Off to Ireland

Wakening this morning was slow, arduous and very unproductive. We ended up rushing around, it was not my idea of an efficient nor fun way to start a journey. All of our packing and our organizing was near non existent. I sorely rose from slumber to only find that we were instantly lacking the time that we needed to get things together before we were late for our many transfers to get to southend airport. I am so glad that we didn't catch the morning flight, I was really against trying to find a way to get to Ireland at a leisurely pace. Even us leaving so late in the afternoon we weren't moving fast enough.

Return tickets to Belfast was only £80 for two people so it wasn't too expensive. Should have done it sooner but better late than never. I can't wait to see Ireland!

We must be blessed with some possible force because after fretting about our lack of time (Mortlake -> Waterloo -> Bank -> Liverpool Street -> Southend) Arriving at baggage check in 10 minutes before it closed.

Now on the plane we will arrive 20 minutes early, another stroke of luck. To me though this time it was a small victory that we made it on to the plane at all I thought that we would miss it for sure. So when we were soaring high over the clouds I felt mighty relieved and was a bit flabbergasted that we made it at all since a couple hours ago nothing was packed and I was fast asleep.

Spitafields Market

I have had tonnes of recommendations to head eat in London over to Spitafields and visit the markets. Not only that if you keep walking that way you intersect with Brick Lane (if you like Indian food you will love this street) Lots of restaurants with hosts trying to entice you with deals and bottles of wine with your meal.
During our adventure there was lots of art to be seen, from within the shops, art galleries even through the streets and ally ways.

There isn't a shortage of stalls, I hear there is even more on the weekends.

A possible Bansky?

Definitely, would recommend going to Spitafields.

Richmond Park

It has been far to long for us to make it to Richmond park since we moved into the East Sheen area in December we haven't actually walked around in the park. We were scolded a bit by some of the locals for not taking the time to see the local greenery. So today we finally did it, zig zagged for as long as possible throughout the park. 

There a nice peacefulness to the area since you could hear all the different bird calls and observe the deer that were taking a rest.

This guy was just posing, we took many pictures of him.

Spooked them good.

I approached this guy since he wasn't gonna move, I know they are a lot bigger but there was a part of me that really wanted to pet it. I got about 5 meters away. Later on we found a sign that says you should be 50 meters away from the deer. 

Amongst the nature there were wooden hovels built around the park, some were really small and would provide no coverage if it started to rain others even had eats within.

There was a lot of trees here with faces upon the barks. Here is one that reminded me of arms of a haunted tree found in a deep dark forest.

Four hours later we finally made it back home, it was a wonderful walk with autumn in the air. I couldn't think of a better way to spend the day, I can't wait to walk through Richmond park again when the grass is green and the tress are swaying with leaves.

Markets in London

There is a lot of shopping in London, now the thing is where to look. Since there are an abundance of main streets and shopping centers for name brand clothes I was in search for a more alternative shops. I asked around and and it turns out that there are many hidden away or easily accessible if you know where to look. We were able to hit up two of the destinations recommended by the people we work with at the pub.

Borough Market

Near London Bridge tube stop you can walk for less than 3 minutes and bam you are in the midst of a market. Food aromas wafting through the air, fresh produce, healthy shakes, pastries, jams, organic makes of yummy everyday foods, don't forget fudge and honeycombs and lastly cheese stalls with samples. I don't think I covered all the basics but there it is a market that is available everyday for people from all around to buy food.

You have to check it out yourself when you are in the area, I hear that Saturday at lunch time is when the action happens.

If Borough Market was a small slice of London market life, then Camden Town is that slice writ large. Stall spill out across many huge rooms and swathes of yelling vendors, overcoming their boundaries and spreading out onto the street.

Camden Town

Take the tube to Camden Town when you exit the station you should be able to sense the large streets with stalls. From there they are outdoor catacombs of stalls arranged in a way where you can squeeze past, the thing is that comes with shopping like this are the vendors. They instantly break into sales mode, grabbing you sizes from anything you look at trying to herd you into trying on clothes. I get it most people who come here browse at the merchandise and never come back. I still just don't believe that being pushy is the way to sell, I have been in situations with restaurants in Rome yelling at every person to walking by to come in and eat. Through China store owners almost drag you in and won't let you go until you have bought something. Times are hard and we become more persistent. So don't take it personally and remember to try to haggle for a deal, the people here are happy to knock off a couple pounds for your purchase. 

The best thing about Camden Town is the fact that everything here has a very alternative/punk/Victorian feel to it. From there stalls upon stalls have set up with their fashion, knock offs,tattoo and piercing parlors, shoe shops, smoking paraphernalia you can find pretty much anything here.

Don't forget there are food stalls here, tonnes of restaurant and pubs around the area. 

Whilst you are here don't forget to visit The World's End a pub that is much bigger on the inside. They played metal the whole time we were there but it was late afternoon and it wasn't ear blaring. It was a nice change from the top 40 radio playlist that is found at more mainstream pubs. 

Aquarium and the London Eye

We wanted to see more of London and there were so many sights still left on my list to check off. I was suggested by the lady at the salon to visit the London Sea Life aquarium. On their website we were able to pick up a duo package for another attraction within London. Making it more economical to visit all these places since a single ticket costs more.

We decides to do the Sea Life and the London Eye, with our online tickets we were able to go through the priority line at sea life and skipped the line which is always a nice perk. Inside the aquarium are guides, tours and people bringing awareness to how human lives impact sea life. On top of that there are different species of all kinds of sea animals, even penguins.

During the walk through we were able to see giant sea turtles, sting rays of all assortments and walk through a tunnel that was fed through the large aquarium. I was luckily enough to touch a star fish during a presentation. If you like sea life it is worth the walk through.

I always love seeing these mini eels.

it is really hard to get a good picture of a sea horse.

I have many photos from the aquarium but I will let you see it yourself. Our London Eye pass is valid for one month after our first attraction visit. So we were thinking since it was valentines day there would be a huge line up for the ride. When we walked out at sunset there wasn't anyone, I guess it was dinner time so we hopped right on. No line or anything, it was a nice slow incline with about 6 other people a very calm overlook of the city. It didn't go high enough that you could see how vast London was but you could see all the nearby landmarks.

Us at Southbank

Me on the London Eye.

Happy V-Day Everyone! <3

The London Sea Life is located on Southbank which overlooks the River Thames home to great views of London.

Much love <3