This was the song that kept lingering on my mind every time I think of London. A place with so many things to see and explore. A land full of excitement and that I never thought I would be able to experience ever in my entire life. But here it was, a one month stay in the United Kingdom!

From Manila, we left via Singapore Airlines and from Singapore, I was blown away because we flew with the biggest airplane in the world! The Airbus A380! I call this my Dream Flight! 

I love airplanes and this was the best view I could get of the Airbus A380.

After a 12hr smooth flight, we finally landed in Heathrow Airport and checked in at Travelodge. It’s a hotel chain that offers cheap accommodation with hotels all over the UK.

We arrived at 6:00pm and we were starving we decided to grab an authentic Fish and Chips from a typical corner shop just outside the hotel. Yum!

Our first day finally started, I could not wait to explore the city of London!

Their train station (TUBE or SUBWAY) basically was our main mode of transport as it was so convenient. At first, I really studied the Map as I found it so confusing. It is better to plan ahead where you want to go as London is a massive city.

Piccadilly Circus

Built in 1819, this is a favorite place for people to hang out before going to the nearby areas like Soho, Chinatown, Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square. The huge LED screens surrounding the area also made Piccadilly Circus a must visit when in London.

The weather was unpredictable in United Kingdom, you never know when it will rain. So better to have your rain coat with you and get updates about the weather.

From time to time, you see tour buses like this going around London. Also another way to go around the city. This just proved that London is a very famous with tourists.

And it rained! But I loved it! Weather here can be freezing – even though it was the British summer, well for me coming from the Philippines, but we didn’t normally get this cold in the country. So I enjoyed every moment of it!

Cool Britannia

Not far from Piccadilly Circus is Cool Britannia. Also a famous place to visit if you are looking for souvenirs, novelty goods and fashion items. Items here are not that cheap though. But, its worth looking around. This place can easily be seen from the Piccadilly Circus.

Website: http://www.coolbritannia.com/

I love the Union Jack flags surrounding this place. This is just trying to tell me that I am really in the UK.

I was planning to buy a jacket like this, but I would never wear them here in the Philippines weather wise. When you visit London, there is no time to rest but you can relax. You must just go and move on to the next destination. I was like that because I was full of excitement.

Finally, I found a red Telephone Box. Yipeee! With the fast growing mobile phones scattered all over the world. This Red Telephone Box is still widely used all over city of London.

Oh wait, they also have a Grey Telephone Box! So cool!

Buckingham Palace

Located in the City of Westminster, Buckingham Palace is the official London residence and principal workplace of the monarchy of the United Kingdom. Simply stunning! The best time to visit  The palace is from 11:00 am where the Changing of Guards takes place. Changing the Guard or Guard Mounting is the process involving a new guard exchanging duty with the old guard. Be early as many tourists flock to Buckingham Palace to witness this event.  For more info: http://www.changing-the-guard.com/

A carriage along The Mall that leads to Buckingham Palace.

Next to Buckingham Palace, you will find the beautiful Garden of St. James’s Palace

Leicester Square

Located at the West End of London, Leicester Square is also a very famous place to visit with tourists.

You will also find M&M’s World® London and Ripley’s Believe it or Not here at Leicester Square.

Website: http://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/place/3876794-leicester-square

Pret A Manger is a famous place which offers delicious and healthy salads and sandwiches.

Website: http://www.pret.com/

Carnaby Street

Carnaby Street was a center of fashion in London during the 60’s. Also another famous shopping place for those looking for trends in fashion. It is only a five minute walk away from Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus tube stations in the heart of London’s West End.

HARRODS

After all we’ve seen today, we wanted to visit an upmarket place located at Brompton Road in Knightsbridge.

A place for the rich and wealthy and also for a tourist like me who want to experience this chance of a lifetime. Luxury and Posh are the words to describe Harrods.

This is Princess Diana & Dodi Al Fayed Memorial located inside Harrods.

Well, we can’t shop too early since we just arrived. But one place everyone must not missed was a visit to the HARRODS FOOD COURT. Here, you can find everything, from the most affordable(Maybe for others) to the most expensive food you can find.

They have a wide variety of chocolates and if you are lucky they can even let you taste some for Free!!

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Our first day tour was great. We visited so many places already around the city. But, London is huge and I’m sure that there are still so many places I need to explore in the city and that is about to come soon! Can’t wait!

One down, more to go!