London, that familiar place.

Some people I know thinks that London is all about rainy weather, fish & chips, Harry Potter and the Queen.  But London is much more than that. I've been to London about three times and the moment I leave, I immediately plan my next trip back there. In fact, I was so close in going on a trip next month but alas, the trip have to wait due to some prior commitments.

London is historical. Home to the world's oldest underground railway network, the London Underground and to four World Heritage Sites namely; the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Kew Garden and Greenwich town, and to Trafalgar Square and to Buckingham Palace and to the Windsor Family. London is also the first city to host the modern summer Olympics three times, ever. London indeed creates history and dwells in it. 

Tower Bridge

 part of Tower of London

London eye

Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster

Harrods 

as stated

Enough about all the facts though, we all know London is old and awesome and most of us only dream to live there  (partly due to its extravagantly high cost-of-living) but what I want to write about is how London leaves a lasting impression on all of us in one way or another, with more emphasize on my experiences though. My previous trip was back in 2008 and I still remember it clearly as if it was only a few months ago. London is that city that somehow seems familiar although it's your first time there. 

For me, maybe it's because I've got  lots of family there but maybe it's the street names. I'm sure you've came across street names such as Queen street or Kingsway or London Street in other english-speaking cities. Or maybe it's because areas of London are fondly remembered in Monopoly (Yes, the days of Monopoly may very well have been over for most us but there is no doubt that after the years of playing it, we can probably name most areas in London, from prime areas such as Mayfair and Park Lane to not so prime areas such as Old Kent Road off by heart.) Or maybe it's because people always mention names of famous London landmarks. Whatever it is, there is a sense of familiarity in London.

The food that London has to offer is also nowhere short from awesome. I'm guessing everyone knows Gordon Ramsay, the chef that's always on TV. He resides in London and it should come with no surprise that he has quite a few restaurants in London. The food was amazing at the Claridges.

Gordon Ramsay's

Personally, whenever i'm in London, the Roast Duck rice in the Four Seasons Restaurant, Bayswater is a must-eat for me. The duck is roasted to perfection and served just like how it is back home in Malaysia (or maybe even better than home). Maybe that's another reason why London seems familiar to me.

 Roast duck

 Roast duck

Four Seasons, Bayswater

Or maybe its the oysters served in The Oyster Bar, Harrods. The best oysters are sold there and it's quite expensive but hey, live oysters from Norway- what more can you ask for? The oysters are just as good, if not better, as the famed Bluff Oysters from New Zealand. It indeed reminds me of New Zealand (home).

The bottom line is, whether it's history, architecture, food, culture or anything else, London has a good balance of it. There's something for everyone and that's why being in London feels like being in a home away from home.

Writing off,

Rich