London: A Weekend of Wonder

Spring 2023

A weekend in London with the roommates was nothing short of unforgettable. It felt like a home away from home—familiar in some ways, yet entirely new and full of surprises. We checked off the classic sights: the London Eye, the royal family’s palace, and even Westminster Abbey. But the real magic happened in the neighborhoods, where the city’s personality truly came alive.

In Notting Hill, we had a spontaneous photoshoot with the iconic colorful apartments as our backdrop—each one a perfect frame for our laughter and friendship. Camden was a maze of creativity, with shops and markets that felt like treasure troves, each stall more unique than the last. Covent Garden offered a theatrical charm, with flea markets full of local goods and theatres tucked around every corner.

We stood on Abbey Road, recreating a moment where music history was made, and felt the pulse of a city that never stops inspiring. London was a melting pot of cultures, beliefs, and stories—every street filled with people from every corner of the world.

We experienced both the calm and the chaos: quiet mornings and vibrant nightlife, and even got wonderfully lost in the twists and turns of The Underground. Somewhere along the way, we stumbled upon Platform 9¾, adding a touch of fantasy to our very real adventure.

London was everything at once—an escape into imagination and the most grounded, diverse place on earth. It was a trip to last us a lifetime, and one we’ll always carry with us in stories, snapshots, and shared memories.

London Eye, Big Ben, Westminster, & Buckingham Palace

The London Eye, Big Ben, Westminster, and Buckingham Palace—four iconic landmarks that make for the perfect tourist experience during a weekend in London. Each one is a stunning piece of architecture, whether you’re admiring them from the outside or diving into a detailed tour. They’re must-see stops that hold centuries of history and beauty. And my camera fell in love with each one just as much as I did, capturing their elegance and grandeur from every angle. These places weren’t just sights—they were moments, frozen in time, that made our London adventure truly unforgettable.

The Diverse Neighborhoods of London

London is a city stitched together by its neighborhoods—each one with its own rhythm, charm, and story. From the vibrant colors of Notting Hill to the edgy energy of Camden, every corner offers something different. It’s a place where every type of person can find their own slice of belonging, making the city feel like home no matter where you’re from. That’s the magic of London: its diversity doesn’t just live in its people—it’s woven into its streets, its markets, its murals, and its moments.

Covent Garden: A Neighborhood of Wonder

Covent Garden is a dream for anyone who loves theatre, local goods, and vibrant street life. The neighborhood buzzes with energy—its streets lined with markets offering everything from handmade pottery to mouthwatering food. After three months of pasta and pizza in Italy, I finally indulged in a delicious burger here, and it was everything I needed.

This is a place where street performers share their gifts with wandering audiences, turning every corner into a stage. Whether you're browsing artisan stalls or watching a spontaneous show, Covent Garden invites you to explore its hidden wonders. It’s remarkable, whimsical, and completely fantastical—a neighborhood that feels like a celebration of creativity and culture.

Notting Hill: A Living Color Palette

Notting Hill is the kind of place that makes you want to buy a bouquet of flowers, stroll the blocks, and pause for a photoshoot in front of its iconic, colorful apartment complexes. Walking through the neighborhood felt like stepping into a life-sized rainbow—each building painted with care, each hue blending effortlessly into the next. It was a dream to see architecture become art.
The thought and dedication the locals put into their homes is unmatched. Every door seemed to hold a story, every window a glimpse into a quiet library or a cozy corner of life. Flower markets spilled onto the sidewalks, adding layers of fragrance and charm to the already vibrant streets.
Notting Hill wasn’t just beautiful—it was intentional, expressive, and full of heart. A neighborhood where color speaks, and every stroll feels like a page from a storybook.

Camden Market & Soho: Two Worlds, One City

Camden Market and Soho—two polar opposites that make London all the more spectacular. Camden is a haven for the bold, the creative, the alternative rock lovers and free spirits who live life out loud. Its streets are lined with markets offering the most unique trinkets to take home, iconic bars like Coyote Ugly inviting you into the fun, and arcades for those chasing high scores. Artists sing on the sidewalks with hats laid out in front of them, hoping to be heard. It was a beautiful sight—so many different people, all sharing space in one electric neighborhood.

Soho, on the other hand, was quiet and refined. The nightlife felt intimate—couples on dates sipping sophisticated drinks, boutiques and designer stores glowing through the windows. It’s a place for those seeking something new rather than something worn, but still meaningful. Whether you’re shopping for real or simply window shopping beneath the city lights, Soho offers elegance and calm—a perfect contrast to Camden’s wild energy.

Together, these neighborhoods show the full spectrum of London’s spirit. A city where everyone belongs, no matter your style, your story, or your status. And for us, it was the perfect way to end a night of wandering and getting wonderfully lost.