My first day of 2015 involved an eclectic mix of quintessential London. The only previously unexplored spot for me was Tate Modern, which I have passed many times on my way to the Globe or crossing the Millennium Bridge. After delving into the odd world of modernism, spending time at Covent Garden and Harrod’s felt like greeting old friends. Here’s what I did and saw.
The first day of 2015 was fairly overcast and thus a great day to incorporate some indoor activities into the day. Tate Modern was the first stop, and I was happy to venture over to the Southwark part of the riverbank to take in some different views.
I’d previously only visited London in the summertime several times, and had been fortunate to enjoy almost exclusively sunny days (what is this London fog I keep hearing about?) and that probably explains why I’d never ventured into Tate Modern- it’s exterior doesn’t exactly promote sunshine and happiness. Instead, my friend Annalee and I were painfully/nostalgically reminded of our university’s library, the brutalistic Lauinger Library, or Lau, at Georgetown University in Washington, DC. Plus, modern art doesn’t exactly line up with my Impressionist and Neo-impressionist tastes. It didn’t impress Annalee either- she might have fallen asleep on one of Tate’s comfy couches, but there is no evidence to prove it. However, it’s an impressive museum with something for everyone- art to examine, couches to doze on, and a cozy cafe at the top to enjoy views of the Thames, St. Peter’s Cathedral, and the surrounding area.
After Tate Modern, I headed over the Millennium walking bridge to St. Peter’s. After a quick tube ride and walk, I arrived at one of my favorite spots in London, Covent Garden. While there were less Apple Market stalls than during peak season, it was still enjoyable to walk through as were the other areas. I was very disappointed, however, to see that a Shake Shack had moved into Covent Garden. There was even a line! Shake Shack aside, the massive Christmas ornaments hanging from the market’s ceilings were beautiful and definitely a highlight of my tour de Christmas decor.
In the evening, I headed to Harrods with Annalee. We shopped for purses with great seriousness, contemplated dining at the Oyster Bar, and browsed the (very) fine jewelry section. By closing time, I had made the largest purchase of the evening, a Harrods tin of tea. The diamonds were just not to our taste that evening…
The final event of the evening was a pub night with several friends at the Marquis Cornwallis in Bloomsbury. We enjoyed cider, chips, and good conversation, in addition to people-watching a very interesting group of ladies who arrived at the pub after us. They all had enormous hair, wore going-out attire, and kept applying spray on deodorant… we (and the rest of the pub) were quite confused.
I have one more day in London to share with you! Look for my next post soon.
Photos: Emmie Derbäck, Nikon 3200, 135mm lens unless noted
Read about the other days of my trip below:
- My holiday travel preview: Florida, Stockholm, London
- Utlandssvensk i Sverige: I Uppsala Igen [Back to Uppsala, Sweden]
- Uttlandsvensk i Stockholm: Gamla Stan, Djurgården, Riddarholmen
- #StockholmsJul: Ljus och dekorationer runt stan [Christmas in Stockholm City]
- A return traveler’s guide to London: Day 1
- A return traveler’s guide to London: Day 2
- A return traveler’s guide to London: New Year’s Eve
- A return traveler’s guide to London: Last Day
anchored & adrift 