#MelTakesLondon

I've been in London for about two weeks now and have a few more days remaining. Leaving is going to be bittersweet, because I've grown accustomed to this city in the short amount of time I have been here, but I'm also excited for the adventures that await. 

For those of you who are here or plan on coming here be sure to do as much as you can in a day. Make the most of it. Be sure to explore places and streets that may not be tourist locations. There are so many wonderful locations to discover in London and I think wandering around the city, markets, parks, etc. will help you to love London even more. Be a tourist for a day and try to be a local for a day as well. It will give you a different perspective and will make your trip that much more fun. Also, if you don't want to stick out and be labeled as a tourist; try to leave the giant maps at home, especially since people who use them still seem to get lost and need help. Instead, if you happen to have an Android device or iPhone get the app CityMapper. It truly is a lifesaver. It is the app that I've been using during my stay here and not once have I gotten lost. In fact, I've been mistaken for a local several times due to the fact that it looked like I knew where I was going/doing.
Although I still have a few more days left to discover places, here are a few places that I highly recommend checking out:

Trafalgar Square:

Although this is a tourist location I think it is worth the time to visit. They have several street performers there and some are definitely worth seeing. When I went I saw a breakdancing trio who were not only humorous but skilled. There is also a giant fountain in the center where people sit to relax.

Covent Garden Market: 

I absolutely enjoyed every moment that I spent at this market. There are so many places to shop and several small businesses setting up to sell their products. My favorite stand was the Mstrand stand that sold handmade soaps and lotions.
There are also many places to eat and several street performers at the market, so there's a lot to see and do.

Portobello Road:

From pastel colored buildings to street performers to the flea market, there is so much to do on this street. Be sure to go on the weekend before 4 PM, because most of the stands close by 4 and the stands are only there on weekends. While here be sure to stop by at the vintage store One Of A Kind where you can find loads and loads of vintage Chanel as well as other designer brands. It is also a really cool place to get lost in. The store may seem small once you step into it, but there are so many small rooms waiting for you to explore. Be sure to ask to see the hidden room as well. 

St. James's Park: 

Most people rave about Hyde Park and the other parks, but I absolutely fell in love with St.James's Park the moment I stepped foot. If the weather is nice go grab some food from one of the places located in the park or bring a sandwich with you, bring a blanket, book, and lay there while enjoying the nice English weather. 

Old Spitalfields Market and Nearby Streets: 

Although I don't have any pictures of Old Spitalfields Market it is a really cool place to find antique things as well as small boutiques and shops. If you wander out of the market and to random streets, you will discover an abundance of street art, which is what I really enjoyed about this side of London.