Each year, colleagues ask why I travel to London on my own dime, when I can easily justify a business trip given that I attend a conference and spend a day or two in one of our regional offices whilst there.
But the beauty of my time in London is just that. On my dime, it’s my time. Free to spend hours at a time reading a book whilst enjoying high tea in Covent Garden, or wandering through the Museum of Natural History, pouring through books at Waterstone’s on Piccadilly or merely taking in the people all around me whilst sitting on an anonymous bench in Hyde park. This year, I decided to go old school, spending time in the Natural History Museum, the British Library and even the National Portrait Gallery. The Tate and Tate Modern can wait until next year.
For whatever reason, this trip was about reconnecting. With former colleagues I haven’t seen in at least 3-4 years and revisiting some of my favorite museums that never lose their mystique or appeal. I also wandered throughout the city more this time around, without an agenda or a place to be.
If even for a slice of time.
is me is really me 
On your own dime and in your own time. That is the only way to travel. To prove it, I’m feeling relieved just reading this and I’m at home working under pressure! : )
Love London. Miss it though, haven’t been back in at least 5 years.
good lord! maybe you should meet me next fall, imagine the trouble, I mean fun, we could have whilst there!! September 13-18, 2015. Just saying.
I think those are my dates! In going to check!
I lived in various parts of London but my favorite (and longest amount of time) was spent living in St. John’s Wood. It’s a peaceful slice of heaven considering how close it is to central London. You must visit it next time you are there! From the tube stop, you can walk down the high street (great little shops, they have a space.nk and Panzers Deli–best lox and bagels in the whole city) and over to Primrose Hill. There is a wonderful view of the city at the top there. Then walk back down the hill and see the animals being fed at the rear perimeter of the zoo, carrying onward through Regents Park. They have exceptionally beautiful flower displays at the south end entrance to the park. Springtime tulips to drool over. You’ll love it. It’s beautiful.
From there, I would usually wander over to Marylebone. If you haven’t wandered through there yet, I think you would enjoy that as well. Great shops–high end kitchen stores, a very cool trims full of exotic rhinestones and trims for anything fashion related and one of my favorites–the white company for bed linens and candles. Ahh, you make me wanna fly back there now 🙂
Oh yes, I know Marylebone and St. John’s Wood!! 😀 The first two years I traveled for work, the wife of the EVP I was partnered with preferred to stay out towards Marylebone. Of course they had the luxe digs over at the Landmark but I couldn’t complain about the Radisson Edwardian 😉 just down the road!
yes, I agree with you. The topic of your post takes us to great details!