Oxford Street

Day three of my London getaway:

So I didn't walk more than yesterday, I walked 14.14 miles. Close but I did think today would have been more. Anyway, today was filled with markets, shopping, and some more art. I saw three galleries, almost four. The National Portrait Gallery, The Wallace Gallery, the free admission to Hayward Gallery, and almost the Royal Academy of Arts. Almost because I walked there and got excited because of the huge sculptures by Frank Stella in front but when I got inside the admission was like just under twenty pounds. No student discount, bye.

My itinerary and the details:

St. James Palace

Sucked. I went there because apparently there is a guard that you can take photos with instead of the guards on horses or the guards behind the gates. But I circled the entire thing and still couldn't find the guard. I gave up. However, I saw guards making way for a carriage, looked really important. But maybe I'll try again in June to find the guard because I'll have help, June is my last London visit. 

The National Portrait Gallery

Yeah, boring. I didn't see a single painting I knew. However, I got to see what a lot of people looked like. Sir Isaac Newton, Shakespeare, etc. I saw one that had a dog in it and his name was Sir Daniel Gooch, and I laughed. I laughed because I instantly thought of Sir Daniel Gooch and his pooch.

Piccadilly Circus

On my way to Piccadilly Circus, I saw the huge exhibit tent of Cinderella. So Grandma, I asked the security if the carriage was inside and he said yes. I walked around and saw a huge line. Then I asked if this was a free event, and they said no. So I didn't go. Sorry Grandma. I had a lot of things I wanted to do and It was clear that if I did this, it would take time out of my day. Also, it had a bunch of girls dressed up in line and there was probably a lot of other things than just the carriage. If I had Jaylyn and Sa'Dee, I would have. Anyway, back to Piccadilly. I don't think its such a huge deal, because there is one spot of all of the screens that looks like Times Square, but no big shops around. I walked right past it. 

Royal Academy of Arts

Boo. Sucks. Well, I'm sure it's wonderful but boo because of the stupid high admission price.

Soho Market

Sucked. There was construction taking half of the street so there were like four tents selling produce, and they were just setting up I think. Also, Soho is freaky with their shops. 

Oxford Street

It was like walking down a huge High Street (what all major shopping streets are called in all towns) or walking down Chicago's shopping street. I went straight for Forever 21 and bought a pink leather skirt. Then, guilty, walked into their Primark.

Wallace Gallery
I saw The Swing by Jean-Honoré Fragonard!

Marble Arch

Saw it up close. I promised myself to go see it in person than just seeing it through the National Express bus's windows with every time I have to go to London to get on my bus for a trip (like Birmingham, Bath, Southampton, etc). After I took a photo, I hear a bunch of police on motorcycles whistling and getting all traffic to stop. Then Three super black and tinted cars drive with the motorcycles. I bet it was the Queen. After that scene, I took the Marble Arch tube to Holborn.

Covent Market and Jubilee Market

Walked from Holborn to Covent for the market, and I was surprised when I walked out of the market to see Jubilee's Market right next door. Covent was more food and Jubilee was more vintage. God, the stuff I would do for all of those gorgeous rings at every stand. Saw a lot of street performers there. I like London, because comparing with Italy's street performers.. there are no annoying ones trying to get in your face. In London, I only see one every once in a while (not every five minutes) and they are actually good at what they do. 

Hayward Gallery

I didn't have this place on my list but I was walking down the bridge into South London and I start seeing really cool street art. And I see this contemporary art museum. Of course it costs nine pounds, so I see the free admission room upstairs of Sheila Hicks. Really cool, Google her. 

Walked back to grab dinner at a Tesco and then back to my room for the night. Successful day. My feet are even more sore and I think there is a blister covering my whole heel of my right foot, but I cannot tell. I was wearing tennis shoes this entire trip, the only shoes I brought (happy Grandma?). I go home tomorrow, but before I leave I plan on taking the tube up to King's Cross Station to see Platform 9 3/4. I also forgot to mention, but yesterday I think I looked Mexican or something because I got three Hola's and then A Muchas Gracias. Also, I had to buy a new map because mine was literally falling to pieces. And hey, apparently daylights savings happened Sunday so I am back to being six hours away from Wisconsin. Sorry.

Things to do in London in June: Design Museum, Tower of London, ICA Gallery, and maybe the Guildhall Art Gallery.