Yes, I admit that I love London. Not that kind of love that is displayed on mugs and T-shirts, but the nurturing type, that turns a bad day into a good one by simply remembering a piece of grass from a natural park or the scent of a black tulip. You know what I am talking about, as each one of us tends to connect with its visited countries and cities through emotions and that is ok, as we are humans. London is definitely on my feelings meter and the best day ever was spent right after my arrival on Heathrow Airport.
I was a sort of novice at traveling and I decided to simply go with the flow and see where the London Heathrow Shuttle will take me. I do not like to eat in airports, although I have to admit that Heathrow is by far one of the largest “providers” of local and international dishes and beverages. I asked a nice cab driver to recommend a savory inn situated nearby and he shyly suggested The Pheasant Restaurant and Inn. From the outside I guessed that I would simply enjoy lunch and then head out to Central London, to find more suitable accommodations, but I actually ended up booking it for three days. The relaxed atmosphere was spread across the rooms as well, so I enjoyed the night’s rest as much as the list of wines. And on top of everything, I ate the best desserts ever. So, make sure to try the Handcrafted Tiramisu with Vanilla Ice Cream at least once in a lifetime.
I know, I have the sweet tooth of a 5 year old child, but it is one of my pleasures so I will not give up chocolate that easy. I used these three days to try the best attractions that I could find right around “the corner” of Heathrow Airport. Unfortunately, the number is not that big, but I tried to make the best out of them. In order to feel like a kid again, I headed towards the Thorpe Park Resort. Yes, I have passed the age of 25, but what? Cannot a woman have some fun? ☺ Those were the best 40 pounds I ever spent on roller coasters, sodas and photo rides. I started timidly with the Flying Fish and I then tried (the trumpets are singing) Rush, similar to a hell-ride swing, if you take all the honest screaming into account.
The next two “closest” touristic objectives to Heathrow (around 11 miles or so) were Portobello Road Market and the Kensington Palace State Apartments. I had the luck to be witness to the Saturday farmers’ market and also to the crowded atmosphere formed by Londoner, tourists and a variety of traders. Of course, among the purchases were fresh fruits, as I do eat healthy…occasionally. The Kensington Palace experience was also a great one. Fortunately, it is open even on the weekend, until 18.00 pm. The Shop as well. I spent less than 20 pounds and I got to see beautiful dresses worn by The Queen herself and Princess Diana, The Gardens with their historical significance and The King's State Apartments. Between the huge amount of sights that I had to quietly digest, I browsed through the shop and enjoyed a hot coffee.
I know that maybe from somebody else’s view, this does not seem like an amazing experience, but it means a lot to me as it represents some of the first few steps in this sack of memories that I got to gather along the years. I came back to London several times, due to my job and of course I tried famous attraction such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London. However, it is the less visited places that will remain in your memories and in your photo albums.
I know, I have the sweet tooth of a 5 year old child, but it is one of my pleasures so I will not give up chocolate that easy. I used these three days to try the best attractions that I could find right around “the corner” of Heathrow Airport. Unfortunately, the number is not that big, but I tried to make the best out of them. In order to feel like a kid again, I headed towards the Thorpe Park Resort. Yes, I have passed the age of 25, but what? Cannot a woman have some fun? ☺ Those were the best 40 pounds I ever spent on roller coasters, sodas and photo rides. I started timidly with the Flying Fish and I then tried (the trumpets are singing) Rush, similar to a hell-ride swing, if you take all the honest screaming into account.
The next two “closest” touristic objectives to Heathrow (around 11 miles or so) were Portobello Road Market and the Kensington Palace State Apartments. I had the luck to be witness to the Saturday farmers’ market and also to the crowded atmosphere formed by Londoner, tourists and a variety of traders. Of course, among the purchases were fresh fruits, as I do eat healthy…occasionally. The Kensington Palace experience was also a great one. Fortunately, it is open even on the weekend, until 18.00 pm. The Shop as well. I spent less than 20 pounds and I got to see beautiful dresses worn by The Queen herself and Princess Diana, The Gardens with their historical significance and The King's State Apartments. Between the huge amount of sights that I had to quietly digest, I browsed through the shop and enjoyed a hot coffee.
I know that maybe from somebody else’s view, this does not seem like an amazing experience, but it means a lot to me as it represents some of the first few steps in this sack of memories that I got to gather along the years. I came back to London several times, due to my job and of course I tried famous attraction such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London. However, it is the less visited places that will remain in your memories and in your photo albums.
(This post was written by Tiberiu Lavorenciuc)
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