in Travel Guides
31 March 2015
Heather's Back & She's Talking German
Heather Here. I'mmmmmm baaaaack!
A few weeks ago, I finally got to leave London for the first time in months
A few weeks ago, I finally got to leave London for the first time in months
to adventure in Deutschland!
For those of you who haven't a shred of German - that means Germany.
I flew out with my sorority sister, Rachel, who is living up in Leeds.
We both needed a little break from life, so why not make a trip to Berlin?
There weren't too many helpful guides on the city out there when I searched,
and I loved the place so much that I thought I would help you out next time you decided to make a visit!
We stayed at an awesome hostel - St. Christopher's Inn.
If it sounds familiar, it probably is.
There are a ton of St Christopher's located around the EU and UK - it's one of the most popular out there.
The reception was stocked with a full bar, and the drinks were REALLY cheap.
And if that doesn't convince you to book a stay, I'm not sure if I ever will be able to.
The hostel is no more than a 10-second walk from the Rosa-Luxemburg subway stop,
making it convenient to get anywhere in the city.
Although it wasn't the closest stay to the city centre, the location is great if you are looking to do some shopping in the boutiques and malls!
Friday:
Depending on the time you get to your hostel,
going to one of Sandeman's Free Walking Tours is a MUST!
They are everyday starting at 11AM and 2PM right in front of the Brandenburg Gate.
I can't say enough about how amazing, fun, and informational the tours are!
AND THEY'RE FREE!
This will give you a great foundation of knowing the city for when you are walking around without a guide later.
A few of the places we crossed on the tour:
The Memorial for the Murdered Jews of Europe - by far my favorite memorial I've ever been to
The parking lot above the bunker where Hitler killed himself
Bebelplatz - where the book burnings took place
Checkpoint Charlie
The Berlin Wall
and so many other sites!
After this, you can stroll right up to Museum Island and the Berliner Dom.
While it's still light out, head into the Berliner Dom and take a self-guided tour inside the cathedral.
It's only a couple Euros, and if you're a student you'll even manage a discount.
After you've seen the tombs and chapels, climb up to the top and get a gorgeous view of the city.
From the Berliner Dom, you can walk around the island and enjoy the free museums.
I suggest hopping across the bridge and finding yourself an outdoor seat at one of the nearby cafes
to enjoy the beautiful view of the river and Museum Island.
Saturday:
Saturday gives you the chance to see a different part of Berlin.
There are dozens of different markets all over the city for everyone to enjoy.
Taking a stroll through one of the many parks, I've heard, is an amazing experience.
As it was too cold to stroll around Mauerpark, which houses the Berlin Wall Memorial
as well as a large strip of the Berlin Wall,
Rachel and I decided to forgo that opportunity.
During the spring and summer, though, it's a wonderful place to sit and relax.
If you're lucky, you'll get to enjoy one of their many open-air events
Großer Tiergarten is another park closer to the centre of town.
It holds a supposed haunting ground, as well as The Victory Column, different museums, cafes, and the Reichstag.
The Reichstag is the equivalent to the British Houses of Parliament, and is an absolute must-see.
Located on the edge of the park and adjacent to the Bradenburg Gate, it provides stunning views of the city.
The top of the building has a massive glass dome with a spiral staircase that leads all the way to the top.
In order to go, you'll need to make a reservation at least a day in advance - but it's free!
From here, you are just a few minutes walk from Fassbender & Rausch Chocolatiers am Gendarmenmarkt,
which is a DELICIOUS chocolate store.
They had chocolate sculptures of the Berlin Wall, the Reichstag, and a real chocolate volcano!
Plus, they have about 500 different truffles to choose from - good luck with that.
The top floor is an elegant and inexpensive restaurant that serves different forms of chocolate with each tea, bread basket, and meal.
Don't forget to indulge in dessert (don't worry, we don't count the chocolates with the meals as dessert) with a delicately designed mocha or a shake!
After this, you should be ready for the evening.
Berlin is known for it's eccentric nightlife.
And although I didn't get to experience the famous bars and clubs around, it's definitely worth exploring.
Or, if you are up for a more leisurely night, I suggest the Hofbräuhaus.
And it's only a stones through from St. Christopher's Inn!
If you've never had the pleasure of experiencing a Hofbräuhaus,
just imagine leaderhosen, 1 litre steins, cute men everywhere,
loud music, drunken dancing, and one thousand of your newest and closest friends.
What's not to love about that?
Sunday:
Since Sunday is normally a travel day, it's best to catch a morning tour.
Rachel and I chose to go to the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial with Sandeman's.
They have loads of other tours, as well as the postdam tour, the Third Reich Berlin Tour, the alternative city tour,
and even a pub crawl.
We also chose this day to walk up and down Unter den Linden - the central road in Berlin -
to buy some keepsakes and souvenirs.
Berlin is such a wonderful city - I hope you get the chance to enjoy it someday!
It definitely sits in my top four favorite cities so far. The culture, history, art, and beauty of the city
is what makes it such a unique place to visit.
Happy traveling - I hope you love it as much as I did!
Link up below!
03 March 2015
The Tower of London: That's So Raven(s)
No,
this isn't a post about the greatest original series to hit the Disney Channel.
Though, I wouldn't be opposed to talking about that..
Today we're talking about some good ol' urban legends.
Well, actually just one. But it's a good one.
London is a massive city filled with myths and legends all over the place.
One of my favorites (and most ridiculous) deals with the Tower of London,
which is pretty fitting seeing that I currently live next door to the castle.
The Tower of London is OLD. I'm talking like, almost a thousand years.
You may visit it to see the incredible buildings, the crowned jewels,
or even a cheeky photo with the Beefeaters ... or anything else you can find..
There are so many both interesting and disturbing tales about the Tower of London,
but my favorite facts deal with the ravens.
You'll see these little guys hanging out in a cage in the center of the castle.
Six - to be exact.
And yes, it needs to be exact.
And why do I say that, you ask?
WELLLLLL
Legend has it, that if there are not six ravens at the Tower, that it, along with the Monarchy, will fall.
Yes, you are reading this right.
Yes, you are reading this right.
Birds are literally keeping England alive and prosperous.
They are so serious about this legend, that there is a seventh raven always on sight
just in case one happens to escape..
(or gets eaten by a fox??)
(or gets eaten by a fox??)
Which would be rare - they clip one of the wings so they can't fly away.
Yep - every precaution that could possibly be taken, is taken.
Don't worry though,
these ravens are treated as if they are the King and Queen of England.
They are literally waited on hand and foot
(... erm ... wing and foot?...)
by servants, and are pretty much expected to do nothing at all.
Oh except for keep the whole of England standing strong.
Which really just requires them to be.
--------------------------------------
Missed last week? Check out my favorite from the posts -> Sara's Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans
Link up below!
10 February 2015
EatSeeDo: Sohottenhamborn
**********************
Eat
Amalfi
This is an incredible pre-theatre dinner spot. And a perfect mention in this post since just about all of my "see's" are theatres. What did you expect?
Anyways - Amalfi's a very tiny but verrrry cute restaurant that serves a great range of Italian food.
Which also means wine. Lots of wine.
I think my work here is done.
Ed's Easy Diner
An American 1950's style diner - of course this is getting a mention!
Burgers, hotdogs, fries, MILKSHAKES.
Think Johnny Rockets in England.
Or just think of anything that is absolutely perfect - this is just like that.
Byron Burger
Another burger joint.
But is it really possibly to have too many burgers and fries?
Sorry ... chips.
Byron's got locations all over London - so if you're interested in it, just check out where it is on their website.
Neal's Yard
This is one of those 'Pinterest pictures.'
You know - that picture you see EVERYWHERE and are just all 'Where the F is that place?!'
Well, it's here - in Sohottenhamborn.
Amorino Gelato
When you're disgustingly full from eating all of the above,
pop into Amorino for gelato.
Let's be real - not even a full stomach can keep you from gelato.
Amalfi
This is an incredible pre-theatre dinner spot. And a perfect mention in this post since just about all of my "see's" are theatres. What did you expect?
Anyways - Amalfi's a very tiny but verrrry cute restaurant that serves a great range of Italian food.
Which also means wine. Lots of wine.
I think my work here is done.
Ed's Easy Diner
An American 1950's style diner - of course this is getting a mention!
Burgers, hotdogs, fries, MILKSHAKES.
Think Johnny Rockets in England.
Or just think of anything that is absolutely perfect - this is just like that.
Byron Burger
Another burger joint.
But is it really possibly to have too many burgers and fries?
Sorry ... chips.
Byron's got locations all over London - so if you're interested in it, just check out where it is on their website.
Neal's Yard
This is one of those 'Pinterest pictures.'
You know - that picture you see EVERYWHERE and are just all 'Where the F is that place?!'
Well, it's here - in Sohottenhamborn.
Amorino Gelato
When you're disgustingly full from eating all of the above,
pop into Amorino for gelato.
Let's be real - not even a full stomach can keep you from gelato.
See
Prince Edward TheatreCurrently playing Miss Saigon.
I saw this with my parents a few months ago and posted a review here.
Soho Theatre
If you're looking to stray off the commercial West End path,
Soho Theatre's got three stages presenting a range of theatre from new works, to comedy shows, to cabarets.
Soho Square
Paul McCartney's publishing company, MPL Communications, is located here ... could I really leave that out?
Phoenix Theatre
This theatre is playing Once The Musical.
An amazing story with some of the most beautiful folk music to make you cry on spot. I mean it.
Oh, and you can go up and order from the bar on stage before curtain while the cast is jamming around the stage - how cool is that?
The show is closing March 21, so get going!
Palace Theatre
The Commitments has been playing here for over a year.
It's a great musical playing some of the greatest soul music created.
Mustang Sally, Papa Was a Rolling Stone, Try A Little Tenderness -
The list goes on...
I saw this show last year and had a great time - I even got the chance to do a bit of my own singing.
Terrible, terrible singing, I will add.
Review here!
Shaftesbury Theatre
Oh Shaftesbury. Sweet, sweet, Shaftesbury.
You hold my musical heart, and keep me coming back again and again.
And again and again.
Memphis is playing here, and I cannot recommend this show enough.
And 90% of my recommendation is because of the cast.
You know when a cast just 'works'? They just mesh so well together, and work a show better than it's ever been performed?
This is that cast.
Yes, the leads are spectacular. But it's every single person in this show. Incredible.
Anyways - if you didn't catch my drift up there, GO SEE THIS SHOW.
Do
Pop Boutique
Looking for some vintage goodies?
This is the place to go
Looking for some vintage goodies?
This is the place to go
The O Bar
A recommendation from your favorite blogging side-kick, Heather.
A cute little corner pub to grab a pint from after a long day.
Music and Goods Exchange
A recommendation from your favorite blogging side-kick, Heather.
A cute little corner pub to grab a pint from after a long day.
Music and Goods Exchange
We've just spent the weekend celebrating our new record player,
and is there any better way to do that than go shopping?
We popped around to as many record stores within our distance, and Music and Goods Exchange was the gold mine.
So many great finds, and a bargain area of 1pound records in the basement!
I'm going back tomorrow. But really ... I'm going back tomorrow.
and is there any better way to do that than go shopping?
We popped around to as many record stores within our distance, and Music and Goods Exchange was the gold mine.
So many great finds, and a bargain area of 1pound records in the basement!
I'm going back tomorrow. But really ... I'm going back tomorrow.
**********************
The closest station to this area is Tottenham Court Road, but any surrounding station is a short walk away.
Taking the Circle/District lines to get home, I'll normally get out at Embankment and walk from there.
Depending on which way I go, I pass through Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, and Covent Garden,
which are all great areas to stroll around in - and outside is better than underground.
So I'll always recommend walking.
Taking the Circle/District lines to get home, I'll normally get out at Embankment and walk from there.
Depending on which way I go, I pass through Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, and Covent Garden,
which are all great areas to stroll around in - and outside is better than underground.
So I'll always recommend walking.
Throw me a vote if you're enjoying it here...
03 February 2015
EatSeeDo - St. John's Wood
One of, if not my favorite area in London.
And NO - it's not becuase there is Beatle history here..
..but that may help just a bit..
St. John's Wood is more of a residential area,
minus the crowds upon crowds that come to Abbey Road Studios.
There is a lot to the area though.
It makes for a great day out of the crazy city life, to just relax in such a calm and peaceful area.
Again, there is definitely more around here that I haven't been able to explore yet.
But these are my favorites so far.
**********************
Eat
Richoux
This is literally Heather and my go-to restaurant.
A great range of foood with DELICIOUS desserts!
We'll actually be there next week celebrating Heather's birthday...
....then back next month to celebrate mine.
Yes. We like it a lot.
The Duke of York
A cozy little pub right in the heart of the area.
Go for a pint and some fish and chips.
Y'know, be all British like that.
Harry Morgan
Heather and I just ate here last week.
Yes - it's just as it sounds. We come up here a LOT.
Anyways - Harry Morgan comes off to me as American style diner food.
Burgers, hot dogs, mac and cheese, etc.
Basically heaven - I don't know how else to describe it.
OH, and they have milkshakes. MILKSHAKES!
Beatles Coffee Shop
Right outside the St. John's Wood Tube Station,
this little coffee shop is full of Beatles goodies.
This was actually where we got our Beatles coloring book to pass the time
when we slept on Oxford Street. LOL yea, that happened.
Gelato Mio
I don't even know if I need to give a description of this.
I mean, it's gelato - do you need any more convincing to go?
I wouldn't be surprised if you were already on your way there right now.
Richoux
This is literally Heather and my go-to restaurant.
A great range of foood with DELICIOUS desserts!
We'll actually be there next week celebrating Heather's birthday...
....then back next month to celebrate mine.
Yes. We like it a lot.
The Duke of York
A cozy little pub right in the heart of the area.
Go for a pint and some fish and chips.
Y'know, be all British like that.
Harry Morgan
Heather and I just ate here last week.
Yes - it's just as it sounds. We come up here a LOT.
Anyways - Harry Morgan comes off to me as American style diner food.
Burgers, hot dogs, mac and cheese, etc.
Basically heaven - I don't know how else to describe it.
OH, and they have milkshakes. MILKSHAKES!
Beatles Coffee Shop
Right outside the St. John's Wood Tube Station,
this little coffee shop is full of Beatles goodies.
This was actually where we got our Beatles coloring book to pass the time
when we slept on Oxford Street. LOL yea, that happened.
Gelato Mio
I don't even know if I need to give a description of this.
I mean, it's gelato - do you need any more convincing to go?
I wouldn't be surprised if you were already on your way there right now.
See
Abbey Road Studios
This is what most people come to St. John's Wood for.
Abbey Road is known for that iconic album cover from that little band I happen to talk about a lot.
The zebra crossing you are so familiar with is there, along with a zillion people holding up traffic
as they try to recreate the album cover.
Have you seen the Abbey Road Crossing Cam?
Enjoy the sights of people posing and sounds of cars honking.
I'll mention that Paul McCartney also lives right around the corner from Abbey Road Studios.
I'll mention that Paul McCartney also lives right around the corner from Abbey Road Studios.
He's owned the place since the early 60's, and still uses it as his home.
Girls used to camp out outside the house and try to jump the gate when Beatlemania was going on.
I'm crazy about him, that's for sure - but I'm not THAT crazy.
Do
Primrose Hill
This is one of my favorite places in all of London.
You get an entire view of the London skyline when you walk up the hill.
Not to mention it's a dog-lovers heaven.
If I recommend spending a day anywhere, it's here.
London Zoo
Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!
If you are craving more furry friends after dog-watching at Primrose Hill,
just walk across the street to the London Zoo.
Who doesn't love an afternoon at the zoo?
Regents Park
This is a short walk away as well.
Another peaceful space of greenery,
as well as a great place for some Summer theatre - you know I like that.
Regents Park Open Air Theatre is an outdoor space
where you can find some amazing productions put on from May to September.
**********************
It's a not a bad walk from nearby stations Swiss Cottage, Baker Street, and Chalk Farm,
but the easiest way to get here is using the Jubilee Line
that runs through the St. John's Wood Tube Station.
but the easiest way to get here is using the Jubilee Line
that runs through the St. John's Wood Tube Station.
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