I cheated on Madrid...with London!

I had avoided going to London for many years.  Last time I had been in there was in 2002 visiting my Serbian friend who lived there at the time.  It was a short trip and I don't remember much of it.  We had a great time catching up, it was cold and I got to see a bit of London.  A few years ago, when I decided to travel alone for a long weekend (that perfect trip to Madrid), a friend had suggested going to London instead.  She loves the city and told me there was a lot to do.  That was precisely why I didn't go, I thought it was too big, too impersonal, too many things to do for such short time.  I have to admit that the idea of going to London intimidated me a bit; so it was Madrid I fell in love with at that time.  Then, this past summer, as part of my European vacation with my children, my mother suggested going to London for a couple of days, she also loves the city, but, once again, I decided on other destinations and London was left out again.  But in recent months, I've been hearing more and more about London, so many friends who absolutely love it. And one day, as part of my weekly routine of looking at trips and hotels, I found an amazing hotel deal in London…and just like that, I checked flights, booked the hotel and decided it was time to go.  Time to come face to face with this city that for some reason intimidated me.

Little did I know that it was going to be another perfect trip.....absolutely perfect!!  Once again, it was just a short one, and I only have 2 friends in London who I rarely see.  There were friends and relatives of friends, but I ended up not reaching out to them.  I did some research and got some recommendations on museums, parks, restaurants, etc.

The flight was great, my seat neighbor a really nice American who moved to London 2 years ago.  It was an enjoyable 8 hr flight in which I watched a fantastic movie "The Intouchables" and barely slept.  I took the underground to my hotel given that it was a direct trip as it was on the same line. Got to the hotel, which is very well located, brand new and lovely.  My room wasn't ready so I set out to walk.  It was actually sunny in London that day and I wanted to see as much as possible. The hotel is near the Victoria and Albert museum, Hyde Park, Knightsbridge, etc., so there I went, bought a coffee and a scone, and map in hand, I started walking.  What a fabulous afternoon, what a beautiful city! I had a smile on my face the entire time.  It was Sunday afternoon, cool, sunny and I was in London, walking through beautiful places, going to museums, taking it all in.  I met up with a friend, his wife and baby son, whom I had not met.  It was wonderful to see them and to meet little adorable Alejandro. We spent some time around Sloane Square and at that point the exhaustion from not having slept was getting to me.  I decided to go back to the hotel, finally check into my room, take a shower and rest for a bit.  That late afternoon I had a blind date, might as well add more elements to the trip. I don't really write about dates, but in this case, it’s relevant to the story. We went for coffee, although I had a much needed wine.  He turned out to be a wonderful lad; we talked and laughed a lot.  I love meeting nice people from different places, that's my nature; I ask questions, share experiences, get to know them.  We ended up having dinner, it was a lovely evening, although now I realize that I don’t remember much, I had 2 hours of sleep in the plane and was exhausted!!

The second day was also great.  It was raining but I was well prepared, an umbrella and a trench coat.  I wasn't going to let the rain ruin my London trip. So I walked and walked, from South Kensington to Buckingham Palace, through St. James Park to Westminster, then to Trafalgar Square.  In Trafalgar in went to St. Martins in the Fields church as there was a lunchtime piano concert (Mozart). After the concert I visited the National Gallery, which has such an amazing collection.  I had a list of gastro pubs and set out to find one of them for lunch.  I walked to Covent Garden, and just when I was about to stop at any restaurant for lunch (it was already past 2), I found one of the places on the list.  It was a well needed rest, I had been walking all day and it was still raining, my boots were wet, my legs hurt, I was starving.  There weren't many people as it was already a bit late. I sat at the bar and got recommendations from the bartender who was a very nice Spanish girl. I had a wonderful lunch with a well-deserved glass of red wine, and delicious dessert, of course. Three Irish men sat next to me and they gave me some of the white wine they were drinking (according to them, I had to try it because it was a wonderful Spanish white) and insisted I also try the pork belly they ordered.  They are restaurateurs and come to London twice a year to eat at restaurants there. So, apparently, I was in the right place, if some Irish restaurateurs were trying it out.  I kept on walking through Covent Garden, and remembered I had read about a small museum with a great impressionist collection which was relatively close by.  Glad I went because it was well worth it.  Inside the Somerset house, the Courtauld Gallery was an amazing place.  I kept on walking by the Thames, crossed the bridge and got to Tate Modern.  Spent some time there, then walked next door to the Globe Theater.  It was already late, so those last 2 stops were rather quick ones.  I crossed the Thames again on the Millennium Bridge and finally got on the tube back to my hotel.  I had walked so much that day, my back and legs were killing me.  I had dinner plans with my new friend ("the" blind date), so had to take a quick shower and get ready.  Another wonderful evening!

 My third and final day was, once again, wonderful.  Walked through Kensington to Notting Hill.  Went to Portobello Road, looked at the shops had some sweets, then crossed all the way to Regent’s Park where, as a surprise, the Frieze Art Fair was taking place and there was a beautiful sculpture garden.  Then walked north to check out Camden Town.  Once again, I was beat from all the walking and took the underground back to the hotel. 

Throughout the trip, I was amazed at this beautiful city.  The parks are just incredible, you get a sense that you're in the countryside, not in the middle of a city.  People were extremely nice, the weather was good for the most part, as well as the food.  At one point during the trip I felt a bit guilty, "am I cheating on Madrid with London?"  Well, to be truthful, I was.  Madrid, a place that up until a few days ago was my love, has been put aside by London, perhaps temporarily! Madrid was a perfect trip, and now, it's London's turn.  I will be back very soon to keep discovering this beautiful city.  I loved walking the streets and parks alone.  I felt such pleasure sitting on a bench in Regent's Park eating lunch, contemplating the view, and listening to the sounds.  I loved seeing old friends and meeting new ones!!!  Those are the things that make me happy, and I was very happy these past 3 days in London!  It was a VERY LOVELY trip, and I can now say I FANCY London very much!!!  This story continues……