From September 8-10, I explored the main tourist sights in London with my boyfriend, Patrick, before hopping on a train to his home in the East Midlands.

If a city could ever be called alive, it’s London. Every street seems to have a different personality. It is the iconic big city; a world all it’s own. Every culture is essentially at your fingertips in the form of incredible food, colourful clothing, and vibrant markets and festivals. As someone who as lived in an isolated Central European country for the last two years, this was all at once overwhelming and awe-inspiring.

Moreover, it encompasses the best of English culture; history comes alive as heroes from the empire stand immortal in stone and soul-stirring war memorials grace crowded streets. Everywhere you look there are adorable cafes offering the perfect cup of tea, and cosy pubs handing out deliciously greasy plates of fish and chips.

Above all, everyone is so incredibly well-dressed.

I couldn’t contain my excitement when we scored a front row seat in the upper deck of an iconic double-decker bus. Imagine my face when we crossed Westminster Bridge. The sight of the Palace of Westminster and Big Ben overlooking the River Thames was nothing short of a dream.  From there, we walked around Parliament Square Garden, then braved a shopping trip on Oxford Street (beautiful, horribly crowded). By mid-afternoon, the clouds started to roll in, and we enjoyed a peaceful stroll through St. James Park to Buckingham Palace.

((Click on a photo to browse through the album!))

After  a wonderful visit to Patrick’s home in the East Midlands, our journey through London recommenced four days later with a cheesy photo op at Platform 9 3/4 in King’s Cross Station. Blessed with gorgeous weather, we decided to  continue our exploration of the city by walking all along the river Thames. Blue skies provided the perfect backdrop for the alabaster dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral. We walked across Millennium Bridge (quite a feat on the hottest day of the year!), bought a couple ciders in Borough Market, and stood in the shadow of the Shard.

The highlight of the trip turned out to be a surprise free tour of the Houses of Parliament, organised by Patrick’s aunt. I can’t thank her enough! We peeked inside all of the main rooms including the House of Lords, draped in royal red velvet. Then – to everyone’s horror- I sat on the plush green seats in the House of Commons, completely oblivious to the hundreds of “do not sit” signs posted all over the place.  I’m pretty much an MP now.

We spent our last day in London wandering through the Imperial War Museum. This place deserves to be at the top of everyone’s must-see list in London. The WWI exhibit is spectacular.

In the evening, we found ourselves surrounded by delicious Persian dishes provided by Patrick’s brothers and their girlfriends. I said goodbye to London from a rooftop bar, with cider in hand.