I made it to London with little issues. Thanks to the advice from Kenny, I took the train from Edinburgh to the airport! It was a very easy process, except for the 30 minute walk with my luggage. I really should’ve figured out the bus system! From Edinburgh I caught a Ryanair flight, and when I landed in London I only had to ask a few questions to find my way to the train to take me to Brixton. I am finally getting a hang of the different train systems, thanks Google Maps! I had already booked my place when I met Kenny who informed me Brixton is a little rough. He was right, but luckily my place is cute and has many locks on the doors. Once settled I take the tube into London proper. I quickly learned if you want to ride the long escalator you stand to the right, if you want to walk the escalator you are on the left. Found that out the hard way!
My favorite thing to do in a new city is just pick a direction and walk around, even if I get a little lost, it’s fun to stumble on places. Today I walked past Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Parliament, and the Thomas River. For dinner I found Honest Burgers and ordered the Vegetarian Fritter Burger (southern fried fritter with cheddar, chipotle mayo, coleslaw, onion and pickles) and treated myself with an Aperol Spritz!
After a terrible night of sleep on the horribly uncomfortable bed, I spent the morning walking around and making my way to Harrods. I have always heard of Harrods and for some reason thought it was more than a huge department store. My best friend, Jenny, is very bougie so I take several pictures of the fancy items for her. I know she would love it here.
After window shopping I pick up veggie sushi, yummmmmm, and make my way to Hyde Park. Places in the states you really need to step up your vegetarian sushi game, this is amazing!! I set up a picnic and read Bridgerton in Hyde Park, someone pinch me, I am so happy right now! I met best friends that asked if I would help with their photoshoot and we sat around and talked for a bit. They were kind enough to do a mini photoshoot for me! I was finished with my book so I passed it on to one of the girls. Hyde Park is incredible, I could spend hours here!
This afternoon I am taking a tour of Shakesphere’s Globe Theatre. Once the tour starts I am told that we are viewing a replica because in the 1600s the Puritans destroyed all theaters in London. Whomp whomp. The tour was interesting and I heard the best tidbit; Shakespeare and his friends were renting land for a theater; however, they had paid for the building materials for the playhouse. The owner raised the rent and they didn’t or couldn’t pay it, they then raised money and purchased land for the Globe Theatre. They used all their money for the land and didn’t have more to build the theater. So, on boxing day when most of London was closed they tore down their old theater, stored the materials in a friend’s shed, and when the river thawed in the Spring brought the materials over to build the Globe Theatre!
On my way to find dinner I passed an event and noticed Idris Elba being interviewed! He was promoting his new AppleTV show, and loved seeing part of an event for a bit. You can take the girl out of events, but she will still get excited over them.
I’ve had a great two days in London! Tomorrow I am going to the Ted Lasso Pub and to see Sophia Bush in a play!
Today’s Helpful Tips
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
I was able to buy my tickets the same day but had to wait about an hour for the tour. If you can, I recommend buying them online. They also perform plays from the Theatre and next time I would love to see one.
Food choices
Check out my blog A Vegetarian in London for my favorite places to dine!
