The London Bug

I've visited London since I was 16 years old. Since a few years I have been bitten by the, what I call, "London Bug". The bug can bite me at the strangest times of the day. I really miss London a lot, and I try to visit at least 2 or 3 times a year. London has everything that my hometown is missing. It has good clubs, theatres, cinemas and lots of stores are open untill late in the evening. When I visit London, sometimes I stay with friends, but most of my stays I stay in Hotel 65, a nice and quiet hotel at Shepherds Bush Road. I always travel by Eurostar, which is relaxed and I love the views it offers. When it had its arrival at Waterloo Station it was great to see London come into view. I was able to see the people on the streets and some main attractions, like the London Eye, come into view. I always pressed my nose to the window, affraid to miss anything of the action, and jealous of the people who were already there where I wanted to be. Now, the Eurostar arrives at St Pancras. There is nothing to see but tunnels. When the train arrives at the station I am able to catch a glimpse of the London Eye, but that is it. Leaving the train makes it all good. St Pancras is a lovely station, and there is a beautiful statue at the end of the platform. It is of 2 lovers (one French, the other English) that hug and kiss their goodbyes or welcome. Once through the passportcontrole London lies ahead of me. I walk straight to the Underground to see lots of people waiting to get their Oystercards or daypasses. I already have an Oystercard, so I pass them with a big smile and my journey begins. I take the Hammersmith and City line to Hammersmith. While waiting for the train to arrive I always feel like I have never been away. The journey to Hammersmith is a nice and quiet one. And once out, I visit the little newspapershop to see if they have the Racing Post of the day. Next to the London Bug, I have also been bitten by the Horse Racing Bug. Then it is up to Hotel 65. The staff is friendly and always happy to see me again. After checking in my day really starts.

Sometimes I have to pick up friends that are staying with me in the same hotel, other times I am alone and go straight up to Leicester Square. That place is one of my favorites in London. Most touristguides see it as a place you better not visit, but I really like it. It has it all for me. They have cinema's and theatres everywhere. And in December there is a little fair, which is always pleasant to visit. I see if I can get some cinematickets and do some shopping. I always have a list of things I buy only in London.

I really love London. It is a place that has it all. History, but also the modern days are there. I like to walk around a lot, as that is the way for me to know the city. The Underground is great to get somewhere fast, but when the weather is good I prefer to walk. I always feel like singing "London, is the place for me", when I am in town. I just have a few more weeks before I visit again. I can't wait to go, as there are lots of great things in store, and always surprises around the corner.