It’s been almost nine months since my last holiday in London. There
are no words to describe how much I miss that magical place. To those
who know me, they think of my as an enormous Anglophile. So naturally, I
make it a point to spend at least three days in London every year. I
feel at home whenever I am in London, like I never left. I know where to
go, where to eat, what to do, and how to behave myself. I conduct
myself the same way I would back here in San Francisco. I love San
Francisco, and if there is ever another city that rivals its beauty,
it’s London.
So, what did I do in London last December?
Besides getting giddy upon arriving at the grey gates of Heathrow
Airport, my sister and I were just so excited to get this trip started.
We both exclaimed “Good to be back home” when we crossed the threshold
of Picadilly line towards Cockfosters (it’s still funny after all these
years).
We’ve been lucky enough these past few years to
stay in Kensington. This Central London borough is just beautiful. It
has enough grit to it that makes it more charming than, let’s say,
Knightsbridge. Now, Knightsbridge is way more posh, and stunning than
Kensington, and I love this area, too. However, it’s crawling with
oligarchs, tourists, and gawkers that they take the charm out of
Knightsbridge.
Here are some of the photos my sister took of our London trip. Enjoy!
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| The sexiest ramen ever – Shoryu in SoHO |
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| One of our favorite places to eat in London – this one is located near Sloane Square |
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| Another gorgeous storefront |
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| Pathway to the Orangerie |
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| Red door |
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| Very crooked house in Windsor |
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| Gorgeous path |
Over the last few years, we realized how much we
love the Sloane Square area. It’s so pretty, quiet, and very posh.
Luxury stores line the pristine Sloane St. It’s the perfect place to
window shop for things noone can really afford unless you sell your
kidney. There are plenty of reasons too, why we love walking around in
this neighborhood:
1) Ottolenghi – cheese sticks, meringues, other goodies
2) Pierre Herme – macarons as far as the eye can see – also the best of the best
3) Architecture
4) Anya Hindmarch Bespoke shop (among others)
5) L’eto Caffe – truffles!!!
6) Rococo chocolates
We also had an afternoon tea at the Orangerie (next
to the Kensington Palace). It was elegant and “royal”, to say the least.
Since we went in the winter, by the time we were finished with our tea,
it was already dark outside and the park was already closed. It was a
good thing that our hotel was only a 15-min walk from the Kensington
Gardens. We were able to people-watch and engross ourselves with the
goings-on in this area. Gripping stuff, I tell ya!
We also went to Windsor for a day to get away from
the London bustle. I have been here before and it was my sister’s first
time. We walked around the castle and it’s enchanting town.
Every time I go to London, I always think of it as
my last. And I keep going back. Whenever I do, there is always something
new and shiny to entertain. But the old familiars still charm me 🙂