Teach Middle East Magazine Issue 3 Volume 2 Jan-Feb 2015 | Page 40

Travel Featured The Lure of London in the winter Contributed B efore I begin this article, I must make an early disclaimer. I love London. It is probably my favourite city on earth and it was my home for a few years prior to me moving to the United Arab Emirates. Every chance I get, I go back to London, but I especially like going back to London in the winter time. There is just something about how the grey sky wraps itself around you as soon as you exit the airport, like your favourite warm, fluffy blanket. The sense of freedom you feel and the anticipation you experience knowing that in just a few stops on the underground tube, you will be in the centre of one of the world’s most visited cities, with stunning architecture, wonderful museums and art galleries and some of the most exclusive stores in the world. Taxis abound in London, but if you really want to know the city and feel like a local, hop on a bus, take the train or the underground tube. I normally take the underground from the airport to the city, as it is the fastest, most convenient way to go. The Piccadilly Line services London Heathrow Airport and the London Gatwick Airport has the Gatwick express train service direct into the city, Liverpool Street Station. If this will be your first time visiting London then you must do a city tour. This can be a walking tour, open top bus tour or a river cruise. For first timers, Buckingham Palace, London Bridge, Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral, The London Eye and the Thames River are a must see. If you want to feel and act like a true Londoner, then come along with me on my specially designed tour. The first stop on my tour is Camden Town, North London. Camden is a music lover’s paradise. Camden Town is awash with clubs and bars playing music of every genre especially jazz, blues and glam rock. Camden is famous for helping in the discovery of new musical talents such as Amy Winehouse. Not a music lover? Don’t worry. Camden Town offers wonderful markets filled with unusual trinkets and souvenirs, lovely restaurants, and exclusive art galleries.