And the vintage shopping! Nothing like it exists in Paris!

And would you be shocked to hear that Big Ben isn't even that big? Here are pics from Buckingham Palace...a bit of a let down as the guards weren't wearing red and I couldn't even get in their face like they do in the movies. Oh well--it was sunny and still a (fun)interesting time.

Garments

Not only is the food good, but the shopping is unlike anything in Paris. Bright colors, soft silhouettes, funky details, and reasonable prices. Two of my favorite stores were JOY and Oliver Bosan. Honestly, I didn't have the courage to spend much time in TopShop (too overwhelming!) and although I would have liked to run through Primark (supposedly a Forever 21-esque store), I never came across one.

Mmmmmmmm Meat Pies....

Whoever decided that British (London-specific) has crap-cuisine was seriously disturbed. I have never eaten so well on a trip--such a variety for quick eats: rustic wood-fired pizza, the CURRY!, dressed up fish-and-chips, stilton and beef pies, the most amazing ginger beer from Jamaica, cadbury eggs!, mars bars, the list goes on and on...