Travel Diaries: London, The Hidden Gems
London has been on top of everyone's mouth for centuries now. Actually, if you ask most main-landers, they will say that London is too glorified and that continental Europe has plenty more to offer. Yesterday, right after breakfast and me writing my travel log for Lewes, we left for London. My grandparents had clear requirements for the day - they want the classical tour of London - Buckingham palace, Westminster Abbey, Westminster Parliament, Big Ben, London Eye, Trafalgar Square and British Museum. Again, in British Museum they had clear idea what they wanted to see - the huge Buddha in the North staircase, the Indian exposition, Japanese center and, if there is time, anything African. They've been all around Europe, so obviously strolling in the Greek/Roman/Anglo-Saxon rooms wasn't of interest to them.
And when we were over with the classic tour of London, but the day was still in front of us, and no one was tired enough to want to go back home, we decided to go on a search for the Hidden Gems of London. We discovered two pretty amazing place in the capital thanks to my housemate Sam, who gladfully lent us his expertise, time and knowledge of London.
Docklands are London's newest, fanciest part, made almost exclusively out of glass. Resembling quite a bit to Le Defense in Paris, city made of glass, away from the old part of town, economic hub and as modern as it can be. Skyscrapers try to reach above the stars, European-style gardens with benches and water fountains, underground shopping malls, Docklands have it all. A spectacular view from every angle, those glass buildings are homes of Reuters, JP Morgan, HSBC among others. Just take a look around and see the place where a huge part of Europe and World's money are being operated. I don't know about you, but this gives me the chills!
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| Docklands' Canary Wharf |
And while you are roaming in East London, why not go for a stroll in Greenwich? A city treasure with a stunning view, Greenwich is home to a pretty good university, a Maritime Museum, a goddamn awesome park and the Royal Observatory. Did I mention the stunning view form the Observatory? It's breathtaking. Go up the hill and stand on the Greenwich Meridian Line, one foot in the East Part of the Globe, one foot in the West Part of the Globe. The Maritime museum provides a perfect setting for an imaginary trip back in time, when the British Empire ruled the world. On top of that, the Greenwich borough is far less occupied by the noisy tourists with their never resting cameras and slow pace. There are plenty of cute looking places to grab a bite or even better - an ice cold beer, but if you feel like going closer to nature - Greenwich park is perfect for picnics and lazy afternoons spent under the lovely summer sun!
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| Greenwich Maritime Museum and Greenwich University |
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| Greenwich Observatory and The Line |
On top of this, I think next time we go in London we are going to ditch the Tube and try the Boris bikes. We cycled around in Paris last January, there is no reason for not cycling in London in mid June!
You can't get lost if you don't know where you're going...
