Exploring London

Following the doctors orders, I rested as much as I could those first few days.

I slowly wondered through the city, taking in all the sites and sounds and stopping to take photos. I did things I'd never imagine doing by myself, such as going to the movies and eating in restaurants. It was fun, liberating and I didn't feel lonely at all. I really enjoyed people watching, siting in silence and listening to my thoughts.

I found a hidden salad bar and looked around the Covent Garden shops. I lay in parks and took in the sunshine. I wandered through Camden Market and found a crazy little antique shop. Every now and then I put my foot up to rest.  One day whilst sitting on a park bench, two squirrels came to say hello! What a special surprise.

Back at the hostel a girl called Kathy had just moved into my room. She was a lovely girl from Sydney, who came to London looking for a nanny job. She was a trained nurse and offered to rub down the swelling in my foot for me. I was so lucky to have met two nurses in my first week, just when I needed them too.

I've found these coincidental events to happen quite often during my travels. When you send out a request to the Universe, it provides you with the right people at the right time.

One night when I felt better, I took myself to "The Coach and Horses" an old pub recommended by Lonely Planet that has Wednesday night singalongs. There I met group of lovely people from Manchester, celebrating a friend's birthday.

We grouped around the piano together and sung some old English tunes, some Elvis Presley, Beatles and Tom Jones. My favourite song of the night would have to be "Getting Married in the Morning" from My Fair Lady. Kate and Will's royal wedding was just 2 weeks prior and the lyrics were still scattered around the pub. Everyone sung with great gusto and enthusiasm, the atmosphere was incredible.

The swelling in my foot had started to go down, so later that week I picked up the pace. I went and saw the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, checked out the Tate Modern and stood in the stands and watched "All's Well That End's Well" at Shakespeare's Globe; just like the poor would have back in the day.

I spoilt myself with Afternoon Tea at Harrods. Oh it was so good! Tea with sandwiches, scones with jam and cream and a selection of desserts including THE most delicious strawberry cheescake EVER (honestly not exaggerating here!)

I went to Portobello Rd Market, Borough Market (where Jamie Oliver apparently does the food shopping for his tv show!) and the Brick Lane Sunday(Up) Market.

I felt like a teenage girl on the Harry Potter walking tour and got creeped out on the Jack the Ripper walking tour. I learnt about the violent past of the Tower of London, marveled at the works in the National Portrait Gallery and sat on the steps of St Pauls Cathedral. Being a huge Black Books fan, I rushed to find the Black Books shopfront.

My foodie highlight in London was finding the Scandinavian-style cafe: the Nordic Bakery. Their biggest seller are their cinnamon buns and there's no doubt why (see mouth-watering picture below). They're light, fluffy and buttery on the inside and perfectly spiced, glazed and crunchy on the outside.

....perfect after a big day running around London.