United Kingdom

Well here I am again, finally get around to telling you all about my time in London! It was a week or so ago now (26.8-3.9), so have to think back a little bit... but I do remember that I had an absolutely excellent time there and can't wait to go back and spend more time there!!

Was a bit of a recap visit since I spent a lot of time there on my travels in 2002. So I didn't really go to see all the typical sights, just mainly catch up with friends and relax. Caught up with one Aussie mate who is living there now, plus a few other Australians who were around at the same time, as well as friends from France and Singapore. So I had the chance to eat at some great restaurants, mainly Asian and Italian, as well as the obligatory Pizza Hut and Starbucks on occasion. You may have heard of Wagamama, well they seem about as common as McDonalds, but great for some fast-food Asian style. Oh and I couldn't go without experiencing a typical fried English breakfast, although I passed on the black pudding... maybe next time!

Spent a lot of time around Oxford Street, along with about a million other people. Have not often been in such a crowded place, but is a great atmosphere around there. Also spent some time in Covent Garden, really nice there too. They have an Australia Shop there, so I dropped in to get some Vegemite and BBQ Shapes! Still have some Vegemite but for those who want to replenish my BBQ Shapes supply, let me know and I can give you my address (Actually today I offered some Vegemite for a couple of German guys to try - were not impressed!! Was quite funny to see the reactions actually!!)

Was really nice weather most of the time there, not much rain at all like I am used to from London. Was a public holiday on the Monday I was there so was an even greater vibe around. Did the obligatory visit to Harrod's, though it seems most things are still out of my range, few more years before I can worry about being a loyal customer there, but nice to look at least. Especially enjoyed the Food Hall, and tasted some delicious French macaroons from Laduree, much better than the offerings from Krispy Kreme next door.

Another highlight was going to see the production of The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre. Had heard a lot about it already, and it lived up to the expectations - quite impressive!!

Also experienced the Portobello markets in Notting Hill, they are really big and diverse, nice to just wander around and explore for a couple of hours. While in Notting Hill, was also introduced to Banana Bread Beer... yes sounds strange but actually quite nice!!

On my last night I went down to Canary Wharf. Quite interesting to see this side of London, with the skyscrapers and everything else modern - a contrast to the old and historic buildings you see everywhere else.

Flew out of Heathrow, and didn't experience any delays, actually found myself with too much time to spare! But went with British Airways, and made my way back to Stockholm on Sunday afternoon after a great and exciting week in one of the world's greatest cities. Just nice to see all the people and different cultures from all over the world. Can be a bit daunting if you don't like a lot of people around, but for me, I look forward to doing the usual working-holiday here one day, as I think the best way to experience London is when you are earning British Pounds, it's too daunting to convert everything all the time, otherwise you would probably not want to eat! Discovered the Oyster card with the Tube too, makes it cheaper and it's so easy to get around with the public transport, you can walk but I got lazy at times....

In case you are wondering, "Isn't he there to study?", well I had no classes that week so I thought I better make the most of my free time! But now I am back and ready to begin again. It was a nice trip, but it's also nice to be 'home' again here in Sweden!!