So i'm just a bit behind on the blog writing, but better late than never... right?
Andrew and I traveled to London for a little weekend getaway about a month ago. I had to go to London for a meeting for one day, so luckily were able to make a long weekend out of it! We have both been to London separately for work trips, but this was our first time visiting the city together... which of course makes it soo much different :)
I will admit... this blog post will look like all we did in London was eat and drink, and that is partially true. But like I've said before... I find the best way to get to know a new city, is to experience all of the local flavors... and we took that very seriously!
The first morning we woke up somewhat-early and went for a light jog around London. The hotel we were staying at was in Covent Garden, which was great because there were so many interesting sites surrounding us. Since we've both seen the touristy sites on our own before, this was a nice and fast way to see them together before the crowds got there later in the day.
Ok, the real reason we also went for a run in the morning... is to not feel guilty about the next portion of this post.
The Borough Market... by far my most favorite place in London, and the best food market i've ever been to. Borough Market is one of the largest and oldest food markets in London. It is right near the London Bridge, and apparently its existed since 1014! Andrew and I felt the best way to experience as much as possible would be to do a 'tasting'... so we would just get one delicious looking thing and share it to not get too full.
First, the Venison Burger, with Gouda Cheese, Caramelised Onion and Bacon Jam.
Then some Pimms (both our first time trying this British-favorited drink!) It basically seemed like a sangria, but with some odd vegetables mixed in (cucumbers?), delicious though! And then we moved onto a Lamb Wrap. And then after that, some fresh (and huge!) oysters. They were by far the best oysters we've ever had.
And then last... we finished with something that I was always a bit scared to try. A Scotch Egg. I don't know why I've never tried it before... it just looks like a big meatball.. but with an egg inside? It seems like something we would like.. protein wrapped in meat... So we went for one... because it is 'typical british'.. and we decided on the Wild Boar Scotch Egg. and Oh My God - it was AMAZING! Apparently a Scotch Egg is usually a hard boiled egg, wrapped in sausage (or in our case, wild boar) coated in bread crumbs and then fried or baked. wow. I think Andrew and I will need to try to make this one at home.
I think its safe to say that we fully experienced the Borough Market (although I could've had breakfast and dinner here too!)
The walk back from the Borough Market to Covent Garden is a long one, but so beautiful along the Thames River. Glad i wore sneakers for this day! Our legs were tired with all that walking!
The next day we walked around the beautiful streets of London. We were amazed that stores were open on a SUNDAY!! Germany has trained us to expect everything to be closed on this day of the week. So we decided it would be rude not to take advantage... :) (in my defense.. there are no JCrew stores in Germany, so i have to stock up when i'm in London)
For dinner we went to a place called "Burger & Lobster". The menu only had 3 options all for 20 pounds: A burger, a lobster roll or a grilled lobster. We went for the burger and lobster roll... and it was delicious! But if we ever go back, i'm getting that grilled lobster because it looked amazing!
We had such a great time in London! I think it is by far one of my most favorite cities in Europe. But thats also because after living in Germany for almost 6 months... London felt like a bit of home to us. The restaurants and stores felt like New York City.. and of course.. not having a language barrier made the weekend so easy! Now.. if only the city wasn't so expensive... we'd be back much more often!
