My Boyfriend Went To London And All I Got Was A Stupid Harrod's Paper Bag!

Okay, that's not true! Haha! =) In fact, we had a really enjoyable time in London although we bought basically nothing except about 5 postcards and a meal in London Town.

Thankfully, it wasn't like how Michael Buble sang it because it really wasn't a foggy day in London Town. Rather, we had clear blue sapphire skies, white puffy clothes and plenty of sunshine.

Here's a pointer if you are a tourist. Go and buy a day trip ticket (or whatever number of days you plan to stay) during the off peak hours (i.e. buy the ticket after 9am) from any underground (that's MRT for us Singaporeans) station. This ticket then allows you to get on any tube at any time and take any bus in London (other than the tourist buses) at any time until 430am the next day. This is really quite a saver because a single bus trip costs 2 pounds while a single tube trip costs about 4 pounds. Also, basically everything is assessible by the Underground so your ticket will basically take you ANYWHERE in London Town.

I went off to sightsee and I've gotta say, my legs are killing me because I basically really walked around London Town! They are STILL killing me so don't follow my footsteps (haha! pun fully intended)!

Here's a list of stops that I went and their relevant Underground Stations.

London Bridge, Tower Bridge, Tower Hill and The Monument
(London Bridge Station)
Admittedly you can get to these stations via the names of the stations of these landmarks but it's a tad troublesome because these places of interest are really all within a stone's throw of each other. And taking the Underground means you'd miss walking along the River Thames and some of the best views of these beautiful places. If you are going to Tower Hill, do remember to go in and take a look at the Crown Jewels and do go atop Tower Bridge with an authentically dressed Beefeater for a view around the River Thames.

Also, if you are headed to the Monument that was like built about 300 years ago (don't worry, it's still solid, I've climbed it and survived, so trust me), do attempt to climb it to the very top for a very nice Bird's Eye View of London. Sure, it has 311 steps with absolutely no breaks in between, up a long and winding staircase that is narrow enough for just about one person but hey! For your trouble you get a nice certificate that says you have conquered the 311 steps. It's a fantastic achivement if you ask me. And this is significantly better than the London Eye because this only costs 2 pounds and still gives you a great view.

Chinatown (Leichester Square)

There's really nothing fantastic about it. In my opinion, it shouldn't be considered a town since its just about maybe 1 or 2 streets filled with some chinese shops and eateries. Annie recommends the Japanese restaurant Misato which is also recommended by Cheap Eats of London. It's pretty near the gate which says "Welcome to Chinatown London", just a few shops away from the supposedly very famous "Wang Ji Restaurant".

Trafalgar Square (Trafalgar Square)

It seems like this place is a must go fo all tourists. In the vicinity is the National Art Gallery. Come here if you would like to squeeze in with the tourists and cuddle the cast iron lions. I really can't remember which fella was executed here but just come all the same.. it only proves that you have really gone to London.

From Trafalgar Square you can take a bus or a walk to Westminister's Abbey and The Big Ben. Alternatively, you could just start from Buckingham Palace (Green Park, St. James), and snap a few pictures, watch the changing of guards and then walk down the mile long street known as The Mall which will take you past St. James park and get to Trafalgar Square. Then from there, carry on to the above said.

British Musesum (Tottenham Court or Russell Square)

There is just so much so much to see here! Just when you think you have basically completed everything of interest, you suddenly turn a corner and then Voila! another huge bunch of artifacts and what-nots to see. The boyfriend and I swore that we would leave in 2 hours to go see something else in London but time simply flew and before we knew it, we have spent almost 4 hours (and that's just simply from browsing the exhibits and not even stopping in time to read the stuff written on the cards beside them!). Best of all, it's free and has been since the 1970's so just come here for a nice family day. Lots to see, and some to touch!

Harrod's (Knightbridge)

Any self-respecting person would just simply have to come to Harrod's. Sure, it's just this huge shopping center but after Diana's death, Dodi's Dad has since added some touches to the shopping center with a Diana and Dodi Memorial in the Lower Ground Floor, with their photos lit with candles and the diamond ring that Dodi gave Diana as a token of love. There is also a statue of them near the 3rd Door on the Ground Floor releasing a dove. Worth a see even if there's nothing that you might want to buy there.

Notes On The Underground

Like I've said, buy the tickets as I have mentioned above. Do note that planned and unplanned closures of the various stations ALWAYS occur in the vast and complex network known as the London Underground fondly known as The Tube. The reason why its called the tube is simply because the train cabins are so narrow that if 2 people sit down opposite each other there is just one person's space between them. If you are a huge hulking giant, I suggest you give the Tube a miss cos' you are probably going to be mighty uncomfortable.

Dinner time! See Ya Later!