Though I’ve heard mixed reviews about London, for me it was nothing short of a very drizzly heaven. After months of feeling like I have no personality (my poor French reduces me to a shy but sweet, whimpering version of myself), it was such a blessing to socialize in my native language.
Escaping from France aside, there was so much to love about London, and I spent three days pocketing little moments of joy across the city. Here are a few of those moments.
Generously sized coffee
Starting the day with more than a thimble of burnt French espresso was wonderful. (And truly, it’s always burnt in La Belle France. I have no idea why it has a good reputation.)
Lunch at Borough Market
Spit roast pork sandwiches, chocolate chip cookies and sangria all in one sitting? Yes, please. The Borough Market was the perfect place to both lunch and people-watch, as well as enjoy some fresh air and sunshine.
Also I had forgotten that free samples exist (Julia assured me a French vendor would NEVER give out free samples), and I won’t lie- I’m definitely on the Anglophone side of this argument.
Catching some rays on the Thames
I loved soaking up the unchariteristically strong March sun with London locals on the Thames, who seemed just as happy to be outside.
Welcoming in spring at Hyde Park
After visiting a slew of tourist sites, we sprawled out in Hyde Park to recover. We also spotted some crocuses blooming, which are normally the first flower of spring- a good sign after this cold, cloudy, endless winter! Crocuses will always remind me of my childhood in Michigan.
Stumbling upon the Camden Lock’s Global Kitchen
I planned out many market visits, including Bourough Market, Camden Lock Market and Covent Garden Market- but we came across the Global Kitchen on account of pure dumb luck.
It was essentially a group of street food vendors selling food from every corner of the earth: Jamaican, Lebanese, Mexican and Spanish included. I did a little dance when I realized I would be having Chinese dumplings for breakfast!
Encountering Street Art
While I never made it over to Shoreditch, the veritable capital of London street art, I did stumble upon lots of great pieces around town.
Antique Shopping on Portobello Road
Is antique shopping a strange hobby for a girl with no actual residence? Fair enough. But delving through treasures on the colorful Portobello road was still a lot of fun, and I had to talk myself out of many great finds such as a 19th century brass compass.
Break Dancing in Trafalgar Square
While walking to the National Portrait Gallery, we spotted some very talented street dancers. It was a welcomed break amidst our packed and at times boring museum hopping.
Enjoying some much needed time at the pub
I’m never one to turn down a half-pint of something bubbly, so London’s inexpensive beer and ciders flowing from the tap really cheered my soul. (Have I mentioned how shamefully overpriced beer is in Paris?) I really enjoy escaping for a few hours to the pub.
What’s your favorite thing to do in London?
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I love all these pictures of London, they make me so nostalgic!
You take such fantastic pictures; they always seem to capture the essence of the moment, and they really make your blog something special.
Neil Hilton recently posted..Could Making Money On YouTube Be Your Key To Financial Independence?
Wow, Neil, thank you! That’s honestly one of the sweetest comments I’ve ever gotten.
I really like London… had a few cheesy moments like this silly (and very expensive) WW2 underground “musum” which was nothing but mannequins setup with bad lighting and sound effects.
The Imperial war museum was fantastic. So was the royal observatory.
My favorite place was Camden Town & Camden Market. I went back the next day to just hangout.
I will definitely have to make time for the Imperial War Museum next time, I’m a huge war history buff! Thanks for the tip :)
Hi Ashley, Sounds as though you had great fun in London.
My favorite thing is to have afternoon in a a good hotel, and to see a play, since England is our birthplace for plays., and theatre..
Love, Gamma
Dear Gamma, next time I’m in London I will definitely take your advice and go for high tea as well as enjoy some plays! I’m really looking forward to returning. Love, Ashley
I love your photos of London! It’s fun to see the city through the eyes of someone who isn’t British :) You hit some of my favourite places, especially Camden and Portobello Road. Glad you had an amazing trip, and well done for catching the sunshine – it’s pretty rare here at the moment!
Clare recently posted..Summers with my Mum, Bamburgh
We’re certainly lacking sunshine over here as well! Glad we have some of the same favorite places :)
Great photos! I loved London when I was there. The pubs there were all so great and full of life. It was already spring when I was there, so I’m jealous you were able to welcome it in at Hyde Park!
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I love the pubs as well! And spring’s great, but I really can’t wait for summer.
Ah this makes me want to go back to London right away! What an amazing city! I’m pretty sure I took the exact same photo with the old suitcases on Portobello Road :) And I did some portable antique shopping too — my favorite ring is from Portobello Road!
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Ah jealous, I totally should have bought something! Time was very limited so that just means I’ll (or we’ll :) ) just have to go back.
Um, I heart London. That is all. (okay fine that’s not all because I hate leaving short comments but I’m jet-lagged and kind of upset you didn’t go with me ;))
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Haha, we’ll travel together soon… let’s plan something for June! xx
You even got some rare London sunshine! I loved the couple days I spent in London and would still like to go back. And that international food market sounds like my dream
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It was mine too, seriously!
A. I love London and I love your photos!!!
B. After spending months in Italy, i went to london with some friends and we got lost trying to find out hostal. Some kind man helped us and we almost cried because it was so nice to hear someone speak english!!!!
C. Languages are awesome, but there is something to be said about speaking your native tongue .
Ashley Hufford recently posted..Roadtrippin
Aw thanks! And I agree, after months of struggling with my accent and flow of speech, it was nice to just talk :)
I’m moving to London in the fall and this post made me super excited for all the awesomeness of the city.
And yay for English! I totally know what you mean…
Amanda @ Farsickness recently posted..Memories of Ella, Sri Lanka
You’re so, so lucky! I would love to move there. And yes, it can be such a relief to speak English after months of struggling, ha.
Borough market is among my favorite ones… But there are so many more that are lovely too! My most recent find was Broadway market, in east London. It’s right next to the canal, so it’s perfect for a sunny day :)
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I really wanted to explore East London but unfortunately didn’t have the time! Oh well, I will definitely bookmark Broadway Market for next time, thanks for the tip :)