Namaste London: 5 reasons why I want to visit London now!

“You are now

In London, that great sea, whose ebb and flow

At once is deaf and loud, and on the shore

Vomits its wrecks, and still howls on for more.

Yet in its depth what treasures!”

― Percy Bysshe Shelley

The capital city of England and the United Kingdom, London is one of the most exciting and fascinating cities to visit in the world for it has so much on its platter; whether it’s the beautiful architecture, wonderful art or a great music scene – when in London you are never far from iconic places, landmarks, and captivating sights, smells and sounds - never far from your heart’s desire. London is a city that throws in a little bit of everything for everyone making it one of the most wanted destinations of the world.

If there is anything that holds people back then is its pricey costs and expenditure but fear not - UK / London is so much cheaper post the exchange rate gains that this makes it one of the best times to travel to London NOW!

I have never been to London but I wish I will some day... thinking of how London might be right now makes me all starry eyed with bright fairy lights all around and shops decked up in Christmas and New Year’s festivities. The tickets shouldn’t cost me so much of a bomb too as British Airways is introducing their low economical fares. Truly then, there couldn’t have been a better time to visit London or in my case, to dream about it.

So here I pack my very own bag of 5 reasons of why I would want to visit London right now sketching my fantasy version of the city. Check it out and do not forget to add yours in the comment section below!

1. LISTENING TO THE CHRISTMAS CAROLS AT ST. PAULS CATHEDRAL.

The first on my list has to be the majestic St. Paul’s Cathedral. One of Europe's largest cathedrals and one of England’s best loved treasures, St. Pauls Cathedral is a great monument that has not only dominated the city skyline for many long years but also captivated every travelers heart with its magnificent size, architectural beauty and profound history causing it to be a continuing icon for the city of London.

I would love to venture by the Ludgate Hill and pause at the highest point of the City of London especially during Christmas time; and spend a few quiet moments of introspection, reflection and calm, away from the demands and the chaos and madness bubbling in the streets outside. Kneeling down before Mother Mary, saying a little prayer, listening to the carols, basking in the festivities and lighting a candle for hope and peace in front of the awe inspiring altar would provide a perfect energetic start for my London trip.

2. GETTING SPOOKED AT LONDON TOWER 'S TWILIGHT TOURS.

I love history and so there’s no way I will gonna be missing one of these royal Tower of London’s Twilight tours. Conducted by Yeoman Warders, these twilight tours allow access to the visitors in their royal palaces and follow the stories of some of the Tower's infamous residents.

The tours start at 7 in the evening when the light is turning from twilight to dark and lasts for an entire 90 minutes offering along the course an atmospheric experience of the building's main points of interest which also includes an odd ghost story here and there!

Why, what is so spooky in there, this would be one tale I would so love to live and tell about!

3. STALKING THE HOUSE OF THE FAMOUS DETECTIVE SHERLOCK HOLMES.

Speaking of history, to step into one of London's most famous address - 221B Baker Street - the fictional home of the famous literary detective Sherlock Holmes and his friend, Dr. John Watson would be like stepping foot into fantasy – well literally!

Inspired by the adventures of Holmes and Watson between 1881 – 1904 according to the stories written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, their London flat today is a cherished museum protected by the Government for its "special architectural and historical interest" and a must visit attraction of the city.

Being a huge fan of the BBC Sherlock series and Benedict Cumberbatch Sherlock Holmes, I would love to sit on Holmes chair and see all his possessions and artefacts depicting him as a real person – for real – no greater thrill than seeing one of your favourite works of fiction come alive!

4. EXPLORING THE SHOPPING SCENE AT CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR'S.

London is a unique shopping city with hipster boutiques to secret vintage shops, this is one place where you find everything from luxe to high street and vintage to cutting-edge, and it would be interesting to get a taste of just how well London mixes its fashion, food and furnishings.

The infamous Brick Lane in Eastern London sounds like a wonderfully quirky place to head to – particularly on a Sunday. There are fewer better ways I imagine to spend an evening or two than wandering its many markets, peeping into some of the spanking New Year’s delights and may be finding myself a good steal at one of the unique fashionable treasure troves dotting the area. Breaking the ice by bumping into the vibrant and highly talented street artistes and performers and saying my Namaste would be something I look forward to as well.

I hear British Airways is also offering exclusive shopping offers and discounts to its customers as well – wait, did someone say exclusive discounts? Well that would be something to dig into!

5. SIPPING AFTERNOON TEA AT THE RIVER THAMES ON CHRISTMAS.

Easily one of the most pleasant ways to spend an afternoon in London would be to head to the River Thames and take a sightseeing cruise along with the traditional teas.

I have always loved river cruises and this 1.5 hour cruise would be a perfect way to get acquainted with some of the most renowned treasures of London as Percy says in the opening quote in this post including Christmas and New Year fireworks on the river Thames.

The cruise starts at London's Thames River and passes through a medley of the capital’s big sights like the London Eye, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, the famous Tower of London, juxtaposed against the modern buildings of the city's Square Mile, and the Shard — Western Europe's tallest building — together with captivating views of street performers and tourists strolling down the vibrant South Bank.

Savouring the British tradition of the afternoon tea with cakes and sandwiches and cream and jam on the Thames during a 1.5-hour river sightseeing cruise would be the real bonus – presenting the city in a flavour never to be duplicated again.

How I wish my dreams had wings so that I could fly over to London right now...

To London, diving into that great sea,
whose ebb and flow,

... would allow me to go deeper into the chambers of her heart and feel the real her... where kindness would be everlasting as I walk through the streets of her land, where smiles would be a permanent resident diminishing the icy frosts of my sadness away, where hope would be just a moment away in the illumination of a thousand candles lighting my pathway... where I would be one of her own even though I come from miles away.

That London I so wanna see,

Oh how I wish... to fly with British Airways one day.

And come back feeling full
with my bag of treasures laden away!