Just recently I embarked on my long awaited journey to Paris but for one day out of my seven-day trip, I went to London. It has been a dream of mine to visit London since I can remember.
I knew eventually I would have the chance of studying abroad there but I wanted the experience of already visiting. When my Paris trip was in the process of being booked in the back of my mind, I knew how easy it was to get to London from Paris. So, that's what we (my mother and I) did.
Now, London isn't a city that you can see in 10 hours, but we gave it a shot. I also highly recommend buying a day pass for the tube because it does have unlimited swipes, so you can swiftly move along (especially if you're on a time crunch like we were).
10 - 10:30 a.m.: Buckingham Palace
Of course, I had to visit one of the most iconic buildings in probably the whole world. We were there right before the changing of the guards but we needed to get a move on already so we didn't stay for long but it's incredibly surreal to see the Palace in person.
11 a.m. - 12 p.m.: Harrods
Harrods is one hell of a department store, I mean SEVEN floors of food and restaurants, designer clothing, high street clothing, shoes and that isn't even half of it. My mom stopped here to pick up some (quite expensive I must say) souvenir pieces like the oh so iconic Harrods bag with eccentric designs. We soon had to go but you could easily spend a whole day wandering around and also your whole month's paycheck.
12 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.: A quick stop in Hyde Park
Hyde Park is essentially Londons' version of Central Park. It is a truly incredibly beautiful eco-friendly green space. There is an amazing piece of artwork in the middle of the Serpentine lake and baby ducks so I was pleased with our short "nature" rest.
1 p.m. - 2 p.m: Piccadilly Circus & Lunch
Piccadilly Circus is quite the tourist stop, we didn't stay for long but I did run into a Boots, which is essentially our Walgreens or CVS, and pick up one or two exclusive to the U.K beauty products for myself. But by 2 p.m., we were starving and PRO TIP: Sorry London but your pub burgers aren't the best but hey, maybe I'll get lucky at a different restaurant another time.
2 p.m. - 3 p.m.: Exit Brexit at Trafalgar Square
While walking the streets of London, my mother and I came across an Exit Brexit march, Londoners were protesting the 2016 decision to the leave the European Union by showing off their flags of the stars against the blue. It was thrilling to come across a protest and to experience another country's disagreement on their own politics.
Going with the march, we ended up at Trafalgar Square for a while before heading to the Hungerford Bridge and Golden Jubilee Bridges. There we took in all the famous monuments like the London Eye, Westminster Abby, and Big Ben which unfortunately with my luck, was covered by multiple scaffolds.
3 p.m. - 4 p.m.: A LOT of walking
In any major city, you can easily find yourself carelessly walking around before realizing how much time has passed. Especially when it's a city so unique and particular than anything you have ever seen. It's vitally important to absorb the city buildings' architecture because that is a part of what makes cities so individual from one another.
4 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.: Covent Gardens
Covent Gardens is packed with tourists and locals. Here, it's easy to get lost in a mania of shopping ranging from beauty to souvenirs, and food. Personally, I enjoyed sitting at some of the outdoor seating and people watching. People watching is the ultimate past time in any busy city, you can really pinpoint the attitudes and personalities of the locals.
Convent Garden was where our short day wrapped up as we took the Piccadilly line straight back to the London-Pancras Station to catch our Eurostar. I am still over the moon over my short, long waited trip but I'd highly recommend catching the Eurostar or any train and exploring Europe to the best of your ability while there. It's an experience that should never be missed. Also, what was better than arriving to Paris?
