Happy Friday, dear readers!
Today, I’m thrilled to take you on a journey, not through a new recipe, but through a collection of cherished memories and vibrant photographs from our recent European adventure. As many of you know, my husband and I embarked on an incredible two-week trip across Europe this past February, a whirlwind experience that exceeded all expectations. It was, to put it mildly, an absolute blast!
This post marks the exciting beginning of a three-part travel photo journal series, kicking off with the majestic capital, London. Next Friday, prepare yourselves for the romantic allure of Paris – a post you absolutely won’t want to miss! Make sure to set a reminder and join us then. For now, let’s dive into the heart of London.
London Calling: A Dream Realized
London has occupied a top spot on my personal bucket list for as long as I can remember – even before I had the phrase “bucket list” in my vocabulary! I must have been around ten years old when my mom’s friend returned from a trip to London, presenting my mom with a captivating photo of herself seated in one of the city’s iconic red double-decker buses. She looked effortlessly cool, and from that moment, the image of London and its vibrant red buses became a vivid dream I yearned to fulfill.
Adding to this childhood fascination, all my English textbooks at school were based on British English. This meant I meticulously learned words like “trousers” instead of “pants,” “autumn” over “fall,” and “aubergine” instead of “eggplant.” My spelling adhered to “theatre” and “centre,” diverging from American conventions. My sister would even playfully tease me about my distinct pronunciation of “can’t”! These textbooks were not just language guides; they were visual tours, filled with images of major London landmarks such: as Trafalgar Square, the majestic Big Ben, and the historic London Bridge. With such an early and immersive introduction, it’s truly no wonder I harbored such a deep desire to visit London.
We dedicated five full days to exploring London, immersing ourselves in the vibrant energy and rich tapestry of experiences this beautiful, fast-paced metropolis has to offer. From ancient historical sites to bustling modern markets, every moment was packed with discovery.
Day 1: Arrival & Gentle Exploration
Our first day in London was purposefully low-key. After a lengthy international flight, our priority was to combat the inevitable jet lag and simply settle in. We took a leisurely walk around the downtown area near our hotel, soaking in the immediate atmosphere of the city. We discovered a convenient branch of Cafe Nero, a coffee shop chain as ubiquitous in London as Starbucks is elsewhere. Their caramel shortbread bar was an absolute revelation – the perfect sweet treat to kickstart our London culinary journey and provide a much-needed energy boost.
Day 2: Notting Hill Charm & Borough Market Delights
Day two began with an exquisite Lebanese breakfast at Arabica Bar & Kitchen, nestled within the vibrant Borough Market. My husband, Garrat, indulged in the “Arabica fry up,” a truly delicious spread featuring two eggs, grilled spicy beef sujuk, mushrooms, and mini flatbreads. I opted for the “Za’atr Man’ousheh,” scrambled eggs with mushrooms on a Lebanese flatbread, which was equally, if not more, delightful. The restaurant’s cozy ambiance, coupled with friendly service and exceptional food, made it a highly recommended spot for a memorable breakfast.
Energized, we headed straight for the famous Notting Hill district. We joined thousands of other tourists strolling along Portobello Road, browsing the fascinating antique shops and diverse stalls of the popular Portobello Road Market. The market buzzes with an infectious energy, offering everything from vintage treasures to unique trinkets. After soaking in the market’s lively atmosphere, we wandered into the peaceful, quieter residential streets, admiring the charming rows of pretty, colorful houses that make Notting Hill so uniquely picturesque.
Before making our way back to the hotel, we enjoyed a late lunch and took a moment to relax with a comforting cup of cappuccino, reflecting on the morning’s discoveries.
For dinner, we returned to Borough Market, conveniently located just a five-minute walk from our hotel. After a pleasant wander through the market’s evening offerings, we settled on Fish!, and what a splendid choice it turned out to be! The restaurant boasted a clean, modern interior, coupled with superior service and an impressively diverse seafood menu. Both of us couldn’t resist ordering the whole grilled lobster with chips (the British term for fries). Words genuinely fail to capture the exquisite taste; the pure joy on my face in the photo below speaks volumes!
Later that evening, we had the pleasure of meeting up with my high school friend, Sola, now a talented designer residing in London. We shared a wonderful time over drinks in the bustling Piccalilli Circus, catching up and enjoying the city’s vibrant nightlife.
Day 3: Iconic Landmarks & Magical Sunset
Day three was dedicated to an intensive sightseeing adventure, blessed by glorious sunny weather. Our exploration began at the magnificent Tower Bridge, an architectural icon that majestically spans the River Thames. Its grandeur and intricate design are truly captivating, offering stunning views of the city as you cross.
From there, we ventured to the historic Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage Site steeped in centuries of history. Our visit included a captivating tour and a mesmerizing encounter with the Crown Jewels. Oh my goodness, the sheer brilliance and historical significance of those diamonds are beyond words! Photography isn’t permitted inside, so you absolutely must experience it for yourself. The extensive grounds of the Tower are surprisingly serene and beautifully maintained, almost tempting one to lie on the lawn for a nap. However, with so much more to see, we had to press on!
Next, we hopped on the Tube (London’s underground railway) to make our way to the vicinity of Big Ben and the London Eye. After diligently studying the Tube map, we decided that Victoria station was our best bet for proximity. Oh, how delightfully wrong we were! This led to an unplanned but charming extra two-mile walk, which ultimately wasn’t a hardship. Along the way, we stumbled upon classic red phone booths – an irresistible photo opportunity, of course! That’s my wonderful husband in the shot, radiating happiness. Give him a wave!
By the time we reached the London Eye, it was approximately an hour before sunset – absolutely perfect timing. The “magic hour” truly is the best for photography! While we hadn’t pre-purchased tickets, the queue, though a bit long, moved surprisingly quickly. In no time, we were boarding one of the iconic capsules! The experience exceeded all expectations: we were treated to the most magical sunset views from one of London’s highest vantage points. The sky transformed into a canvas of oranges, pinks, and purples, painting an unforgettable backdrop against the city’s silhouette.
The 360-degree view of London from the London Eye during sunset was absolutely breathtaking, a truly unforgettable panorama of the sprawling city.
What an incredible day of exploration and wonder!
Day 4: Shopping, Palaces & Quintessential Afternoon Tea
A trip to London wouldn’t be complete without a bit of retail therapy, would it? Fortunately, One New Change Mall was conveniently close to our hotel. Beyond its excellent selection of shops, this modern shopping center held an unexpected delight: a stunning, unobstructed view of St. Paul’s Cathedral. The contrast between contemporary architecture and historic grandeur was simply captivating.
And then there was the rooftop view from the mall – utterly serene and offering yet another unique perspective of the city!
After our shopping excursion, we made our way to the magnificent Buckingham Palace, pausing to admire its stately presence. From there, we enjoyed a leisurely stroll through the expansive and beautiful Hyde Park, heading towards the elegant Burlington Arcade Shopping Centre. My mission there was singular: to procure my beloved macaron fix from Ladurée, housed within this extremely fancy and luxurious arcade. The delicate French pastries were a delightful treat in the heart of London.
Our relaxed walk continued to the grand Trafalgar Square, a bustling hub of activity and an iconic London landmark. From there, we ventured all the way to Covent Garden, where a very special reservation awaited us: our authentic London Afternoon Tea.
When in London, one simply must indulge in the quintessential experience of Afternoon Tea. We chose the renowned Thames Foyer Afternoon Tea at The Savoy, a place of unparalleled beauty, elegance, and extraordinary charm. With the soothing sounds of live piano music drifting through the air, we savored impossibly light and fluffy English scones – truly the best I’ve ever tasted – alongside an array of dainty, perfectly crafted tea sandwiches. It was an experience that felt both luxurious and deeply traditional.
For the fourth course, I delighted in an assortment of exquisite mini pastries, each a tiny work of art. My husband, having selected the “High Tea” option, enjoyed a delicious smoked salmon with an egg on toast – a dish that, while sounding simple, looked absolutely impressive and was thoroughly savored. This culinary interlude lasted a blissful two hours.
After our substantial and delightful meal, we decided to walk back to our hotel, allowing us to digest and take in more of the city. Once again, we were treated to a stunning sunset unfolding over the majestic Thames River, casting a golden glow across the water and the historic buildings lining its banks.
And as night truly fell, the illuminated view of St. Paul’s Cathedral alongside Southwark Bridge was simply breathtaking – a truly beautiful and serene end to a busy day, wouldn’t you agree?
Day 5: Borough Market Revisited & London from Above
By day five, it had become a delightful ritual for us to grab a quick and wholesome breakfast at Pret a Manger, a popular fast-food chain across the UK. Unlike traditional fast-food establishments, Pret a Manger distinguishes itself by offering natural, freshly prepared, and notably healthy food options. I quickly became hooked on their refreshing fresh juices and invigorating smoothies – the perfect way to start each adventurous day.
After breakfast, we found ourselves casually walking around Borough Market for what must have been the fifth time! This vibrant market is, without a doubt, a foodie’s ultimate dream destination. You can discover anything and everything imaginable here: from freshly baked artisanal breads and an astounding variety of cheeses to thousands of mushroom varieties and a wide, tempting selection of fresh seafood. The sights, sounds, and aromas create an immersive culinary experience that keeps you coming back for more.
During one of our many market strolls, we had the unique opportunity to sniff a jar full of rich truffles and even taste a tiny sliver. It was an experience of complex, earthy flavors – slightly funky, yet utterly and irresistibly delicious!
Our final major attraction for this London leg of our journey was The View from The Shard, an observation deck located in London’s tallest building. We planned our visit perfectly, arriving about half an hour before sunset. This allowed us to witness the city’s transformation from daylight to the magical golden hour, and finally, to the glittering tapestry of London by night. The spectacle was, as anticipated, truly spectacular and offered a different, equally magnificent perspective compared to the London Eye.
That same night, we headed to the bustling Chinatown for dinner. The area boasts literally thousands of amazing eateries, all side-by-side, creating an overwhelming but exciting choice. We eventually settled on Leong’s Legends, a highly-rated Taiwanese restaurant. We were delighted to get our dim sum fix and thoroughly enjoyed their delicious and authentic food, a perfect end to our intensive exploration.
A Special Culinary Highlight: London Oysters
Are you still with me? If so, kudos to you for sticking around to the very end of our London tale! I promise, I’m almost done. There’s one particular delicacy we consumed more than anything else during our stay. Yes, you’ve probably guessed it: Oysters! On one of our memorable evenings, we had dinner at Wright Brothers Oyster and Porter House, an award-winning oyster establishment also located within the Borough Market. They offered the most extensive selection of oysters from various regions, each with its own unique flavor profile. It was an absolute treat for the palate, a true indulgence for any seafood lover!
London, We Love You!
Our five days in London were nothing short of spectacular. From the childhood dream of red double-decker buses to savoring exquisite cuisines and witnessing breathtaking sunsets, the city truly captured our hearts. London offers an unparalleled blend of history, culture, and modern vibrancy that makes every moment memorable. We can’t wait to return and explore even more of its endless charms.
That’s it for our London adventure for now! Stay tuned, because next Friday, we’re whisking you away to the romantic streets of PARIS! You won’t want to miss those stunning visuals and charming anecdotes.
Oh, and one more detail for those planning their own London escapade: we thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Novotel London City South. Its excellent location, coupled with friendly service and comfortable, immaculately clean rooms, made it an ideal base for our urban explorations. Highly recommended for fellow travelers!