mstravelicious: London

Tea time in London

Europe 8:17 AM

With the latest events in London, I'm sadden by all the things that has occurred around the world, especially London and Manchester. It was only 2 weeks ago that I was in London being a tourist and enjoying a cup of tea. Travelling a lot this year has really put things in perspective for me whereby things can literally change within a week or even a day. Cherish what you have today, and be content always.

* * *

Each year, I make myself available to go on a trip with my family. This year was a unique one because it was the first time in a long long time where I didn't plan the trip. We joined a tour to go to Israel. However, before I share my experience in Israel, let me first share about my less than 24 hours stopover in London. And what great way to spend it, then in the heart of London for all tourists and shoppers? Can you guess where it is?

Before I go into the details though, there was a funny story at the customs. The custom officer asked me why I was in London for less than 24 hours. And my witty answer was: "For a great cup of tea". He chuckled and stamps my passport. My guess is because he agrees, and that's exactly where I was going; first stop the flagship Fortnum and Mason store (https://www.fortnumandmason.com/) at Piccadilly!

Last time I went to London, I also went to a Fortnum and Mason store, but this one is much phenomenal! It has 5 floors though I only saw 2 floors. The main floor was where all the teas and cookies were sold. Here are my favourites: Royal Blend tea, Earl Gray tea, Earl Gray Shortbread Cookies, and Rose Biscuits! English Breakfast tea is amazing too!

The third floor had lots of tea sets and where I had a great high tea experience at The Parlour. I ordered the Fortnum's Favourites and it was probably the best idea ever since it came with a small savoury dish, scones, and ice cream, and of course there was tea! :)

After a nice high tea experience and some tea shopping, it's time for real shopping at Regent Street, Oxford Street and Bond Street. :)

And before you know it, it was almost dinner time. And where else would I go but the one and only Belgo Centraal (http://www.belgo.com/) near Covent Garden?

I pretty much come here every time I am in London! It's like a chain in London that serves the Belgium beer and mussels! :)

And as an after an early dinner activity, a stroll at Covent Garden is a must. No ice cream at Venchi Cioccolato this time. Let's just leave it for next time. Besides, there was these really cool garden displays which I needed to take a picture with :)

And then there was some live music at the courtyard. I love it! That violinist is such a prankster!

And of course, a mandatory shot of the telephone booth at Covent Garden.

And before boarding on the plane the next day, I got to pick up this juice as a tradition! :) It still taste so good!

Until next time, London! Due to British Airways IT fiasco the following weekend, I didn't get to go back to London for a second time after my Israel trip. But perhaps it's all for the best, because now I have a reason to go back.

Share |

London in 48 Hours

Europe 10:41 AM

Happy Saturday Everyone! It's been a while since I've posted, but I assure you that your wait has not been for nothing!

I've recently returned from the UK, and to kick it all off, I'm going to begin with my couple of days spent in London. This is probably my third time in London. While I did skip out on some tourist attractions given my limited time there, I still managed to visit some few key things that must not be missed.

Before your travel around London, you must obtain one of these plastics: the oyster card, as it is essential for you to get around London. This sole card allows you to use the tube and the rail that connects London together. With this, the world is your oyster ;)

Key Attractions in London

With only 48 hours in London, the first thing I did was a morning run to visit the Big Ben and the London Eye. It was perhaps the wisest decision I've made as I walked out onto the pavement at 7AM in the morning - no photobombers in my morning run photos! During my run, I went by London Chinatown...

the good old telephone booth in London...

the National Gallery, a Horse Guard marching alone...

then finally the Big Ben and the London Eye!

And since I was in the area, a quick shot of the Westminster Abbey!

Then I went to see the Queen, just kidding. Heading to Victoria Station, I made my way to the Buckingham Palace to see the change of guards at 11:30AM every day. There was a massive crowd, which is the usual, as we all patiently waited for the British guards to appear. It was worth the wait :)

Then at 11:30AM sharp, they arrive!

After a quick lunch, I went to visit the infamous British Museum and spent a couple of hours looking at some of the exhibits. It's also not my first time here, but there are just so many things to see in this museum, I think I can spend days here! But with only 48 hours in London, this was the best I can do.

Heading my way to King's Cross Station. For those who love English Tea, there's a famous store called Fortnum and Mason. The main store is situated near Piccadilly Circus, but there's also a store in King's Cross St Pancras Station. This store was known to prepare teas for the British Royals! If you are a tea lover, you should definitely check it out.

It was here, where I spent an hour having English Tea with my cousin who was currently studying in London. What a perfect way to relax over a cup of nice hot tea and good company? :)

For those Harry Potter fan's out there, the next stop is crucial if you want to head to Hogwarts! If you guessed Platform 9 3/4, you are absolutely right! There was a huge line to take just a couple of photos, but it was worth the wait! At least for me.

Note: you don't actually get to board the Platform 9 3/4 here. That's in Fort William, UK. A train called the Jacobite. Unfortunately, I didn't get to go on this train. But in some future post, you will see some post of the railway tracks of this train! So stay tuned!

First 24 hours in London ended with a delicious meal at Eat Tokyo at Covent Garden. But before dinner, I did a bit of shopping at Covent Garden and came over this store where I saw the most stunning perfume bottles! Penhaligon's, since 1878! Thanks to the store manager, Lisa, I was able to take this amazing photo of the display in the lower level of the store.

Shopping Destinations

Day two in London was filled with shopping. Aside from tourist attraction, shopping is also kind of an attraction in London. There are various places to shop, mentioned previously is Covent Garden.

Another area to shop is on Regent Street where many flagship stores are located.

Oxford Street and Bond Street showcases abundant of stores as well where Regent Street ends.

And if this isn't enough for you yet, there's also Harrods. A must if you are visiting London!

Be prepared for crowds in these areas and watch your belongings!

Food in London

In addition to tourist attractions and shopping, food is also important. I mean, it does keep me going when I walk around to many places. An original English Breakfast to start of my day with lots of protein, toast and a cup of coffee.