The streets of London.

Cor blimey!

So, I went to London with my dearest friend, Ellen. But I didn't just go to London, oh no, as soon as I stepped off the train "we're going to North Gower street!" Ellen's dad had to endure the wrath of my fangirling as I lead the way to Speedy's Cafe.  

Located on North Gower street, Camden, Speedy's Cafe stands out with it's bright red awning. Stepping around the corner a little squeal managed to work its way out of me. Cue fangirl. 

If you ever go to the cafe, get a Sherlock wrap. 1. Because it's Sherlock related. 
2. It's really tasty!!
3. It's Sherlock related.
But if you're a veggie, have the Watson wrap which I'm sure is equally as lovely. 

Inside, the walls are decorated with pictures of filming and many Benedicts and Martins with very lucky members of staff. It looks just like it does in Scandal In Belgravia where Mycroft and John discuss how initially Sherlock wanted to be a pirate. The whole time my head was running with "Oh my God, Martin could have sat in this seat!" or "I'm wearing a deerstalker, in Speedy's Cafe, next door to 221B, GAH!" 
One of the staff members asked us if we were fans. I think the deerstalker and the massive beam on my face might have given us away. We got talking to him and found out loads of cool stuff about the filming. e.g. They only film when Speedy's is closed so it doesn't affect their business. 
How cool is that?! The guy then got out his IPad and showed us pictures of the rain machines (Scandal), the debris on the road (Great Game), snow on the street in the middle of august (Scandal) and pictures of the cast and crew. 
Inside I was exploding with jealousy. I would give a limb to be on Sherlock. 
Unfortunately we couldn't stay forever and after some pictures, we headed off to our next attraction on the Streets of London. 

So what other places can we visit now? How about PLATFORM 9 3/4?! Yes, Kings Cross station actually does have a Platform 9 3/4! 

Well, actually it's not a platform but a wall before the barriers next to Waterstones. But it had a sign and a disappearing trolley with a constant line of tourists behind and ever so fun to give yourself a concussion when you "give it a bit of a run". 
Unfortunately the Hogwarts Express wasn't there. Obviously term hasn't started yet so maybe in September. 

Proceeding King's Cross, Camden market was next on the list. It was disappointing. I expected banterous market stalls with an array of colours,weird and wonderful gizmos and gadgets but instead all I found was t-shirt stall after t-shirt stall after t-shirt stall speckled with the few bags and shoes stalls. However in Camden Stables market, my expectations were met and I bought a massive batch of henna, funky earrings and an awesome Harry-Potter-looking leather journal which I find too pretty to ruin with my scruffy handwriting. So go to Camden Stables market, that's where the worthy stuff is. 

The rest of the day was spent flying over the Thames on the new gondola system. Yes, I did say gondola. Who needs bridges when we've got a gondola? It's a 3 minute ride with spectacular sights at a reasonable price for a London tourist attraction!
Don't forget to bring a camera because the view is awesome! 


After the gondola ride it was on the windy and slowly packing underground (I suggest you try train surfing. Just don't hold on! It's a test for balance and a lot of fun! You might get a few stares though.) and to the Southbank! 

I love the Southbank. Where the street performers prowl and the tourists take tonnes of pictures leaning on the London Eye or picking up Big Ben, this place was busy. Oddly enough, the whole of London seemed unusually quiet. Maybe the predicted traffic jams of the Olympics had frightened off all the tourists or all the office workers were still on holiday. Nevertheless, it was creepy. Thankfully, there was life, and lots of it, on the Southbank. A fun fair had set itself up in Jubilee Park and Ellen and I got on a very tall waltzer to get a better look at London (we were height fearless!). WARNING: This video is dizzying!!

Along the Southbank we passed the National Theatre. Turning to Ellen, I told her "One day, one day, I will be on that stage." To which her father said "What? Sweeping up after a show?" I laughed it off but inside I added 'Perform on the National Theatre stage' to my list of things I must achieve in life. 
It's such an odd looking building, the NT. It appears to be made of concrete blocks pilled upon each other. Not the most obviously attractive theatre but, to me, it's still a place of dreams. That reminds me, I ought to book to see a performance there. Apparently there's one with Una Stubbs in!
Underneath the National Theatre there is a graffiti decorated skate park. It was I who verbally noted that this is where they filmed ANOTHER scene from Sherlock, when Raz takes John and Sherlock to look at a cipher hidden in the graffiti. (Blind Banker) 

After a very British meal of take-away pie and mash, we walked back along the Thames to get some images of the Houses of Parliament as the sun lit the sky orange. 

I've always been fascinated by London. It's so large and busy. It's more a way of life than a city, you're a London dweller, or you're not. There's so much to see in a city like this, it's never still and never quiet (unless the home Olympics have just finished) I bet there's at least two attractions for every day of the year in London. I want to live there, I know it's expensive and stressful but to be part of London would be great. If you've never been, go. You'll see what I mean.