Theresa's Mixed Nuts: London Is A Bad Habit One Hates To Lose

Sunday, February 3, 2019

London Is A Bad Habit One Hates To Lose

I've finally finished sorting through our vacay photos from last summer (I know, it's been dragging on and on) and am ready to do a few photo dumps now. London was by far our favorite stop and I wish we would have scheduled in more time to explore, but I suppose that means I can look forward to planning another visit sometime in the future. We did most of the touristy things to get them knocked off the travel bucket list, so next time we can delve more into the hidden gems that London has to offer.

I've already shared our Tower Bridge, Buckingham and Harry Potter shenanigans, but we also made a stop at The London Eye.

The London Eye

London Eye

We quickly scoped out The Palace of Westminster, but sadly Big Ben was under construction so we didn't get any good photos there.

Palace of Westminster

Big Ben

Mariah had us wandering all over town looking for a little rat painted by Banksy. We didn't find it, but we did hop on the London Underground to rest for a bit after our search.

London Underground

One of our favorite things to do while visiting other countries is to stop into their grocers to check out the foods. We did grab some Maltesers and Cadbury Chocolate Spread, and if it didn't come in a glass jar that weighed a ton, I would have cleared them out of their stock to bring home. Alas, we only had 2 suitcases, so buying unnecessary items wasn't happening on this trip. We did stop in McDonald's and were quite envious of their salted caramel pies that aren't offered here.

Great Windmill Street

We stumbled upon Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and I think Mariah was a bit miffed that she didn't know about the show there. I'm sure she would have insisted on us buying tickets otherwise. (Jason and I were secretly glad we didn't know about it ahead of time. We're Harry Pottered out on our vacations!)

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child London
However, we did walk through a few of the Harry Potter filming locations, like Leadenhall Market that was used as Diagon Alley in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.

Leadenhall Market

Leadenhall Market


We also stumbled upon this hot dog draped in the American flag outside of the Tower of London, so of course we had to stop for a photo.

London

I think it's a sin to go to London and not get a pic in the iconic red telephone boxes. Though the charm of them was quickly killed for me when I realized they all smelled of urine.

London Red Telephone Booth

We had just stopped off at Peggy Porschen's, but I had Jason make a 10 minute drive down the road so I could check out Saint Aymes. I didn't buy anything this round, but couldn't resist popping my head into the beautiful bakery to have a quick peek at their goodies.

Saint Aymes London

Saint Aymes Bakery London

Finally, we couldn't leave without doing the most touristy thing: acting like Beatles on Abbey Road. Here's a tip: get there first thing after sunrise before all of the other tourists if you want snaps, otherwise you are going to be fighting for a place on the street before traffic starts flowing. We took about 4 pictures in 20 minutes before getting frustrated with the other tourists just jumping out into the street without waiting their turn so we left. I also thought all of the London locals were exceptionally nice, except those who have to drive on this popular stretch of road. Obviously, they are tired of putting up with the rude tourists in this area too because we heard a lot of yelling and horn honking here.

Abbey Road

That wraps up our 2 days in London. You can read my other London posts in the links below:

Warner Brothers Studio Tour
King's Cross Station
Tower of London
Tower Bridge 
Buckingham & Kensington Palace
Queen Mary's Gardens
Peggy Porschen's Bakery
 

What's a touristy thing that you would like to do in London?



53 comments:

  1. haha never knew the phone booths smelled of urine. Guess that is what they are used for now that cellphones took over. I can imagine drivers would get a bit annoyed. Sure quite the sights indeed.

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    1. Yes, you gotta hold your breath when you step in one. I think the homeless use them for bathrooms now.

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  2. thank you for sharing your beautiful series of photos.
    have a great day

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  3. that guy behind Ally is wearing long white socks with his shorts??? Must be a German!
    I'd probably like to visit Harods :) What can I do, I'm a shoppaholic!

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    1. I didn't see that, but Mr. Fashion Police (you lol) probably zero'd right in on that fashionI faux pas lol. Jason was being an ass about not buying much of anything, so I tried to avoid places that I'd want to buy things (like Harods). Next time though, I will insist on a souvenir bag just so I can shop my little heart out.

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    2. not buying much of anything? What a monster, what a cruel, cruel monster :) What's da point of going abroad if you ain't gonna rob their shops? Pictures fade, the memory of foreign chocolate and tea lasts forever :)

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    3. Since we had 4 flights, Jason didn't want to pay for extra baggage fees, so we crammed 4 people's clothes and hygiene needs for 10 days into 2 suitcases. There just wasn't any room left :( Some day I can travel without the kids and can buy all the trinkets my little heart desires.

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  4. The telephone boxes are cool even if they did smell. I'm sure if we still had them around they would stink too. Looks like you guys had a good time.

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    1. Yes, I'm sure ours smelled like that too when we had them.

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  5. I haven’t been since I was a kid and would love to bring my own kiddos someday. Your photos are lovely and truly tell a story!

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    1. It is such a wonderful place for kids. My girls loved it there!

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  6. "Look kids! Big Ben!" What an awesome trip; I would love to see all those sights some day!

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    1. I hope you do too! And I hope Big Ben isn't under construction the next time we go back lol

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  7. What a beautiful city!! London has such a lovely charm to it, one can't help but want to return time and time again!

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  8. London is such a gorgeous city. I've been there a few times, and I never get tired of it.

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    1. I don't think I could ever tire of it either. So many wonderful things to see and do there!

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  9. GAH!! I can't wait to go in August. I LOVVVVVVED looking at all your pictures. London is such a cool city!

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    1. I'll love looking at yours when you get back. Is it weird that I'm oddly excited about your trip? If you don't post lots of pics, I'll be sadly disappointed lol

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  10. Wow, it looks like you all had an amazing trip! Our favorite part of any family vacation is exploring the local cuisine. I'll definitely be adding London to our list.

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    1. I wish we would have had more time for the cuisine. We did have some awesome Italian food in Piccadilly Circus, but we were so rushed, it was hotel food and Shake Shack the rest of the time.

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  11. Thanks for the heads up about the red telephone boxes. EWWW!!!! That is one photo up I am going to have to pass on. I can only imagine how hard that Abbey Road shot is to get.

    Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly

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    1. They smelled so bad! I was like "hurry up and take the shot" so I could let out my breath lol

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  12. Could I just do it all? It all looks like fun!

    I like the image of you and your girls being just like The Beatles. They are one of my favorite bands!

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    1. That was one of Jason's must do's in London. He didn't care much about anything other than getting to Abbey Road.

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  13. I haven't been in London, UK! I have always wanted to watch Wimbledon and of course have a selfie with Big Ben! It's a dream come true for me if ever it happens.

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    1. I do hope you get there Emmanuel. I do think with your love of tennis, Wimbledon would be quite a fun experience for you!

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  14. Toni | Boulder LocavoreFebruary 5, 2019 at 1:56 PM

    I love your pics! London is such a great place to explore! I wish I could visit one day!

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  15. Wow, I am super impressed by your gorgeous imagery! I have never got to visit London but it does make me want to immerse myself with my roots.

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  16. Your photos are so gorgeous! I absolutely adore London, and can't seem to stop going back there. There's just so much to do and discover.

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    1. I've only been once, but we are definitely planning a return trip. It really feels like such a magical place!

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  17. I've been dying to go to London! Ugh, I still haven't sorted through my photos from my honeymoon haha! You're ahead of me.

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    1. I think we get so wrapped up taking photos, it becomes a chore to sort through when we get home. Good luck with your honeymoon pics lol

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  18. I am a huge Harry Potter and Doctor Who fan and have always wanted to visit the UK... THese pics are great~!

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  19. I've been to London a few times but am definitely dying to go back/move there!

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    1. My 15 year old daughter swears she's moving there too. It would definitely be such a cool place to live!

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  20. I can't agree more...Been there twice and I want to go back! Hopefully soon...such a beautiful series of photos, Theresa. Love them all

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    1. Thanks Indah! You'll have to share some of your London photos. I always enjoy seeing the world through your eyes!

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  21. London is such a beautiful place to visit. We've had family living there for years and still miss it today.

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    1. It really is! I bet your family loves living there.

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  22. Great photos of awesome places to visit in London.

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  23. what fun and lovely pictures Theresa and you looks awesome, I hope go to London sometimes is one of these places I would like to visit!! hugs!

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    1. I do hope you get there Gloria! Thanks for stopping by ♥

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  24. I just saw your giveaway note (and thanks!). Added yours to mine too, until it's over.
    I would like to visit Picadilly Square, see the London Eye and watch a tennis match at Wimbledon. I'm sure there are more things I could think of too, if I thought about it a bit more. My youngest really wants to go, but we're saving for a house!

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    1. Awe, thanks Rosey! With how well traveled your family is, I am sure your littlest will get there some day. Good luck with your house buying! I know you've been wanting to do that for some time, so I hope it's getting close for you!

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  25. London is such a fairy tale city. I absolutely love strolling around London in awe of the history and beautiful architecture! My husband and I were there a few years ago and we explored the White Chapel/Spitalfields area, so much fun! I loved Kensington and Notting Hill too! Hands down London is my favorite city. Can’t wait to go back!

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Thanks for your comments! I appreciate every one of them :) Except promotional posts with added links. Those will be deleted.

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