London Calling
http://www.jacktheripperwalk.com/ This is so much fun--a little messed up to be going around and listening to this before bedtime so go have a pint or four after. The guide was amazing and you get to see a little more of what you wouldn't usually.
http://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/#gs.bd7h8Iw Not just a Tower. So much to see and do for both sexes. Jewels have them--instruments of torture they have you covered.
https://www.theviewfromtheshard.com/en/tickets-prices/?gclid=Cj0KEQjw88q9BRDB5qLcwLXr7_sBEiQAZsGja-Yjfx8kdYt2cj9LQG72smCFKo-rdC-sQTJ2_TXrfLUaAkgL8P8HAQ&gclsrc=aw.ds Ok so I didn't "shard" myself but I did really enjoy the view. The Queen was nice enough to have her birthday flyby while I was there but even without it it was worth it.
https://www.londonpass.com/london-transport/?aid=26&gclid=Cj0KEQjw88q9BRDB5qLcwLXr7_sBEiQAZsGja7OCOqWMDeMUtJ4ixBA_Gf_9LBXC-wYMXYKo6HJXeXIaAqzt8P8HAQ So convenient and easy. Public transportation is extremely easy here.
http://www.visitgreenwich.org.uk/ If you have time it's worth it.
http://www.manutd.com/Splash-Page.aspx Manchester United. They are the best. Well, here they are.
http://www.starbucks.co.uk/ Yes they are everywhere and it's great.
http://www.gatwickairport.com/ It's amazing to get around (Toronto take notes) plus with airline carriers adding it to their scheduled routes recently it's cheaper than Heathrow.
https://weather.com/en-GB/weather/today/l/UKXX0085:1:UK?cm_ven=UKPS_GGL_London_6272016_1 No one believes me but the weather is always amazing when I'm there well ok this time it rained a bit on day two and when I left it poured.
https://www.google.ca/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=uk%20currency%20to%20canadian I was there two weeks before the vote so my exchange wasn't great. London is worth it no matter the cost.
https://www.stpauls.co.uk/ So I finally got in to see it and it was incredible no words can describe it.
http://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern It's FREE and there is so much to see.
Millennium Bridge Views are stunning.
Gherkin London I had always called this the egg building lol.
Things to Know
Do not repeat not under any circumstances get tipsy and leave your new iPhone in the lou.
Do not go into a Local and cheer for the opposing team during Euro Cup no matter how tempting.
Check before heading out to know if the Queen will disrupt your planned route. This includes all Royal activities.
Try to keep up on current affairs.
Be polite at all times.
People are basically friendly everywhere introduce yourself have fun.
So I went off to London to party and give my friend Jeff (he's an Aussie) who had been working in London but had given notice a proper send off. Of course I'd fly to Australia to party for a few days if he quits his job there--any excuse.
Getting there was suppose to be easy. Gatwick Airport was a breeze. Getting on a train no problem--trains not running--problem--Queen's Birthday--problem. Finally getting there--priceless.
So the first thing we did was go to St. Paul's but the Queen was there so lunch and a pint was just as good.
We did things I hadn't done before in London--TOURIST THINGS! Day one the street outside St. Paul's watching the Beefeaters and bands leave, the Tower of London which was more fun than I though (I know shame on me) and then a Jack the Ripper walking tour. Do not bring small children it scares the shit out of the adults. We ended Day 1 slightly tipsy ok a bit trashed after several beers and something I refuse to call a margarita and yeah I lost more like misplaced my new iPhone. It was funny I mean shit happens and I'm probably the last person I know to lose or damage my phone so it only adds to an epic night. I also momentarily misplaced Jeff but found him quickly.
Day 2 OMG the sun rises way too early in London in May. Not enough sleep so no hangover. We went to the Shard and watched the airshow which was quite amazing to see that high up. We went along the river to the London Eye and took in the sights. Off to the Tate to open my mind to some new art. Ok I love Dali and was pleased to see that and Picasso there. Andy Warhol was a bonus. Off across the Millennium Bridge to try again at St. Paul's. WTF closed--but wait a glimmer of hope they are having a service so we wait and I finally get in and it's overwhelming. Pictures do not do it justice. Off to Greenwich and we see the Cutty Sark and have some food. I love eating out in the UK. Greenwich is lovely and very quite. I want to spend more time there next time. So back near Jeff's in his Local we are watching the Russians play England and it ends in a draw. I've grown up watching the Toronto Maple Leafs so I can't understand all the screaming and swearing at a tie. Poor Rooney. If they played in Canada they could suck and we would still love them. No pounding back tonight.
Being a good friend and knowing my public transportation limitations Jeff accompanied me back to Gatwick. It's all good. Cheerio for know but I'll be back.
London Bridge by Janice McKelvey
Big Ben by Janice McKelvey
Usual Transportation by Janice McKelvey
View of St. Paul's from the Shard by Janice McKelvey
The Tower of London by Janice McKelvey
Dragons at the Tower of London by Janice McKelvey
Tate Modern by Janice McKelvey
Modern art at Tate by Janice McKelvey
View from Millennium Bridge of the Shard
Where the thrill n chills begin on Jack the Ripper tour by Janice McKelvey
View of the Gherkin from the Shard by Janice McKelvey
