Impressions of London (UK) - May 09

Apologies for the lack of updates, but I'm currently in London with limited Internet access. I'll do my best to post whenever I can though! Despite having already been to London this year (back in Jan/Feb), I never got a chance to post impressions of the city, so here's the first one.

London is possibly my favorite European city and the one I've visited (and will visit) the most - due to both work and leisure. Because I'm here at least 4-5 times a year, this will most likely end up being the city most featured on my blog besides Paris. I will honestly say that I prefer London to Paris. I know that Paris is all chic and romantic... when you're a tourist. But given the choice, I think I would choose to live in the in British capital - just because it's currently cheaper and much greener, i.e. in Paris you can't escape the fact that you're in a big city. Cheaper living not only applies to rental and your everyday groceries, but this time around, I just couldn't help noticing that even French brands such as Chanel or Balenciaga are less pricey... no doubt a result of the current exchange rate. My Starbucks indulgences (I know, I'm bad) cost an average of 40% less here (meaning they're 60% more expensive in Paris) - no joke. Needless to say Zara, H&M and whatever else you may want are a bargain here as well. I've started saving all my must-buy purchases for when I'm in the UK... or get them online.

Brick Lane

Of course when it comes to London, you should be checking out vintage stores as well. Even if it's been hyped to death, Brick Lane and the Spitalfields area remain one of my favorite places when it comes to second-hand shopping and anything individual. Oxford Street still gives me the occasional headache - unbearable crowds after 11am, especially in Topshop - while Mayfair's Mount Street seems to have a new designer flagship popping up every month.

Old Spitalfields Market

High-end shopping on New Bond Street

View of the Swiss Re building aka "the Gherkin"

Tower Bridge

Heading towards Butler's Wharf

London Eye and London Aquarium

St. Katherine's Docks

Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament

But no matter how many times I've been here, I can't help playing the tourist. I think I've taken a photo of Tower Bridge and the Houses of Parliament / Big Ben almost every time I've visited.