We woke up in London feeling refreshed and started packing up our stuff, nice and slow. Fun fact: there was no wardrobe in the room – apparently, Brits aren’t big on traditional closets like we are. Instead, they rely on a chest of drawers for the basics and this quirky stand where you hang your hoodies, shirts, and jackets. Efficient, I guess?
We cleaned up as best as we could, grabbed some leftover snacks from the fridge, and took a little stroll around the neighborhood. By then, the frost had kicked in – proper January vibes with that icy touch in the air.
The Journey to the Airport: A True British Transport Experience
We headed slowly to Liverpool Street station, where we were supposed to catch a direct train to Stansted Airport. Turns out, the Brits had other plans for us—weekend transport works differently than during the week, at least back then. The train only took us to a small town, but credit where credit’s due—it was all brilliantly organized. They directed us to a replacement bus service that took us straight to the airport terminal. No extra charges, and the weekend system ran like clockwork.
Tip: Follow the Crowd in Transport, but not in Exploring Culture
In London, we noticed one thing – when it comes to transport, it’s best to be a sheep and follow the crowd. Whether it’s the tube, train stations, or the airport, this strategy really works. But when it comes to exploring culture, it’s a whole different story – I’d recommend straying off the beaten path and discovering lesser-known spots. It adds so much to the experience, and traveling is all about uncovering the unknown. And the unknown? You’ll only find it if you wander where few, or sometimes no one, dares to go.
What to See in London:
London is packed with fascinating attractions. Here are a few recommendations:
• British Museum: A treasure trove of history and culture.
• Tube Stations: Check out hubs where multiple lines meet, like Waterloo or King’s Cross. It’s incredible how deep and intricately designed the underground system is! Many stations have unique entrances and exits—you might find yourself emerging from or entering some random building.
• Red Phone Box: Still functional! Just dial 00421 to call home to Slovakia.
• Wembley Stadium & Buckingham Palace: Perfect for football fans or admirers of royal residences.
• Westminster & Big Ben: A historic area surrounded by landmarks like the London Eye and Jubilee Gardens.
• Tower of London & Tower Bridge: Near Tower Bridge, you can get right down to the river, either directly from the bridge or by taking the stairs just before it. Walking across or simply admiring these iconic structures is a must!
• Fish and Chips: A must-try dish! We found a great spot near Tower Bridge—Tower Bridge Kitchen.
Double-Decker: Ride the Iconic London Sightseeing Bus
Don’t miss a ride on the iconic London double-deckers! I recommend picking a bus where no one sits upstairs, and enjoy the panoramic ride. Even just two stops will be a memorable experience.
Modern Canary Wharf Quarter: In winter, you can even go ice skating here and stretch your necks while looking up at the towering skyscrapers.
Shopping on Oxford Street: Nike Town & TK Maxx
• Nike Town: On Oxford Street, you’ll find a three-story Nike store with live DJ performances and exclusive items that you might not even get back home.
• TK Maxx: Reminded me of the old Tesco (old department store in Košice)—each floor has something different. The outlet vibe is alive and well, with plenty of branded pieces at great prices. I picked up two polo shirts myself!
Tips and Tricks for Your rip to London
Metro Entries: You might be surprised to find yourself exiting in a random building or underpass. That’s totally normal!
• Bring an Adapter: UK outlets are different, but you might come across universal ports sometimes.
• Pay by Card: Using cards like Revolut or others is super handy, and make sure to pay in local currency – pounds! Revolut won’t charge you foreign transaction fees.
• Metro Tickets: You can buy tickets directly at the turnstiles using your card or Google/Apple Pay.
• Travel with a Backpack: A small backpack is all you need for a weekend. You’ll save on luggage fees and can spend the money on souvenirs or local treats instead.
• Just Your Passport: No visa required, entry is allowed with just your passport, as well as Americans, and citizens from Eu. Grat app is called Skratch for Android and for IOS.
London amazed us and shared stories from the past, but this adventure is far from over. Where will it go next? A city full of history, fascinating corners, and irresistible beer. A country that welcomes you with its rolling green hills, where green is the dominant color, and the sea breeze touches your face. Next, I’ll take you to a destination where history meets modern charm, and from the very first moment, you’ll feel that this is going to be an experience like nothing you’ve encountered before. Have you guessed it yet? There’s still much to discover on this journey – get ready, because soon we’re heading to…
Flying Easterner
Cross your boundaries – that’s where the treasure you’re seeking is hidden.
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