London

A great idea hit me one August afternoon, to go to London for a weekend during the busiest essay season of the year. Actually, that's is a lie. We had decided to go months before that, our choral society had offered us a chance to sing in the Royal Albert Hall (and we took it). But when it came to booking the flights and accommodation, we realised that we were taking a big, big risk. Assignments that counted for our degree or London? We chose London.

And was it worth it?

Absolutely!

So with four essays due the next week, we went on a four day stay in London, staying at the Ibis Shepherd's Bush. The hotel staff were just brilliant at their job and the breakfast came at incredibly good value. Needless to say, we were both impressed with the transport, especially at the busiest time of year, with the added bonus that our hotel was a forty second walk from the tube station that was on the Central Line. Perfect. 

I have been to London a few times but never this close to Christmas before and it was packed. Think busy times ten. Somehow it was enjoyable, exhausting, and exciting at the same time.  Wait - am I starting to sound like a Taylor Swift song..? 

Obligatory Plane Shots

The morning we got there, we just napped and then went for an amble in Westfield Shopping centre which was a minute's walk from where we were staying. We were just too tired to do anything else.

On Saturday, I decided to do some Christmas shopping for the family. We went up Regent's Street, Oxford Street, and around by Piccadilly Circus. As both of us had done a lot of the tourist things before, we weren't too bothered with seeing Buckingham Palace or Tower Bridge. I bought biscuits for Christmas in Fortnum and Mason (and later found out Brown Thomas did some of their range too!) and went to Victoria's Secret (where else?.).

(I have a photo of the same plaque in New York!)

My favourite film was honoured with its own restaurant

(I was sitting on a bench beside the Dorchester when four men with cameras sprinted past me. As close as I'll ever get to fame ;))

One of my friends is a fan of Choccywoccydoodah but I came across their café by complete chance. There was a huge queue going into it and even a bigger one for the till!

Sunday was my favourite day. I got up really early and went for a stroll around Notting Hill. It was a beautiful clear, crisp morning and the streets were really quiet except for the Portobello Market, which selling everything from a hat from the (Second?) Boer War to fake handbags. Definitely the place to go if you want something unique. I ambled up Palace Gardens Mews which is home to many embassies but I wasn't allowed to take photos. The police huts on either end of the avenue and the patrol cars parading up and down would make anyone feel like they're guilty for doing nothing.

 (I couldn't find the blue door)

Later on that evening, we took part in an Abbey Street recording of Handel's Messiah in the Royal Albert Hall. That was an incredible experience. There were thousands of people there both singing and enjoying the music.

 Monday, the last day, I caved and went to Harrods. I got some hot chocolate, biscuits and tea for Christmas (this is the only time of year we get biscuits in my house!) and then went back to Westfield for a proper shop.

Before we chased our train back to the airport, we spent about three minutes at Westminster.

 Our flight was delayed coming home and we landed in Dublin at half past midnight (both of us had to be in college the next morning). But it was worth it. London is beautiful at this time of year. Even if it's horribly busy! 

Have you been anywhere recently? Let me know!

Sinead