Usually whenever I commute to London it’s a mad rush. Car > train > tube > office and back again. Yesterday, however, I was attending a conference and arrived at the hotel a bit early.
Needing to kill some time, I went for a stroll. Walking around the corner I realised I was at the Tower of London! (I don’t have any sense of direction – you would think that the tube stop being called ‘Tower Hill’ would have given it away, but no – I’m clueless!).
It was frosty and cold with a brilliantly clear sky and the rising winter sun was almost blinding.
I walked along the pier and for a few minutes I was something I never usually get to be: a tourist in London.
Over 5 years ago now Mr F and I honeymooned in Malaysia and stayed in Shangri La Hotels during our stay. When we heard that they would be opening a hotel at The Shard we vowed that we would stay there when it opened. So far we haven’t quite made it (it’s £££) but I always get a little bit excited when I see it. One day soon, I tell myself… one day soon!
The conference went well and was followed by drinks and food in abundance. I’m not usually very good at the whole ‘networking mingling’ thing, but it was such a relaxed atmosphere that I found plenty of people to chat to and the day passed by quickly.
I should have got straight back on the tube afterwards, but the temptation was too much and I found myself back at the pier for round 2.
It was dark by this time and London had come to life.
Who needs Christmas lights when you have views like this all year round?
So… I missed my train and had to wait for another, but for once I didn’t mind a bit.
I <3 London!
xoxo
