The Olympic City

London, and for that matter the UK, wont not let you know they are hosting the Olympics. TV screens are scattered all throughout the UK screening various sporting events in the lead up to the real thing. Track-suit clad tourists and volunteers, both wearing their event passes around their necks like medals, were becoming more prominent. It was only a week before the opening ceremony.

I’ve only been to London once before and that was only for a total of 36 hours, actually split into two separate visits as part of the same trip. So there was I lot on the schedule to see and do. And did I do half of it…probably not. I just couldn’t ween myself away from the pubs – perhaps I spent too much time in Ireland and the north of England.

Did a lot of the really touristy stuff like walking along the Thames between Tower Bridge and Westminster Bridge, strolled through the northern area from Westminster Abbey, past Big Ben and on to Piccadilly Square, Oxford Street and eventually Liverpool Street, stuck my head into Borough markets a few times (the Pork Belly Roll with crackling is….unbelievable….unbelievably tasty and retardedly unhealthy), Tate Modern (but didn’t end up seeing the Damien Hirst exhibition), British Museum, a day trip to Bath (highly recommend the Roman Baths tour), V&A Gallery, Elephant & Castle (from a cab, the only safe way), London Tower and a Sunday roast at The Albion in Islington (highly recommend this place) .

London when the sun is out is very pleasant. The beers gardens are full to the brim and the pimms flows freely. Will have to come back again when the sun is out again….likely next year.

 

Roman Baths

 

Inside the Roman Baths - used to be covered back in the day.

King's and Emperors

London Tower

London Tower 2

Central Tower in London Tower

London Eye

Ben

Clever art pieces within London Tower

Bridge in Bath

Bath city out-skirts 

Road up the hill out of Bath city centre

18-24th July, 2012