London....the promise land

London Calling

London is a place that you can visit in a week..or four months and you won't make a dent in experiencing what it has to offer you. As part of BYU study abroad I went with amazing girls that were a huge part of why I fell in love with it so much. 

If you're in the market to go to London. Here are a few suggestions 

1. TAKE THE TUBE, taxis are for posh londoners with too much money, We are embracing the culture, and we live in the underground. But also take advantage of the double decker busses. It is the best way to SEE london. and if you have a smart phone you can download a map of the tube instead of carrying around a massive paper map like a bonafide tourist.

PS if you're going for a week or more..don't buy tickets. Get an OYSTER card. if you have questions of what the heck this oyster card is that I speak of go here https://oyster.tfl.gov.uk/oyster/entry.do and if you turn it in at the end of the week you'll get reimbursed for the card.

 2. Yes Big Ben is awesome, Yes the changing of guard is pretty dang cool too, but get to know PEOPLE. Places are what they are because of those that live there, and love it there. Talking to natives about the best markets and sights are a good way to get a full experience which leads me to my third suggestion

3. MARKETS - borough market, portobello market, camden market. If it has market in the name..go to there. Clothes, food, people, random antiques, it's not about just buying stuff either. It's about the experience!
If you want a list of the top 10 markets here ya go
http://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/activities/shopping/market/londons-top-markets

4. MUSEUMS - when I first got to London I was less than stoked about going to look at old art, but embrace it, it's a culture and it's a life style, and the only reason why we don't appreciate things that other people do, is because we haven't experienced them. I recommend The National Gallery, and the V&A museum. but there are plenty to choose from..so go crazy.

5. Just see and do EVERYTHING you can, it's easy to plan each day and get over whelmed with scheduling, keep some days open to just explore or find out if there are some random events going 

this website http://www.timeout.com/london/things-to-do/london-events-calendar Has tons of info on whats going on in London. 

london...Never have I had a place that I loved as much as home. Whether it was living their for four months, mastering the tube, studying the culture, or making some of the Best Friends of my life it was definitely one the best decisions I have ever made. But like any place or vacation, it is what you make it, and if you choose to love London, you will FALL in love