Skip to main content

For the Royals, Cabinet War Rooms, and Jack the Ripper: London, England “Classics”



We are now approaching a few of the places you automatically imagine when you picture being in London. 

These are all locations that are totally worth seeing and do not take up a lot of time. They are on the way to many of the other places I have already discussed in this series and are easily insertable to what works best for your trip. 

Westminster Cathedral




Westminster Cathedral is not unlike Westminster Abbey. In fact the Abbey was the original owner. During the 17th century this site was a prison. Then in 1884 the Catholic Church purchased the land and laid the groundwork for the church.  

The stations of the cross, stained glass windows, and architecture at Westminster Cathedral are unique. The beauty within can only be captured with your mind’s eye so pay close attention. There is much detail you will want to pause to examine closely. 

One thing that I didn’t do but highly recommend is that you take the elevator to the top to see the breathtaking views of London icons like Buckingham Palace (http://bit.ly/2E2yoY1) , Westminster Abbey, and St. Paul’s Cathedral (http://bit.ly/2EMc3Lu).   

Trafalgar Square 







One of my favorite pictures of all time was taken here. 

It is where I did my impression of “getting in the map”. It is another iconic scene from London episodes of FRIENDS where Joey has to literally get in the map to figure out what direction to walk in. This was back in the days before Google Maps.

Trafalgar Square provided the perfect backdrop for my photo. 

As I mentioned when talking about Buckingham Palace, I walked down the mall after watching the Changing of the Guards towards Trafalgar Square. 

This is the spot that commemorates the 1805 Battle of Trafalgar when Britain was at war with France and Spain. The large column in the middle is a memorial for Admiral Nelson who died in the battle. 

This is London's most famous square and every years hosts London’s largest Christmas tree, just like Rockefeller Center does in New York City. It is also a popular spot for New Year's Eve.

When here be sure to look for the stone lions and popular works of art by contemporary artists. In the background is the National Portrait Gallery where you can take in works from the Middle Ages all the way to the twentieth century. Whether or not you are here for the art, it is also a good place for a bathroom break. 

I didn’t do either as I was on the lookout for Benjamin Franklin’s House (http://bit.ly/2Bc4YUA) which was nearby. 

While in Trafalgar Square, beware the notoriously aggressive pigeons. 

Harrods 


















Harrods originally opened in 1824 and now currently has over one million square space of retail heaven. While this enormous department store is known around the world for many things, the very first point of fascination for me was their pet store. Nowadays you will only find ordinary pets like cats and dogs for purchase on this floor but back in the day they literally sold lions, tigers, and bears. Also I think some camels and elephants too.

Do you remember that video that went viral a while back; “A Lion Named Christian"? It was about a lion cub that had been raised by humans and they given to a human preserve when it was reaching adulthood. Many years later the former owners reunited with the now adult lion (Christian), who seemed to remember and revel in seeing them again. The part of the story that I got stuck on was that the former cub was bought at Harrods!!! Just imagine being able to buy designer clothes and exotic pets in the same store?!! I wish I could have seen that just for once. PETA please forgive me. 

Besides crazy this part of Harrods history, the also are known for their legendary food hall. I believe it is what Eataly used/stolen as its model. The food hall is something to be seen. There are over eighteen bars and restaurants.  

Unfortunately there are no main food court type seats where you can sit to eat inside, but that doesn’t mean you should leave empty handed. 

There are more areas of food divided by category than I have ever seen before. I mean there are sections for olives, coffee, fish, desserts, and more. In fact one of the best places to eat Indian food in all of London is Harrods. The Indian food I compiled was amazing and so was the duck my brother ordered. 

Actually anything worth eating in London can be found here.

Be sure to get a shopping guide upon arrival. 

As they say here: “If you can eat or drink it, you’ll find it at Harrods.”

For More Information: 







Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

For Find Out Friday - Why Do Emery Boards Make My Skin Crawl?

You know that sound a fingernail makes when it scratches against a chalkboard?  You know that feeling the sound of that action gives you? I, like most people, hate that sound.  I instantly feel like scrunching my shoulders up to my neck and closing my eyes.  I feel the exact same way when I am using an emery board to file my nails. This annoying sensation has a name: “grima” which is Spanish for disgust or uneasiness. This term basically describes any feeling of being displeased, annoyed, or dissatisfied someone or something.  It is a feeling that psychologists are starting to pay more attention to as it relates to our other emotions.  Emery boards are traditionally made with cardboard that has small grains of sand adhered to them. It is the sandpaper that I believe makes me filled with grima.  According to studies that are being done around the world, it is not just the feeling that we associate with certain things like nails on a chalkboard or by using emery boards
Post a Comment
Read more

For My Madness During Migraine Awareness Month

Last weekend as I sat staring at the blank page in front of me, I was still surprised and elated that I had an entire day to myself and unlike past experiences it was filled with what I wanted when I wanted it. There were a few rough moments but when I consider the previous twelve hours (and the days to come) have been better than the last week. Especially this last week even though I had braced myself ahead of time, I just didn’t know I should have braced for a more serious episode. I am a chronic migraine sufferer for so many years I don’t quite remember when they started exactly which is ironic because I can remember every special event they have ruined. I remember plays or dinners I was at where I don’t remember what happened but I could tell you what I felt minute by minute. It amazing how the mind works, especially when it’s operated by a migraine brain. In the last few years, specifically the last few years since I have been going to the Montefiore Headac
10 comments
Read more

For a New Chain of Mexican Fast Food: “Dos Toros Taqueria”

When it comes to fast food there are the names we are familiar with: McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, and Chipotle.  In you live in New York City, there is a new kid in town: Dos Toros.  Dos Toros is relatively new to this area but with any hope there might be one in your town soon.  Started by two brothers, Leo and Oliver Kremer, from Berkeley, California, the Mexican food you find here is inspired by food they loved growing up.  In California, the brothers grew up worshipping Gordo Taqueria, a favorite of Bay Area residents since 1977 (now promptly added to my San Francisco to eat list). Much of the recipes and even decor found at Dos Toros has been modeled on Gordo. Before moving to NYC in 2008, the brothers were living very different lives. Leo was the bassist for the band “Third Eye Blind”. Oliver fresh out of college, considered working in the technology or finance industry. Both disillusioned with their lives, they decided to pursue something they have l
Post a Comment
Read more