YES!!
This summer it was time for another trip to London! :)
Originally I designed this blog to be about my 2012-trip to London - then I expanded it to include my previous trips as well ... and now I'm expanding again! :)
The "blog"-part of this site will be about my London trips, from the 2012-trip and forward - and the pages will cover my previous trips (I am aware I'm still missing a few things from my earlier trips, but for now, I will try to focus on the latest one).
If you want to go back and read about my trip in 2012 that is fine, but I do believe some of the images won't work, I apologize for that but I won't spend too much time trying to fix them now, but instead focus on getting everything about this most recent trip up to date.
As the trip took place during the summer, I had no internet access before or immediately after, so there have been no introductory posts here. Instead I will try to start off with an entry describing this trip, how it came about and what preparations were made (circumstances were a bit special too) - and then I will continue with posts on the actual trip.
I like the idea of one blog entry per day on the trip, but I'm not sure I can follow my pattern from 2012 with one photo-post from each day - as I have saved 1011 photos from the trip (no, I won't post all of them - duh! - but I will have a hard time choosing, and I'm guessing there will be a lot of photos here!) ... but I'm thinking of doing thematic photo-posts instead, I think that will be easier.
I do have a lot of other things to do as well right now, so I'm not sure when, or how often, I will be able to add posts to this blog, but I'm still trying to remain in my London-state-of-minde (which is a great one!!), so hopefully I will be able to spend at least some time every day on this blog! :)
Seeya!
Showing posts with label general. Show all posts
Showing posts with label general. Show all posts
Wednesday, 13 August 2014
Sunday, 30 September 2012
Photos
Okay - so first a little something about photos! :-)
At the very last minute I decided on not taking my zoom lens with me, although I had thought I would. But I still haven't found a decent case for it, so it's still in it's original package, and it is quite heavy ... and I still haven't managed to get used to switching lenses smoothly, it's quite a big deal for me to change them, I'm really afraid of getting dirt on the lenses or in the camera house, and it's basically all a mess. I don't regret not taking it actually, I think it would have been more of a bother than a benefit to carry it around with me all the time in London - though there were a few times when I kind of with I had it! :)
I have loads of photos to sort through now, will do that before I start updating the blog, so the next entry probably won't be for a little while yet.
I think the easiest way to share everything I have done is to make one post about what I did on a particular day, then a separate post with photos from that day ...
Also, there are no photos from Day 1 and Day 6, which was when I went to and from London, as I never had the camera out these days. However, I have to make one comment here - I really wish I'd gotten around to get my camera out during the flights! First of all, I just love the take-offs and landings (although around Malmö we had some rough weather, both taking off and landing), so it would be cool to photograph a bit then. But also during the flight, when you get above the clouds ... I love clouds and seeing them from "above", with the bright blue sky, it was just amazing!! Next time I fly, I'll definitely have my camera ready! :)
I hope you enjoy the coming entries, and the photos, and if you want me to add anything or tell you more about something, please let me know!! :)
At the very last minute I decided on not taking my zoom lens with me, although I had thought I would. But I still haven't found a decent case for it, so it's still in it's original package, and it is quite heavy ... and I still haven't managed to get used to switching lenses smoothly, it's quite a big deal for me to change them, I'm really afraid of getting dirt on the lenses or in the camera house, and it's basically all a mess. I don't regret not taking it actually, I think it would have been more of a bother than a benefit to carry it around with me all the time in London - though there were a few times when I kind of with I had it! :)
I have loads of photos to sort through now, will do that before I start updating the blog, so the next entry probably won't be for a little while yet.
I think the easiest way to share everything I have done is to make one post about what I did on a particular day, then a separate post with photos from that day ...
Also, there are no photos from Day 1 and Day 6, which was when I went to and from London, as I never had the camera out these days. However, I have to make one comment here - I really wish I'd gotten around to get my camera out during the flights! First of all, I just love the take-offs and landings (although around Malmö we had some rough weather, both taking off and landing), so it would be cool to photograph a bit then. But also during the flight, when you get above the clouds ... I love clouds and seeing them from "above", with the bright blue sky, it was just amazing!! Next time I fly, I'll definitely have my camera ready! :)
I hope you enjoy the coming entries, and the photos, and if you want me to add anything or tell you more about something, please let me know!! :)
London 2012: Initial Thoughts
Yes, I am home, safe and sound, after what has mostly been an absolutely fantastic trip!
I have lots and lots and lots and lots of things to share, so I'm hoping to be able to work at the blog quite a lot today, and maybe during the next few days as well.
I don't want to become too personal in the blog, and while, naturally, this trip has meant a lot of things for me, personally, I won't get into that too much in this blog - I will mostly just tell you what I did and share my experiences and my photos with you.
From a practical perspective, I think it was insane how well this trip actually went! I didn't think it was "allowed" for a trip to work this smoothly, there has been no problems to speak of whatsoever, and no one is more grateful for that than me!! I'm also quite happy that it was on this particular trip that things worked out so well, as this was a trip to, more than anything, test myself, my ability to cope and to actually do this - and it feels really great that it worked out so nicely.
I'm perfectly aware of the fact that not all trips will work out as well as this one, but since this one did I think I have strengthened my confidence in coping in situations when things doesn't always work out really well! :)
Keep an eye out in the blog, as I will try to update fairly regularly now! However, I will have to sort through all my photos first - and that will definitely take a while! :-)
I have lots and lots and lots and lots of things to share, so I'm hoping to be able to work at the blog quite a lot today, and maybe during the next few days as well.
I don't want to become too personal in the blog, and while, naturally, this trip has meant a lot of things for me, personally, I won't get into that too much in this blog - I will mostly just tell you what I did and share my experiences and my photos with you.
From a practical perspective, I think it was insane how well this trip actually went! I didn't think it was "allowed" for a trip to work this smoothly, there has been no problems to speak of whatsoever, and no one is more grateful for that than me!! I'm also quite happy that it was on this particular trip that things worked out so well, as this was a trip to, more than anything, test myself, my ability to cope and to actually do this - and it feels really great that it worked out so nicely.
I'm perfectly aware of the fact that not all trips will work out as well as this one, but since this one did I think I have strengthened my confidence in coping in situations when things doesn't always work out really well! :)
Keep an eye out in the blog, as I will try to update fairly regularly now! However, I will have to sort through all my photos first - and that will definitely take a while! :-)
Monday, 24 September 2012
London, Here I Come!
Time for my final entry before leaving - I'll be off in a couple of hours! :)
I have SO many mixed feelings regarding the trip right now, and I'm going from happy, excited and proud, to a state of complete panic and almost a wish to cancel the whole thing ... I have a feeling this will be a very emotional day, to say the least.
I don't have the time nor the energy to write a lengthy blog entry here, I just wanted to let you know I'm off and that I will be back on Saturday night. Blog probably won't be updated until Sunday though (at the earliest), but I am hoping for long and detailed blog entries with lots and lots of photos!
Until then, take care! :)
I have SO many mixed feelings regarding the trip right now, and I'm going from happy, excited and proud, to a state of complete panic and almost a wish to cancel the whole thing ... I have a feeling this will be a very emotional day, to say the least.
I don't have the time nor the energy to write a lengthy blog entry here, I just wanted to let you know I'm off and that I will be back on Saturday night. Blog probably won't be updated until Sunday though (at the earliest), but I am hoping for long and detailed blog entries with lots and lots of photos!
Until then, take care! :)
Saturday, 15 September 2012
Travel Card - Part II
Since I was a bit worried about what to do regarding my travelling in London, I thought it best to make an update here!
I ended up ordering an 7 Day Travel Card online, which I think is a really good option, but I was really worried I wouldn't get it in time for my trip. I also had no opportunity to choose an insured delivery option, as I wouldn't be able to be at home, waiting to sign for the delivery ... it was a bit of a chance, but I felt I had to take it.
I ordered the travel card early early on Thursday morning, and during Thursday afternoon I got an email saying the travel card had just been sent, and if it didn't arrive within five working days I shouldn't contact them.
I was surprised, to say the least, to find an envelope from Boxoffice among the rest of my mail yesterday afternoon (Friday) - with my Travel Card!! :)
Cool!
It feels SO good to actually have the card with me when I go, so I don't have to think about that the first thing I do when I arrive in London.
I do know, however, that I really should take the underground from Liverpool Street station when I arrive - it's a bit longer walk from Edgeware Road Underground station to my hotel than from the bus stop, but the trip takes like 20 minutes .... in comparison with the bus which will take an hour.
Don't think I'll decide on that right now either, it feels a bit adventurous to try on the underground system for the first time ever when I have just arrived in London, it's a bit late at night, and I need to check in to the hotel as soon as possible - but still, if it cuts my travel time in half, it's certainly worth thinking about ...
I ended up ordering an 7 Day Travel Card online, which I think is a really good option, but I was really worried I wouldn't get it in time for my trip. I also had no opportunity to choose an insured delivery option, as I wouldn't be able to be at home, waiting to sign for the delivery ... it was a bit of a chance, but I felt I had to take it.
I ordered the travel card early early on Thursday morning, and during Thursday afternoon I got an email saying the travel card had just been sent, and if it didn't arrive within five working days I shouldn't contact them.
I was surprised, to say the least, to find an envelope from Boxoffice among the rest of my mail yesterday afternoon (Friday) - with my Travel Card!! :)
Cool!
It feels SO good to actually have the card with me when I go, so I don't have to think about that the first thing I do when I arrive in London.
I do know, however, that I really should take the underground from Liverpool Street station when I arrive - it's a bit longer walk from Edgeware Road Underground station to my hotel than from the bus stop, but the trip takes like 20 minutes .... in comparison with the bus which will take an hour.
Don't think I'll decide on that right now either, it feels a bit adventurous to try on the underground system for the first time ever when I have just arrived in London, it's a bit late at night, and I need to check in to the hotel as soon as possible - but still, if it cuts my travel time in half, it's certainly worth thinking about ...
Updates!
Some updates to this site has been done today.
There are now photos available from the London 2009-trip I made with Annika - not that many perhaps, but I did have a hard time choosing what photos to include, as I have quite a few to choose from! :)
I have also added reviews from Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables from 2009 on the London Musicals page. These are basically taken from my old blog (just like the review of the 2009 trip) - but I hope you enjoy them anyway.
I'm hoping to update on the trips from 2004 and 2006 as well, maybe tonight and/or tomorrow!
Enjoy!
Oh yeah - if you have any comments, stuff you like, or don't like, stuff you want to see here etc., feel free to leave a comment and tell me! :)
There are now photos available from the London 2009-trip I made with Annika - not that many perhaps, but I did have a hard time choosing what photos to include, as I have quite a few to choose from! :)
I have also added reviews from Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables from 2009 on the London Musicals page. These are basically taken from my old blog (just like the review of the 2009 trip) - but I hope you enjoy them anyway.
I'm hoping to update on the trips from 2004 and 2006 as well, maybe tonight and/or tomorrow!
Enjoy!
Oh yeah - if you have any comments, stuff you like, or don't like, stuff you want to see here etc., feel free to leave a comment and tell me! :)
Thursday, 13 September 2012
Travel Card
I've been thinking quite a bit about what to do regarding travelling in London. When I've been there before I have always gotten a "one day bus pass", as I'm not at all familiar with the underground in London (was a bit different when we were in New York, at least my Dad and I went on the subway all the time!) - but now that I tried to do some checking, I didn't find anything about a "bus pass", it was all Travel Cards or Oyster Cards.
Took me a while to try to familiarize myself with what was what and what I would need and what would be most economical, but in the end I decided a 7 Day Travel Card would probably be the best. It allows me to go on both buses and undergrounds, and it was cheaper to buy that than buy individual travel cards for each day.
Just one problem left. I don't get to London until rather late, the plane lands at Stanstead Airport at 5.30 p.m., meaning I won't be at Liverpool Street Station before say 7 p.m. - and I'll probably be both tired, suffering from my usual after-flight-headache (something about the pressure changes when flying always gives me a headache) and nervous about finding my way to the hotel, so I really don't want to have to start figuring out the London transport system there and then.
I found out (thanks Annika!!) that you could order a travel card online, and have them send it to you, which was great! I was however, a bit nervous that I'd be too late, that they wouldn't be able to get it to me before I leave! After careful reading it said you had to order 7 days before leaving, so that felt okay after all.
Next problem: choosing delivery.
They had one fairly cheap delivery, but without any guarantees if the package got lost in the mail, and one more expensive which was insured against basically anything. I felt that it would be worth going for the more expensive one, since it would be SO great to have my travel card when I arrive in London. But then I find out that if you choose the more expensive delivery you have to sign for the package when they deliver it, meaning basically you have sit at home and wait for them to arrive any time between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. - and they couldn't even give you a definitive day!!
I have so much going on right now, there's no way I can just stay at home waiting for a delivery ... so in the end I ordered the cheaper delivery, ordered early this morning, and now let's all pray and hope that my travel card arrives before I leave!! *fingers crossed - and toes too!*
Took me a while to try to familiarize myself with what was what and what I would need and what would be most economical, but in the end I decided a 7 Day Travel Card would probably be the best. It allows me to go on both buses and undergrounds, and it was cheaper to buy that than buy individual travel cards for each day.
Just one problem left. I don't get to London until rather late, the plane lands at Stanstead Airport at 5.30 p.m., meaning I won't be at Liverpool Street Station before say 7 p.m. - and I'll probably be both tired, suffering from my usual after-flight-headache (something about the pressure changes when flying always gives me a headache) and nervous about finding my way to the hotel, so I really don't want to have to start figuring out the London transport system there and then.
I found out (thanks Annika!!) that you could order a travel card online, and have them send it to you, which was great! I was however, a bit nervous that I'd be too late, that they wouldn't be able to get it to me before I leave! After careful reading it said you had to order 7 days before leaving, so that felt okay after all.
Next problem: choosing delivery.
They had one fairly cheap delivery, but without any guarantees if the package got lost in the mail, and one more expensive which was insured against basically anything. I felt that it would be worth going for the more expensive one, since it would be SO great to have my travel card when I arrive in London. But then I find out that if you choose the more expensive delivery you have to sign for the package when they deliver it, meaning basically you have sit at home and wait for them to arrive any time between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. - and they couldn't even give you a definitive day!!
I have so much going on right now, there's no way I can just stay at home waiting for a delivery ... so in the end I ordered the cheaper delivery, ordered early this morning, and now let's all pray and hope that my travel card arrives before I leave!! *fingers crossed - and toes too!*
London 2009
Well, I wanted this site up and running as soon as possible, but as you might have noticed, it's not much on it yet! :)
I do have a rather detailed travel resume from when Annika and I went to London in 2009 (check out the separate page), but unfortunately I haven't managed to add photos to that page yet.
Don't fret, photos will come - but right now I have a lot going on, so top priority is not on this site. I'll let you know in this blog when more updates are available.
Take care!
I do have a rather detailed travel resume from when Annika and I went to London in 2009 (check out the separate page), but unfortunately I haven't managed to add photos to that page yet.
Don't fret, photos will come - but right now I have a lot going on, so top priority is not on this site. I'll let you know in this blog when more updates are available.
Take care!
Wednesday, 12 September 2012
A Quick Decision - Or Not?
I really have thought about going to London ever since Annika and I went there in 2009 - I very much wanted to go on my own and prove to myself that I really could cope with it in a good way (I went on a short London trip by myself in 2004, info on that will be available eventually, but that really wasn't a good trip, it was way too soon!) ... but somehow life in general got in the way of my plans.
During late spring and summer this year I did start to think about it a bit more, but it was still nothing like actually planning or checking out available flights or hotels, but still, I did think about it.
Then, about 1½ weeks ago, I had nothing much to do and started just checking flights and hotels in London - and before the day was gone, I had booked a trip! *yikes!!*
I really don't make decisions that quickly so it was a bit of a chock, I'm still not sure it has completely sunken in! Still, I think I got a lot for my money! :) I have a return flight with Ryanair and five nights at what seems to be a really nice hotel in Bayswater/Paddington for about 4500 SEK (about £430, $690, 530 Euros)!
There is a lot going on in my life right now, apart from this London trip, so I'm feeling quite stressed out and rather nervous about pretty much everything, but so far, I'm totally excited about London! Nervous too, of course, this will really be the first time I go anywhere truly on my own, but at the same time I'm really confident I actually CAN cope with this on my own, and do so in a good way.
I have compiled this blog/website to really try to make the most of this London trip - even though of course I will update my Swedish blog about London stuff as well (though for details I will refer my Swedish readers here as well) - to get in the spirit of the trip by remembering my previous trips! :)
The 2012 blog will of course be all about this trip - I will try to update as I plan my trip, and when I get home, you will get detailed entries about my trip as well as tons and tons of photos (I will check in one bag so I'm taking my both my cameras, and hopefully my zoom lens as well!).
On the other pages of this blog you will find entries and photos from my previous London trips as well as my musical experiences in London too ... these pages are currently under construction, and I will let you know as more and more stuff become available!
I hope you will enjoy this London focused blog/website - maybe almost as much I as I enjoy making it! :-)
Take care!
/Jessica
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