As I mentioned in previous posts, this time around in London, I had an incredible time exploring Chelsea as that was primarily my home base. With my trusty Oyster card, I jetted all over the city (traffic is really a bitch in London, so even with Uber being so affordable, sometimes, it’s simply not worth it). From Shoreditch to Fitzrovia, to my ever favorite, Notting Hill, I always love getting lost in London and wandering upon mews. This trip was particularly eventful, while I did the usual, shopping, Black Sheep Coffee bit, I also unsuspectingly ran a 10k bootcamp with the Midnight Runners running club (in dunks no less), I saw an old friend that I haven’t seen since high school (she just had a baby!), I saw another friend who I haven’t seen for about 8 yrs and got to visit the Gherkin building, or Batman’s lair. Every time someone asks me about moving to London, my gut reaction is “absolutely not, too gray.” But to tell you the truth, most of the time I’m in London, it’s been pretty beautiful and sunny.
Here’s a photo diary of my time in London, enjoy!
And btw, I finished the run! See below for the pic. It was actually a pretty spectacular way to see downtown London at night, Millennium Bridge, the London eye, all lit up. I didn’t have my cell phone, nothing on me, and had no idea where I was going so I had to keep up!
heading to the Vice headquarters in East London, I got off at Paddington and just wandered for a bit. Here’s Newcastle place. This area is a stark contrast from where I stay in West London, but I love the classic London grit.
It did finally rain when I was in London. I was staying at the Draycott hotel. It was so moody and fitting.
Cute home in Notting Hill I was taken by.
30 St Mary Axe, aka the Gherkin building, reminds me of a faberge eye. I snapped this shot from my Uber before I knew that that’s where I’d be meeting my friend for coffee!
Here are the views from the very top of the Gherkin building.
Legend Pat Cleveland’s book launch at Blake’s Below. I was proper Chelsea during this visit and with the relaunch of Blake’s Below I was there a surprising amount.
Loved this Batman-esque lair.
Portobello Market setting up
Colorful homes in Chelsea
In Chelsea overlooking the boathouses and Battersea
I believe I took this exact photo 4 years ago while wandering with my cousin at twilight in Notting Hill.
I became quite enamored with this blue home in Chelsea, you can see it in my previous color play in Chelsea post
My favorite bridge in London, Albert Bridge. It’s so princess-y.
I wish I could capture how HUGE the moon was that night.
Read the sign closely…
When I worked at Topshop PR in New York, you wouldn’t believe the amount of time we spent trying to get displays for events to look as quintessentially English flower shop as this.
My favorite coffee shop, Black Sheep Coffee
Here I am at the location in Fitzrovia
As I mentioned, the Black Sheep guys had me do a 10k bootcamp run. Can you find me?