London for Dummies: Spark-notes Edition

I'm really thrilled because my dad and brother are coming later this week to visit me!!! Hopefully it'll finally warm up here in time for all of us to have a lovely Easter weekend! As I've been back in the city, I keep noting certain things that used to be completely foreign to me but now have simply become a way of life. Here's a couple last minute travel tips before leaving the country just for fun as well.

As far as getting around in London, getting a tube/underground or bus pass is really the best thing; cabs can be really expensive and if you're hitting up all the major sights of London you can really just walk to a good amount of them as long as you're in decent shape. The city's transportation systems are excellent. (I promise, it's not nearly as complicated as it seems!)

Where to eat: pubs are really a nice atmosphere and they're not super overpriced. This is just something we don't have a ton of at home so take advantage of it while you're visiting! There's one here in Bloomsbury called Shakespeare's Head which has great prices that we all enjoy quite a bit. If you enjoy pub puns, go ahead and try out the Royal Gorge. If you're a One Direction fan (or just like chicken, lots of flavors, and a fun atmosphere) you should definitely check out Nando's! In addition, there's lots of variety here in London, so try new things! Indian, Chinese, Turkish, French, Lebanese, Italian, African, you name it! My friend just introduced me to an inexpensive Chinese restaurant today! So get brave and give your taste buds some culture.

Places to go and things to see:

Buckingham Palace: it's fun to see the changing of the guard or just check out the palace and surrounding gardens, it's all lovely.

Tower of London and Tower Bridge: the bridge is quite beautiful and the tower itself is fun to see. I definitely wouldn't go and pay to get in (unless it's ten pounds or less) unless you just have cash burning a hole in your pocket. Go ahead and stroll across the bridge and enjoy the nice views.

Big Ben, Parliament, Westminster Abbey: they're all just right there so definitely go for it! All three are iconic parts of London with photogenic views from any angle.

While you're in the area just meander down and across the river. On the south bank of the Thames there's a ton of street performers on the weekends (look out for the bubble guy-featured here, he's my favorite), but be careful, because once they snag you you may end up paying two pounds (around three dollars) for a simple bracelet made from string. Continue down (to the west) on Sundays and you'll hit a book fair with lots of very cool old books, new books, and even drawings.

The British Museum: this was literally two blocks away from where I lived at the beginning of the semester and within its walls is a wealth of history, including the Rosetta Stone and lots of mummies!
Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens: They're lovely and if it ever gets decently warm it will be gorgeous. While you're there check out the Peter Pan statue!

Covent Garden: this is just a fun area that's my go to when I don't know what to do to myself. There's always some street performers, places to eat, and fun shops! You also have to try Ben's Cookies, they're delicious.

Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square: just go to all of these while you're here. In Leicester Square/Piccadilly Circus area, you've got tons of touristy shops, M&M world, the West End shows (which I highly recommend), and China Town. I love Trafalgar Square because it's a beautiful area with fountains, stone lions, St. Martin in the Fields church and delicious restaurant in the crypt, the National Gallery (a MUST see if you like art at all), and the National Portrait Gallery (which includes the famous new portrait of Princess Kate).

St. Paul's Cathedral: it's gorgeous and I really enjoyed attending the service there one Sunday. The surrounding area is a lot of fun depending on what mood you're in, and it's in the single square mile which is the City of London.

The Victoria and Albert Museum is another excellent way to spend your time. If you have tons of cash burning a hole in your pocket (feel free to give it to me) hit up Harrods, where if you can't afford anything you can at least enjoy gawking at the prices or enjoying all the fun sections.

Go see a show!! I loved Les Miserables and, of course, The Lion King.

If you're into stalking people, go ahead and wait in a crowd to see Will and Kate (a couple of my friends were only a few feet away from the lovely couple) or enjoy lunch at Speedy's (a cafe featured in the wonderful TV series Sherlock, featuring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman!!) and desperately hope that they're filming while you're there. If all else fails, you can go see Macbeth and wait outside after the show to see James McAvoy.

Another thing to note about London: there are unicorns everywhere.

When crossing the street, watch out because it's more your fault than the drivers. Also, jaywalking is not frowned upon in this country. Just make sure you look in the right direction.
When riding escalators, stand on the right hand side and walk on the left.
No free refills! I think I've been to two places (one was advertised as being an American diner) that actually have free refills and know what they are.
Layer up. I know I sound like a mom right now but trust me, if you're planning on being outside at all you won't regret it.
Wanna save some cash? At many cafes and small restaurants you can pay less by ordering "take away". It's the Chinese take out method of eating your food somewhere else which can save you a few pounds (both in currency and by burning some fat having to walk to another location).
You think Texas weather is bipolar? I used to be one of you. Then I came here. In addition, it doesn't always get warmer as the day goes by (like at home). In fact, sometimes it actually gets colder as the day progresses, which is one of the least awesome things to happen to me, ever.

There's probably a million things I've forgotten, but I need to stop not reading for class.