London, you were amazing
This was different.
If you’ve been reading the blog for a while now, you’d probably know I have visited London before, but my most recent trip was the best out of the previous ones and I’ll tell you why. I was in London for almost a month and decided to take time to explore the city in ways I never did before. I think already knowing people in England makes it so easy to spend the entire vacation catching up and spending time with them. But even when I went to Lagos last December, I was very cautious of slipping into this “easy” way to vacation which is spending the whole trip or most of it with people I already know. Instead, just like my December trip, I really honed in on what it means to be a tourist in a place I’m familiar with. In my opinion, that is one of the best ways to vacation. A healthy mix of tourism and exploring, and spending time with those close to you.
This blog post is very image-heavy to show you a lot of the moments I was able to capture as they were becoming memories. Also, as with my other travel blogs (link at the end of the article), I will be sharing a bunch of recommendations!
Now, let’s go to London:
Rec. 1: Comptoir Libanais, SW7 2HE
You’re probably surprised I didn’t start with Italian food, which I have a seamless tendency towards as shown in previous posts. But for my fellow Italian food lovers, I assure you it’s on the way. So, Comptoir Libonais is a Middle Eastern restaurant with delicious and good-looking food. It’s also about a 5-minute walk from the infamous V&A museum (which I also recommend).
Rec. 2: The Real Greek, WC2E 9JL
Amazing food and location: it’s by lots of stores and close to the Royal Opera House.
Rec. 3: Hayward Gallery, SE1 8XX
“One discovers the light in darkness, that is what darkness is for, but everything in our lives depends on how we bear the light. It is necessary, while in darkness to know that there is light somewhere, to know that in oneself, waiting to be found, there is light.” - Tavares Strachan
Where do I begin?
This exhibition was entitled “There is Light Somewhere” by artist Tavares Strachan. It’s one of those displays where words do no justice. However, I think the above quote encapsulates the idea of the exhibition well. The gift shop was great too; COMME des GARÇONS actually collaborated with the artist to make merch for the exhibition.
Right outside of the gallery are two incredible sculptures:
The gallery is located in London’s South Bank which is the home of the London Eye. It is also by the River Thames, and near the National Theater, and Westminster Abbey. Basically half of London’s top tourist spots.
Wait, I think it’s time for another food break-
Rec. 4: BAO Borough, SE1 9AD
I went back to BAO 2 more times before the trip was over. I think that tells you all you need to know about it. I had never had bao buns prior to this trip, but this spot gave the perfect introduction.
For shopping:
Rec. 5: Brick Lane, E1
For the vintage lovers out there, Brick lane was made for you. It is an entire street that hosts a plethora of vintage stores as well as stores with handmade items.
Rec. 6: Selfridges (Oxford Street), W1A 1AB
Oxford Street is the shopping hotspot of central London and has branches of the stores you’re probably used to (Zara, H&M, &OtherStories etc.). Oxford Street is also home to the Selfridges flagship store, a store that hosts a range of designers, as well as a food court, bookshop, cinema, and more. It is also the second biggest retail store in London.
Now, let me draw you back to art.
Rec. 7: The National Gallery, WC2N 5DN
This is me letting the art speak for itself. I hope at least some of you whilst looking at the art, were also fascinated by the frames. I noticed it shortly after taking the photos. This museum has various art, most notably from centuries ago. It is particularly a blessing for art and art history lovers.
Rec. 8: Gloria, EC2A 3QR
I told you there’d be Italian ;) Whenever I see the photo of that pasta I remind myself that I have to recreate it! It’s a marinara pasta with yogurt and it was really good. The drink I ordered came in that quirky glass in photo 3, and the stairs leading to the bathroom had a ton of posters that brought its walls to life. It’s basically an instagrammable restaurant with good food.
Rec. 9: Imad’s Syrian Kitchen, W1B 5PW
This meal and every other one in this post remind me that food truly is an experience. I thoroughly enjoyed everything about Imad’s. I had never tried Syrian food before but this was worth the wait. This branch is located in Carnaby Street, which hosts other food places, bars, and boutiques.
Now, onto the last recommendation but certainly not the least:
Rec. 10: Portobello Road Market, W10
The first time I went to Portobello on this trip, I walked past Spanish artist Carlos Penalver, (@carlospphh), whose artwork is unlike any I’ve ever seen. For that reason, I’d like to preface this recommendation with some of his work, which I was able to capture that day.
He said he was drawing scenes from Wimbledon. Truly remarkable!
Now, onto Portobello Road Market:
I cannot imagine visiting London and not stopping by the Portobello Market. It features tons of antiques, new, and handmade goods, as well as restaurants and an ice cream shop. Walking down Portobello is really fun because there is so much to see and shop: from cameras to mini chess sets, 18th-century maps, jewelry, jackets, books, bags, trinket dishes made from shells, caps, etc. Portobello itself is very beautiful, its buildings are so colorful and aesthetic. I hope you also get a chance to visit!
Someone once said that you basically travel around the world while in London because there are so many cultures enmeshed in the fabric of the city. It is a fabulous place where the old meets the new, where art is home, and where it is extremely difficult to get bored.
To see my other Travel blogs, click here.
thank you ;)
Until the next one
-C
