We’re finally here
Exploring London: A Day of Adventure, Food, and Local Charm
After a long and tiring flight, we finally landed in London at 8 a.m. UK time (3 a.m. our time). The fact that it was a direct flight made it easier for us than making a connecting flight, which would have added many hours to an already long journey. Props to Air Canada for their extremely efficient and polite staff. To be fair, the flight was long, but it really couldnt ’t have gone any more smoothly. Our first task was to meet up with an old friend and a couple of new ones who had arrived ahead of us. It was great to have a cheering squad at the gate. Our first order of business was a coffee..airport coffee - read gas station sushi…to our surprise, it was shockingly good. We were half-expecting the typical bland airport brew, but this was a smooth, rich cup of black gold that quickly became our first introduction to the city’s strong coffee game.
With our caffeine fix in hand, we topped up our Oyster cards—essential for getting around the city—and then jumped onto the Tube. The Tube experience was smooth and easy, as you’d expect from such a well-organized transport system. It felt surreal to finally be in the heart of London, as the city’s energy was already palpable from the moment we stepped off the train and into the streets. Also worthy of mention was the weather. We were not greeted with the drab, cold, rainy day we expected, but it was a beautiful sunny day with above-average temperatures.
We made our way to our Airbnb, located on Bedford Street, where we could finally drop our bags. The apartment was charming, just what we needed after the long journey. But there was no time to rest—we were in London, and there was so much to explore! After a quick refresh, we headed back out into the city.
Our first stop was Covent Garden. This vibrant area is one of London’s most iconic spots, with its beautiful architecture, quirky shops, and lively atmosphere. We wandered around, taking in the stunning buildings, the street performers entertaining the crowds, and the lovely mix of boutique shops and cafes. There’s something magical about this area—it feels like a perfect blend of historic charm and modern vibrancy.
Around midday, our stomachs started to growl, so we decided to stop for lunch at Punch and Judy’s. Tucked away in the heart of Covent Garden, this classic British pub served up some excellent food. We dug into comforting, hearty dishes that hit the spot—flavorful pub fare done right. It was the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’ve truly arrived in London.
Once we were fueled up, we hopped on the famous ‘Big Bus’ for a sightseeing tour of the city. The open-top double-decker bus provided the best view of the city’s most famous landmarks. Not sure how the drivers pull that bus to within centimeters of other vehicle, cycilists and pedestrians but he seem to do it with precission and ease. We snapped photos of everything from the Tower of London to Buckingham Palace, and every corner seemed to offer a new perspective of the city's mix of old and new. The commentary on the bus was insightful, and we got a good overview of the city’s history and culture, which only deepened our excitement to explore.
After our tour, we made our way back to our Airbnb before heading out to find what the night had to offer. The idea of relaxing for a bit before heading back out into the lively streets felt like the perfect plan. But the allure of the local neighborhood was too strong, and before long, we were out exploring the back alleys of Bedford Street and beyond. There’s something uniquely charming about wandering through the quieter streets of London—discovering hidden gems and local spots that you might miss if you only stick to the main attractions.
We popped into a cozy pub for a pint of Guinness, the quintessential Irish drink that somehow tastes even better when enjoyed in a traditional London pub. Along with the drink, we ordered some nachos—a bit of a comfort food moment—and it was the perfect pairing. Afterward, we swung by a local Tesco to pick up a few essentials for the next few days. Its fun to play the part of locals and imagine what it would be like if we actually lived here.
With our bags stocked with a few snacks and drinks, and our bellies full from the pub, we headed back to the apartment for a restful night. The day had been full of adventure and excitement, yet there was still so much more to discover. Tomorrow, the WWII walking tour ending with Churchill’s war rooms…..seriously how cool its that? walking in the very steps Churchill took all those years ago.