Reflections of London

This was one of my favorite trips to London. Although I was here on business I really enjoyed myself.

After being here for 4 days, and along with my knowledge from past trips, I would say that the British are very polite people. I only met 2 ignorant people (see my review on The Chelsea Kitchen restaurant).

Considering this is one of the largest cities in the world, everyone is so tolerant and seems to get along.

I was also glad that the weather was mild while I was here. It could have been rainy or bitter cold. The weather only got better as the week went along. I went from coat with a hooded sweatshirt underneath, to just the coat, to just the sweatshirt, to no coat or sweatshirt. OK, no coat was pushing it and it was a bit chilly but I was wearing a black rib knit sweater along with the colorful scarf I bought at TJ Maxx (at Cambridge) and my Club Monaco destructed jeans. I thought I looked great.

I used the Underground a lot and still think it's a good system regardless of delays or the amount of walking you have to do to get to your train or transfer.

I really loved staying in Kensington. I haven't stayed in this part of London for nearly 20 years. Before I departed for Europe I was trying to change my location to the Mayfair or Soho area using Priceline bids. It was unsuccessful and I am glad it was. Kensington has a strong neighborhood feeling with good shopping, restaurants and pubs. Kensington is a young (or yuppie) area which is a bit upscale (but not like Mayfair) and is not too trendy. It's sort of like New York's upper west side.

London isn't the gourmet capital of Europe but you can get yourself some good eats here.

If you are loaded you can go to one of the many upscale prestige restaurants such as Nobu or Asia de Cuba. If you are not so wealthy there is always the pubs and wealth of sandwich shops like Benji's or Pret-a-Manger.

Out of all the European cities I have visited London has the most ethnic diversity in restaurants. Londoners love their Indian food and if you enjoy spicy foods, you cannot leave London without having an Indian feast. Some of the other ethnic restaurants I noticed were Lebanese, Chinese, Italian and North African. London's ethnic restaurants also offer some of the best values.

I never had Lebanese but they looked so interesting, maybe next time.

Stores like Marks and Spencer, Boots and all supermarkets always have ready made food that are good for a picnic, snack in your room, eating on the fly or even souvenirs to take home.

And don't forget to do teatime...

I am not even going to get into shopping. I don't think I've ever been to a city with so many department stores. On Oxford Street there is the Grand and gigantic Selfridge's plus Marks and Spencer, Debenhams, BHS, Peter Jones, House of Frazer and around the corner on Regent Street is Liberty.

In Knightbridge is Harvey Nichols and the massive Harrods. Even though Harrods is a huge spectacle, I have never been a big fan of this store.  I find it to be a bit gaudy and overdone. Prices are high and the goods seem to be focused to rich tourists. I don't really consider Harrods to be “the British store” nor does the Queen since she stripped them of all their royal seals. As you may know certain shops hold a crest which make them the purveyor to the Queen or the royal family for certain good and services. Harrods holds none of these.

Another one of my favorite stores is Fortnum and Mason on Piccadilly. Now this is truly a luxury goods store. You won't find a $50 sweater in here! The best part of the store is their famous first floor gourmet food hall. You know they are serious about this once you enter the store. The entire main floor is filled with luxury gourmet foods presented beautifully. Although this is a pricey place, you can always get a nice tin of tea or a jar of real British marmalade for a reasonable price.

OK, I thought I said I want going to get into shopping.

This was my 8th trip to London and it was still as interesting as my first. It was probably the first trip that I didn't even see Big Ben! I had a great time and stayed just the right amount of time.

I am sure I will return again and hopefully next time the dollar will be worth a bit more!

Blogging from Europe via Blackberry and AT&T Wireless

Comments

[Al Ross]

Re: ethnic restaurants, you left out French which is so well represented in London.By the way, I got to your blog thru Bonjourparis.
My first trip to London was in 1943 thanks to Uncle Sam. In 1944 I was also lucky enough to get a free trip to the continent. My father was born in England and so was my wife (No,she is not a War Bride) so we have alot of attatchments there, and alot of visits. This is the first posting I've read so I will read on and surely get back to you again.