Travel

London Travel Diary 2013

July 16, 2013
east london, alicia fashionista, travel blog 2013

The adventure begins in London!

How on earth does one document and even attempt to describe a dream vacation come true? Over 6 years in the making and in the works for at least one, our first big trip together was absolutely surreal every step of the way.  In a general sense, the plan was simple.  Land in London, spend a few days staying in/touring around an area of the city that neither of us know very well.  Then up to Worcester to visit and stay with my good friend Brandi and her husband.  Back to London for a night before heading to Paris for 3.5 days, down to Antibes in the South of France for 4 days and then make our way back to London to fly out.  Two and a half weeks of absolute travel bliss.

Staying in East London was a brilliant plan (I only say this because it was, of course, my idea) and we just cannot say enough great things about The Hoxton Hotel.  Even if you don’t stay there, I highly suggest having a drink or two in their lobby bar.  The espresso martini is to die for.  Anyway, location was just a few blocks away from Shoreditch and only a couple tube stops from major London sights.  And as much as I love and appreciate pretty things, we always seem to gravitate towards grittier, East ends of cities.  In fact, we felt so at home there, we had a long conversation about whether or not it’s logistically feasible for us to move there for a year.

We spent our 2.5 days in London very wisely.  Dinners with friends, self guided tours of East London, an afternoon at Camden Market, and a quick stop at Big Ben and the London Eye.  Our last night was my favourite, as I finally experienced having a drink outside of a pub and we had the BEST Indian meal ever at Dishoom.  Just a generally special night and the perfect farewell to one of my favourite cities.

east london, alicia fashionista, travel blog 2013

east london, alicia fashionista, travel blog 2013

east london, alicia fashionista, travel blog 2013

east london, alicia fashionista, travel blog 2013 east london, alicia fashionista, travel blog 2013

east london, alicia fashionista, travel blog 2013

east london, alicia fashionista, travel blog 2013

MORE FROM THIS TRIP

East London Outfit Post

Travel Diary | The English Countryside

Travel Diary | Paris Part 1

Paris Outfit Post

Travel Diary | Paris Part 2

Travel Diary | Antibes

Travel Diary | Nice, France

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  • Sarah July 17, 2013 at 12:22 am

    Aw sounds like you had such a great time, I can tell by your tone you are still buzzing with the travel bug! I really felt that after going to Peru and can't wait to travel more. London is up there on my list, living there for a year would be amazing, I hope you can make it happen! xo

  • Lubka Christova July 17, 2013 at 9:35 am

    Welcome in London, sweetie, I hope you enjoy it here :)) There is so much to see and especially in East London – it's no coincidence I live here too.

    Hoxton Hotel is the place to stay. I love the lobby bar for meetings, late drinks, chat with friends, etc. etc. :))))

    I think you've made the right decision to come to our part of town. Don't forget to check Brick Lane and Shoreditch – they are very close to you.

    Lu
    http://balgar-ka.tumblr.com

  • Leah July 17, 2013 at 1:19 pm

    Wow, sounds like an amazing trip. Can't wait to hear all about it. Isn't Camden market so fun?!

  • Hannah July 17, 2013 at 5:17 pm

    Oh, I'm just dying to visit London. For now, I'll just live vicariously through you 😉

    xo,
    Hannah
    http://www.somebeautifulthingsblog.blogspot.com

  • Lisa July 17, 2013 at 6:39 pm

    Sounds like you had an incredible trip. Given the chance to return to London, I'd love to explore some spots off the beaten (and touristy) path.

  • RoselyC July 17, 2013 at 11:55 pm

    Traveling abroad is one of my dreams I hope I can accomplish sometime soon. London, Paris seem like such wonderful destinations.

  • Lucy July 19, 2013 at 1:00 pm

    yaaay! haha so glad you had an amazing time in my city! I work in Camden so it's all very familiar to see it on another blog 😉
    Dishoom is fab, don't go there enough!

    Have a great rest of your trip!
    x

  • a i n a July 19, 2013 at 4:30 pm

    I could right away tell (from the first few photos) that the photos aren't taken in Vancouver!
    London just has way more character and history than Vancouver.

    Enjoy your time there!

    Keep up the great work 🙂
    Come visit me here: A Design