London Calling (and It's Kind of Weird): A Whirlwind in the Big Smoke
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okay, so london. right? i landed yesterday and it's… a lot. the numbers, they keep popping up in my head. almost like some kind of weird code. maybe it's just the jet lag kicking in and making me lose it.
temp: 23.94, feels_like: 24.84. the air is thick, heavy with… something. not pollution, exactly. more like the weight of centuries. humidity is a whopping 94% - i swear i can practically taste the dampness. i just checked and it's… overcast, but not in a sad way. more like a moody, contemplative kind of overcast. hope you like that kind of thing.
i’m staying in a little flat in *Shoreditch, which is… intense. think street art meets overpriced coffee. the neighbors are a mix of edgy creatives and people who look like they stepped straight out of a Wes Anderson film. honestly, i’m not sure which is more surreal. someone told me that the best curry in the city is hidden down a back alley, but they wouldn’t give me the exact location. just a cryptic map drawn on a napkin. i’m definitely going to try and find it.
Gear List (because, duh):
*Portable Charger: Seriously, my phone dies faster than a houseplant in a desert.
*Reusable Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is key, especially with this humidity.
*Comfortable Walking Shoes: You'll be doing miles. Don't even think about fashion over function.
*Umbrella: Obvious, but worth repeating. London weather is its own personality.
*A journal: To document the madness.
Pro-Tip: Download the Citymapper app. It’s a lifesaver for navigating the tube and buses. Seriously, thank me later. And book your accommodation well in advance. Prices are insane.
spent the afternoon wandering around Notting Hill. it’s peak tourist territory, but there’s a certain charm to the pastel-colored houses and antique shops. i even stumbled into a tiny bookstore tucked away on a side street. the owner was this wizened old woman with eyes that seemed to hold all the secrets of london. she recommended a book about the city’s hidden history - sounds right up my alley. you can find similar quirky finds on Etsy if you're looking for something specific!
i heard that the best views of the city are from Primrose Hill. apparently, it's a popular spot for picnics and people-watching. I intend to check it out tomorrow.
Overheard Gossip: `
Someone told me that the pigeons in Trafalgar Square are actually government surveillance drones. Don’t quote me on that.
` I'm not sure if they were serious or just messing with me. Anyway, it’s London, anything’s possible.
Later, i grabbed some fish and chips from a little shop near the Tower Bridge. It wasn't fancy, but it was incredibly tasty. Someone warned me to avoid the tourist traps near the bridge- they're overpriced and underwhelming.
I’m thinking of checking out a show in Covent Garden* tomorrow night. Maybe something…unexpected. who knows what adventures await.
so yeah, that’s london so far. it’s a sensory overload, a history lesson, and a constant source of minor bewilderment. i’ll keep you posted (if i haven’t lost my mind completely).
check out some cool walking tours here: https://www.getyourguide.com/london-t56/
And if you're after some local eats, Yelp has some solid recommendations: https://www.yelp.com/london
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