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London

A Midsummer Night's London

More Photos

by Stellaness

A July 2003 travel journal

Last Updated: July 28, 2005

Journal Usefulness Rating 2 out of 5
Journal Usefulness Rating
6
Reviews
5
Photos

London was my first trip to Europe, and words cannot describe how wonderful it was. I LOVED every moment of every day. My two favorite moments were standing in front of Stonehenge and taking in all the sights of the National Gallery museum.

London is a fantastic city for everything. With everything rom shopping to the arts, it is a place with history, a tourist destination, a great party city, and a totally lovable culture. The highlight of London is just being immersed into the English culture. Having tea, relaxing the in the park, and walking everywhere are every-day things for the English, and being able to do that as a tourist felt so real and genuine. There are lots of opportunities to not be a total tourist. For one thing, go exploring the many neighborhoods of London and eat at dive places that are way small and sit like a handful of people. Go lie out at a near park and read a good book. There are so many things to discover about London, it would be a shame to leave there without experiencing any of it.

Quick Tips:

I suggest checking out the theater while in London. It is definitely something you must do, and to find places to get tickets, go to Leicester Square to the theater booths lined up in the square.

A great website for London is www.londontown.com, and it has everything you need to know as a tourist. I use it to see what new plays there are and to research my trip.

Also, everyone should bring sunglasses and an umbrella everywhere, because it can be sunny one moment and rainy the next.

Best Way To Get Around:

The Tube is the best way to get around beside your legs. I walked practically everywhere, so make sure to bring very comfortable shoes or lots of Band-Aids to help with the blisters.

For the Tube, get one of those mini maps that show all the lines, and keep it with you always so it can be a quick reference as to where you need to go.

Wagamama

Restaurant

There are a couple of these restaurants all over London. It's mostly a noodle place, and it's really good. The service is efficient, fast, and friendly. I even bought a shirt from this place.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Stellaness on July 25, 2005

Wagamama
4A Sreatham St London, England W1H 9AB
+44 20 7323 9223

National Gallery

Activity

This museum is great in size and nature. I was only able to see the East wing of it, and most of it was rushing through to find the one picture that I wanted to see: Arnolfini's wedding by Jan Van Eyck. I have taken two art classes and ever since have been dying to see it, and I couldn't believe my luck when I finally did. It was totally unbelievable and amazing.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by Stellaness on July 25, 2005

National Gallery
Trafalgar Square London, England WC2N 5DN
+44 (207) 747 2885

Stonehenge

Activity

Stonehenge was one of the highlights of my trip to London. It's about a two-hour drive to Salisbury but well worth it. Just the sight of all the rocks right in front of you is truly indescribable. Seeing things that you have spent many years learning while growing up is like icing on the cake. I enjoyed Stonehenge for that exact reason. I will never forget the feeling of standing in front of it.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by Stellaness on July 25, 2005

Bath, Stonehenge and Salisbury
Driving distance from London London, England

Onanon

Activity

It's three floors of bars, lounges, and dance floors, with a very eclectic crowd and tons of hip partiers. I had a lot of fun drinking, meeting people from all over Europe, and dancing. It was not the best music I would've liked to dance to, but it was doable.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Stellaness on July 25, 2005

Onanon
London Pavilion Piccadilly Circus London London, England W1J 0DA
020 7287 8008

This club is small and intimate but has great music, meaning hip-hop. Lots of people on Monday night and a good crowd. I danced the night away and drank here and there. I would definitely go there again.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Stellaness on July 25, 2005

Gardening Club
4 The Piazza London, England WC2E 8RA
+44 20 7257 8613

About the Writer

Stellaness
Stellaness
OC, California

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