A quick visit to London

London captured my heart over ten years ago. Through the years, I have had the privilege to visit London over a dozen times, with every visit I seem to step right back in rhythm with this vibrant city! There is just something about London that makes me feel at home! Maybe, because it was the first European city I had ever visited (along with my first flight!), or because of the wonderful friends (thank you Alex, Sheila, Lisa, and Mark!!) that welcome me into their homes when I visit. For whatever reason, London and I will have an eternal love affair!

Typically when I visit London, I tend not to visit the tourist attractions. Of course, I would recommend a visit to all the sites if you have never been! Since I have visited them numerous times, I just prefer to visit with friends, and feel the pulse of the city through the bars, restaurants, and walking the neighborhood streets. But in London, sometimes you just happen to stumble upon the wonderful sites that make London, well London!

I spent this short London visit with my dearest friend, Lisa. We hadn’t seen each other in over two years, and we had a lovely reunion; thankfully, time and distance has never dampened our friendship! With our common loves of London and travel, our conversations take us all over the world, sharing stories and photos and inspiring each other to travel more. Since my last visit, she acquired a friendly new family member, Milo, a Solomon Island Eclectus Parrot. Milo is so handsome and intelligent, adding animated banter to our lovely conversations!

We explored Lisa’s West London neighborhood on foot, walking along the lovely British streets. Walking European streets is one of my favorite things about European travel; but in London, taking public transportation is the most convenient and reliable way to get around. In my opinion, London has one of the best metro systems in the world. During my visits to London, I always use “the Tube” or underground system, with a refillable Oyster card (public transportation card) which allows usage of all public transport throughout London and its surrounding neighborhoods.

There is just something about hearing “Mind the Gap” while stepping onto the train that makes me smile!

 

We visited the Central London areas of Covent Garden and Soho. Both areas provide visitors and locals alike with a wide variety of bars, restaurants, shops, and theatres. These two districts are within walking distance of each other, allowing for visitors to easily explore this area of Central London. After wandering the streets, window shopping, and a quick bite to eat, we made our way to a craft cocktail bar, Milk & Honey. Located in an unassuming building in the Soho district, Milk & Honey provides quality craft cocktails to visitors and locals alike (reservations required). Imagine our surprise when we opened the drink menu to see a cocktail named the “Ohio Valley Cooler”, so of course, two Ohio girls had to try Ohio’s namesake cocktail! Sipping on hand-crafted cocktails and reminiscing with my best friend, was the perfect evening in London!

 

Spending a few days in one of my favorite cities in the world, with one of my favorite people in the world, made me the happiest girl in the world! London is lovely for so many reasons, but I truly believe London has my heart because of the wonderful friends that always welcome me “home”!!

Thanks for reading!

Heather

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