London Bridges Aren't Falling Down

Budget describes the Piccadilly Backpackers very well. If the elevator is out, you'll have to climb the four flights of wind-sucking stairs to get to your tiny room for four.

Our room, while the sheets were clean, was not so nice. It was pretty small for the four of us, and didn't smell all too amazing. We did have our own sink, which was nice, but not our own bathroom. The bathroom down the hall was perpetually leaky and the showers always overflowing. We were situated next to some VERY noisy high-school students from France, who thought that it was fun to yell for no apparent reason.

The location was definitely a huge PLUS. If you want to be central and within walking distance to many areas, shopping, Soho, Leicester Square and other attractions, this could be the right choice for you. There is no lockout or curfew, which is great if you want to check out the clubs.

London is expensive in general, so looking for a bargain can be tough. If you aren't too particular about your sleeping environment, stay at the Backpackers. Just don't forget your earplugs!

Jamie Oliver, best known as the Naked Chef on the Food Network, created this fine restaurant in order to work with and train 15 interns from his cooking classes. Brad and Jen have been known to stop in and have a bite when in London, and we wanted to do the same. Plus, Jaime is pretty cute. We started with appetizers of salads and an antipasto. All delicious and filling. We all had fish as our main courses, and each one was delicately prepared with a savory vegetable, and a light sauce. We vetoed dessert, but should have gone for it, because each one looked delicious and rich. Expensive and out of the way, means you have to really want to go... but I promise you will not be disappointed. Check out the menu at http://www.fifteenrestaurant.com

Oh my dear Pret a Manger. The light of my life. A low-carber's dreamland, among other things. A cafeteria-style chain, where you grab what you want and pay at the front, there are about 50 locations throughout the UK. Whenever we were hungry and didn't want to spend a ton, and wanted something wholesome and yummy...Preta was there for us.

A huge variety of different sandwiches, "breadless" sandwiches, salad bowls, yogurt parfaits, fresh fruit, baguettes, brownies, organic sodas, cookies, granola bars or flapjacks (as they are called) filled with oats and chunks of dried fruit, coffee and an espresso bar, cakes, pastries, and everything else you would want for lunch or breakfast, or hey, be wild...even dinner. All made for the traveler on a budget. Pret a Manger is the best! It is in the US now too, but unfortunately hasn't made its way to the west coast yet. I am counting the minutes.

High Tea at Brown's is the ultimate British adventure. It is decadent, upscale, ridiculously posh, and the tea party you dreamed of as a little girl with your stuffed animals surrounding the plastic tea cups.

My three girlfriends and I threw caution to the wind and spent the extra money to "do" tea in style. Seated at lovely tables, in overstuffed armchairs, you are served a choice of tea and either a fruit plate (for those watching their diets) or a three-tiered pile of finger sandwiches, scones and pastry cakes. The lemon curd and jam is delectable, while each sandwich is yummy and savory. Each scone is buttery and flaky and each type of pastry is better than the last.

They will bring you more of something you like, although we felt chubby for asking and don't assume the queen asks for seconds!

Strawberry Moons. Isn't that the best name? We met up with some New Zealander friends our first night in London, and they took us to a few clubs, but Strawberry Moons was the most memorable. Huge and chaotic, it's easy to get lost, and easier to have fun. The music is current, and hip, although they throw some of those Euro favorites in that we as Americans might not enjoy too much. The vibe is friendly and drunk, and you are guaranteed a fabulous time. We stayed till 3AM dancing, toasting our fabulousness and reveling in the beginning of our European adventure. It was a great first night, and those Londoners can party... hard.

Jewel Bar is exactly that, a jewel. Decorated with sublime red velvet, candelabra and chandeliers, the decor is sexy, intriguing and stylish. Sit in a cozy booth in the back and order a bottle of champagne with your girlfriends and feel amazingly fabulous. Pricey and elegant, this bar is a don't-miss if you enjoy that sort of thing. And believe me, we do! Check out their website and peek the fabulousness...http://www.jewel-bar.co.uk

Renee and I took some time from the other girls to just go find an out of the way, real London Chic Bar. We were looking for some dinner as well.

We happened upon Jaime's by accident, but were pleasantly surprised when the wine and food were so great.

The atmosphere is very "city" and the seating is low, and the lights dimmed. It was soothing, and not extremely loud.

They have an extensive wine list, and we both had a glass of a nicely priced Pinot Grigio. It was warming and smooth.

We ordered two Meze Platters to split. One was a Greek Platter, and one was an Asian Platter. Equipped with hummus, dolmas and olives and chicken skewers was the Greek Platter. The Asian platter contained wontons, fried chicken pieces and amazing dipping sauces. Both were tasty and filling, if not a little too big for a light supper.

If you are in the mood for a great glass of wine and some delicious appetizers, check Jaime's out. The website can tell you more: http://www.jamiesbars.co.uk/

The Tate Modern is an expansive modern art museum with eccentric tastes and confusing layout.

It is a long trek from central London, so don't try to hoof it like we did. We got very lost, and it was raining. Try taking a cab or the underground.

The museum is very cold and sterile feeling. There weren't many pieces I enjoyed. However, I was fascinated by a digital piece that showed the stages of a plate of fruit rotting. Quite graphic.

If you LOVE modern art and clean, cold lines, spend an afternoon at the Tate. Otherwise, it's no more satisfying than a pint at a pub with some fish and chips.

Do not miss seeing a show in London if you are a theatre fan. Head to Leicester Square in Piccadilly and find the Theater Ticket booths. They offer tickets for day of performances at discounted prices. The better the show, the more expensive the ticket. If you are a theater buff, there are many great shows to choose from, like The Lion King, Les Miserables, Fame and Thoroughly Modern Millie. We saw Millie last time we were there, and it was funny, witty and made for a great evening. See one or four!

Wave to the Queen!

Buckingham is more of an eyesore than a palace. Although one does have to see it, if one is in London, one does not have to enjoy it.

The changing of the guards can be fun to watch, if you don't mind waiting around in throngs of people for awhile. More enchanting than the palace are the parks that surround it. Hyde Park is truly beautiful with rows and rows of daffodils, which are bright and sunny. On a warm day, Hyde Park is the perfect place to spread out a picnic or read a book. On a winter day, grab a cappuccino and stroll through.

While in London, you have to see the palace, but only so you can tell people when they ask, "Yes, we went to Buckingham Palace."

Beefeating with the best of ‘em! The Tower of London is another sight in London that you have to do at least once, just to say you have done it, and not to necessarily enjoy.

The Tube will take you right there with no problem, and it is well marked on all Tube Maps. The ticket price is about 8 or 9 pounds, and that gives you entry into most of the towers.

The highlight of the Tower is, of course, the Crown Jewels. The Star of Africa is one of the largest cut diamonds ever, and is housed within the tower. You jump on a moving walkway and it will zoom you right past it. Be careful not to walk backwards on the walkway or you will be forcefully removed. The guards are very particular.

The Beefeaters were my highlight. They are all dressed accordingly, in their red uniforms, and are jovial and funny, and quick to make fun of Americans.

The gift shop is large and has lots of neat, cheesy gifts for the folks back home!

Getting to Stonehenge is an easy day trip out of London, and many travel companies offer packages that leave in the morning from London train stations. It is definitely worth it to take the trip and see this historic and awe-inspiring sight. When will you ever do it again? That's what we asked ourselves when we decided to take a break from the London fun and have a historic day.

We boarded a train to Salisbury at about 10am and made it to Stonehenge with the help of a 20-minute bus ride by about 2pm. Bring a book or some good conversation, and then it won't seem so long. It was raining all day, but as soon as we got to Stonehenge the sun broke out, and it was truly an amazing sight. Nestled in a green, hilly setting, Stonehenge is exactly what you've seen in the history books, but bigger. And much better. It was a real hands-on lesson, and was quite mystical once you know the whole story.

We were there for only an hour or so, but it was worth every minute. Bring some snacks with you, as the prices of the snacks at Stonehenge are pricey and the assortment lacking. Take the time out to go, you'll always be back in time to go out dancing that evening!