Right, I know, I know this blog is supposed to be about my adventures. But adventures don't have to be about grabbing your rucksack, walking boots and that tent you keep under the stairs but never use. They can be a lot closer to home.....like your back garden. Sometimes laying in your back garden can be as nice as sitting in the park...only somestimes though.
A couple of weekends ago, I made a decision. After a busy couple of weeks of settling into my new home, it was time to stop. Time to stop reflect and start planning for future. To spend sometime by myself catching up on those little things that you never get a chance to do and let build up. So I set up my little area in my garden, duvet, cushions, magazines and planned not to move from that spot for the weekend. The added bonus was that it was really sunny, which made everything a whole lot nicer!
For me, this move was not just about moving closer to my office and giving myself an easier commute (it is an added bonus), it was about spending some time getting to know this city. Finding the little gems it has to offer, off the beaten track, that only Londoners know. I work in Soho, so yes I am surrounded by a corporate mecca of places to go, but I like to know where the best place is to get that coffee or that great restaurant to take your date. Those unique gems that this city has to offer. I promise I'm not going to turn into one of those people who you read about in the Daily Mail (if you ever read that paper...because who would?!) who only shop at independent stores and only buy organic food. I just like to find somewhere differnent, unique and special!
Even before I moved to London I had subscribed to Time Out (http://www.timeout.com/london/), trying to read them every week (I mean try...I've got a few unopend copies). They give you the best places to go, that new little restraunt or the best place to find that great pint of ale. Sad, I know, but I've even started to mark the places I want to visit and I am even thinking of making a scrap book. So while I was sunning myself in the garden this is what I did, caught up on my back catalog with postit notes in hand.
My advice to anyone who is moving to the city and is wanting to explore; subscribe to Time Out to find the best places to go. I also follow alot of LDN based places on Twitter, from sites sharing information, coffee vans, hotels to gay bars and cake shops. I've made a usefull list on Twitter as well (and will be keeping it updated)..find it here (http://twitter.com/originalsteve/ldn). I'm still on the search for good blogs to follow, so if you have any suggestions then let me know!
But yes, sometimes a weekend in the garden, reading through all the cool things going on, or the different places to visit is well worth it and is more of an adventure than expected.
