London, United Kingdom
It’s a travel goal to experience new places as a local. I was able to do that in London, twice. Once in 2019 with family and friends who are locals and during a business trip in 2021.
On the first trip, we visited some of the top tourist sites: Buckingham Palace, London Bridge, Notting Hill, and I did have High Tea with my cousin in the upscale neighborhood of Mayfaire. High Tea is quite a British ritual and definitely a worthwhile experience. We also went to Borough Market an amazing open-air market full of food stalls and where locals shop for produce, meats, specialty breads and cheeses. Borough Market was the target of a terrorist bombing back in 2012.
One unforgettable night was definitely a local experience - we went dancing at the popular London club, The Ministry of Sound where legendary British DJ, Trevor Nelson, did an amazing 'ole skool' set. At 4 am, our feet could no longer move, so that was the signal to head back to the hotel in Kensington. The club was still crowded when we left. Top night that. That’s what the English say when they've had a great night out.
On my next trip to London, I spent the week helping to raise funds for a project. There were lots of meetings with local philanthropists, wealthy donors and the British government, including a trip to the Home Office. For James Bond movies fans, there really is a Home Office. In between meetings, I met up with family and friends. Plus I had the chance to connect with some dear colleagues. I did act like a tourist a bit though, because this trip was in late November, so holiday season. London is especially wonderful at that time of the year with the displays of holiday lights.
London is one of those cities where you could easily spend time just seeing the tourist attractions - there are so many! But, as with many other popular cities for tourists, I recommend building time in your itinerary to go to neighborhoods outside of the core, ride the local buses, eat street food or wherever (and whatever) the locals eat to get a better sense of the spirit of the place.
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