When London Calls: Celebrating Spontaneity – Part I

[vc_row inner_container=”true” no_margin=”true” padding_top=”20px” padding_bottom=”30px” border=”all”][vc_column width=”1/1″][text_output]The Story: With about one-week’s notice, there wasn’t much time to plan. But when an the opportunity arose to head across the pond and visit London, England, I quickly made the most out of it.

The Inspiration: Ahhhh London, it’s one of the most cosmopolitan cities I’ve ever had the pleasure of exploring. It’s a city of juxtaposition – from iconic landmarks butting up next to modern, high-rise structures in the skyline — to long-standing, English traditions being infused with modern, urban sensibility — it’s a city that I simply adore. From cutting-edge, urban fashion at every turn, to an array of languages that buzz in your ear as streams of people pass you by, there’s a frenetic pace and energy that envelopes you and leaves you wanting for more.

The Takeaway: When an unplanned travel opportunity comes your way, make the most of your time and explore, even if it’s not a vacation. Celebrate the opportunity you’ve been given because you never know if you’ll ever be back again.[/text_output][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row inner_container=”true” no_margin=”true” padding_top=”0px” padding_bottom=”0px” border=”none”][vc_column width=”1/1″][gap size=”1.313em”][container][columnize][dropcap] I [/dropcap] found my way to the taxi stand after landing at Heaththrow and quickly clearing customs. In my past visits to London, I’ve taken the Tube (London’s underground train system) to central London, but was exhausted after my overnight flight and was not in the mood to deal with lugging my large suitcase and heavy carry-on through the Tube and then dragging them 3+ blocks to get to my hotel. Besides, I wanted to get into a Black Cab and see some sites along the way and reacquaint myself with the city that I last visited 10 long years ago.

Trying to get a cab at Heaththrow that accepts credit cards was a bit more challenging than I had anticipated. After a 10-minute wait and after a line of almost 12 cabs deep had arrived, there still weren’t any drivers that would take credit cards. The taxi attendant finally found a driver who accepted credit cards, with a 10% surcharge.

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Tip: Get Cash once you land via an ATM since you’ll get the best exchange rate. Avoid the currency exchange counters if you can, or just change enough money to get you to your destination.

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I didn’t mind the wait since I had arrived early on a Sunday and I had no idea if my hotel room would be ready, but then again, my body was aching for a bed and soft pillow. I finally got into the black cab and once we were on our way, I felt as if my real London experience had begun.

My driver was a friendly, older chap who donned on a pair of red sunglasses and deftly maneuvered his way to my hotel. I forgot what it was like to be in a black cab — there was no trunk space and so my suitcase and carry on were piled on the cab floor in front of my legs. I almost didn’t notice the two, fold-down chairs that were immediately behind the driver to easily accommodate 4 people. There’s just something cool and quirky about a black cab — not to mention that the driver was seated on the right side. As we made our way to the hotel, I remembered the biggest thing of all — they drive on the wrong side of the road 🙂

My driver took me past some familiar landmarks from the British History Museum, Harrods, Trafalgar Square, the London Eye and the Tower of London. While these historical landmarks hadn’t change, the skyline of the city had drastically changed since my last visit with the addition of the Shard and the Gherkin, just to name a few.[/columnize][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][text_output][alert heading=”The Giveaway” type=”info”]For details on Danny’s Anniversary Giveaway, scroll down to the end of this story.[/alert][/text_output][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/container][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row inner_container=”true” no_margin=”true” padding_top=”0px” padding_bottom=”0px” border=”none”][vc_column][text_output][custom_headline type=”center” level=”h2″ looks_like=”h4″ accent=”true”]Welcome to The City[/custom_headline]

A quick half hour later, since traffic was light on Sunday mornings, and 85 British Pounds… I was standing in front of my hotel in the The City — the business and financial center of London.

Once inside the lobby of the Hotel Indigo Tower Hill, I was greeted by a deep, red reception area, nothing large, but appropriately sized for this boutique hotel. There’s a crystal canopy above the reception desk and a couple of modern lounge chairs and side table. Right next to the lobby is the connecting restaurant where I had breakfast. I started with a “Classic English Breakfast” to satisfy my hunger and get my bearings as I studied the map.

Once inside my room, and after unpacking, I was so tempted to lay down for just a bit but knew better. I knew that if I lay down, the chances of getting back up where slim to none and I’d really screw up my internal clock. I needed to get out and sightsee but where to, first?

Fortunately on one wall of my room was a large mural of the Millennium bridge and St. Paul’s Cathedral in the distance. This was my inspiration and mission for the day — I would seek this out for myself.

[custom_headline type=”center” level=”h2″ looks_like=”h4″ accent=”true”]Follow the Mural![/custom_headline]

Since I had never explored this part of town, with the exception of The Tower of London, I decided to get to know this neighborhood rather than heading off to familiar ground such as Hyde Park and Piccadilly Circus where I’ve stayed before. This was a great way to expand my knowledge of London and her neighborhoods.

I decided to head off to St. Paul’s Cathedral first, then cross the river, amble across the south bank along the river Thames and make my way back across Tower Bridge. With a loose plan in mind, I started my exploration!

I was told that it would normally be a quick 15 minute walk to St. Paul’s Cathedral, but it took a bit longer since I got easily side tracked taking photos throughout the City.

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As I slowly made my way west along Leadenhall St., I suddenly stopped in my tracks as I heard a loud explosion followed by numerous gun shots! I stood in my tracks wondering what was happening. I proceeded further and came across a barricade with security and police, only to find out that the road was blocked for some filming. I was just glad that I hadn’t stumbled into a battle zone.

After following the detour, I eventually found my way to the majestic St. Paul’s Cathedral. Since it was a day of service, I wasn’t allowed to take any photos inside so you’ll definitely have to check it out for yourself when you’re in London. The church is stunning and massive – the dome is a work of art. Part of me was glad that there weren’t any tours on this day — I wasn’t sure if my fear of heights would have prevented me from ascending the dome and getting a view from the top. Next time.

As I made my way outside of St. Paul’s, I found my bearings and headed south to the Millennium Bridge which connects the north and south banks and leads to the Tate Modern. This beautiful, pedestrian bridge looks almost spine-like to and is a great bridge see both sides of the river bank and the various skyline views. As I crossed the bridge, the weather turned, the skies darkened and I could feel a gentle drizzle, but I honestly didn’t care. I was in London and it could have been snowing for all I cared. As I moved forward, I could see the Tate Modern on the opposite end with the Globe Theater to its left.

Views from Millennium Bridge

Looking back at St. Paul’s Cathedral from the Millennium Bridge

View of The Tate Modern on the opposite bank

View of St. Paul’s Cathedral

The famed Globe Theater

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I made it across and looked back to see St. Paul’s Cathedral in the distance and its beautiful dome towering high above.

This was mural scene in my hotel room.

Mission accomplished.

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This day wasn’t meant for a museum tour so I decided to save the Tate Modern for my next visit. I followed the bank and the large crowds eastward, slowly making my way to London Bridge. The views of London from the bank were beautiful and there’s so much people watching to do. As I got closer to London Bridge, there were numerous shops and eateries underneath the bridge. I was tempted to stop at so many little eateries but restrained from stuffing my face silly.

London skyline

The Shard

A bakery school by London Bridge

I passed by Borough Market which our London Food Editor, Jaime James wrote about in our March issue, but since it was a Sunday, it was closed. I continued following the bank towards Tower Bridge but along the way, I got lost and accidentally found my way to the Shard. Continuing on, I eventually got lost again in some small neighborhoods further South due to more road construction closures. I eventually made my way back to the bank after a few helpful individuals guided me back and found myself standing in front of the beautiful City Hall.

City Hall, London

As I admired this beautiful, curved structure, it looked as if a strong gust of wind had shifted it to one side. Directly behind it was the beautiful Tower Bridge, often mistaken for London Bridge. With so much people watching opportunities around me, I took a break and just enjoyed the views.

Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge

Looking back at the City Hall from Tower Bridge

Views from Tower Bridge

I continued towards the bridge and eventually crossed back to the North bank of the River Thames where I found myself next to the Tower of London.

I’ve explored the Tower of London twice before so there was no need for a 3rd, although the Beefeaters are such wonderful tour guides. Make sure you take the tour with them as your guide!

Tower of London

At that point, I had basically walked around for more than half a day and I was just several blocks away for my hotel. It was time to head back and get settled in. Though only 6:30 pm, I turned out the lights and said good night to the City![/text_output][gap size=”3.0em”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row inner_container=”true” no_margin=”true” padding_top=”0px” padding_bottom=”0px” border=”all”][vc_column width=”1/1″][text_output][custom_headline type=”center” level=”h2″ looks_like=”h4″]The Giveaway[/custom_headline]

So here is my way of thanking you as we celebrate our 1-year anniversary. Travel has become such a big component of my life and I want to be able to encourage you to do the same with this e-gift card from Hotels.com —  so travel well and good luck! To enter, please use the Rafflecopter form below:

• This giveaway starts Saturday, April 11, 2015 at 12:00 am CST and ends Sunday, May 3, 2015 at 11:59 pm CST.
• This giveaway is open globally to anyone 18 years of age or older.
• For all Terms & Conditions, please see the Rafflecopter form below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway[/text_output][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row inner_container=”true” padding_top=”0px” padding_bottom=”0px” border=”none”][vc_column width=”1/1″][gap size=”1.313em”][author title=”About the Author”][/vc_column][/vc_row]