stress of missing your train etc!

    http://hannahrebekahcampbell.blogspot.com xx

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  4. I absolutely love London, problem is I just don't go often enough! Can't believe you have to go all the way to the US embassy for a visa!

    Jade | Beauty Butterfly Blog
    xx

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  5. I love London so much! And the Pickle hahah I love it - The Gherkin does look like a pickle :P xx

    http://sarahsbeautyemporium.blogspot.co.uk

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  6. I think it's absolutely ADORABLE that you call the Gherkin the Pickle!! I think I'm actually going to start calling it that now!
    I really love visiting London, it has such a cool vibe and I always get really excited about everything while I'm there but I do actually kind of haaate shopping in London haha. It's far too busy and I really don't like being shoved out of the way by everyone! I think i'm just not tough enough. Haha.

    Anyway looks like you had a great time :)

    www.sarah-nunn.blogspot.co.uk

    xx

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  7. Looks so nice! I hope I can visit some time. xx

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  8. ooooh you have taken some fab pictures :) Hope you had fun!

    Now following you on GFC and would be great to get a follow back, if you would like to follow each other? :)

    Be great if you could check out my latest two outfit posts:

    *Trend Alert* The 90s Denim Dress

    Varsity Jacket, Statement Tee & Nike Blazers

    I am also Barratts Blogger of the Week and to celebrate Barratts have given me a £40 Barratts voucher to win - enter here.

    Thanks! Charlie xx LurchHoundLoves.com | UK Fashion Blog

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  9. I can't believe it was your first trip to London! Sounds like you had a fab time, but poor you for the train! I've done a similar thing before, and I was in panic mode too. Ended up doing a lot of train hoping to get home. haha

    xx
    http://heroineinheels.blogspot.co.uk/

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  10. You've taken some good photos :) Great post :)

    Jess
    xxx
    sittingprettyvintage.blogspot.co.uk

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  11. i love London! gorgeous photos :)

    boldinballerinass.co.uk

    Kamila xx

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