I’ve been on this observation wheel twice now, and each time, I absolutely love it, even though it's a bit overpriced + crowded. There is no other way to describe it, other than to just show the pictures of the amazing views of the city.
I'm not quite sure what took me so long to write a post about The Eye, as it has to be one of the biggest attractions in London and one of my favorite things to do with visitors. But it’s about darn time {and better late than never!}. I’ve been on this observation wheel twice now, and each time, I absolutely love it, even though it's a bit overpriced + crowded. There is no other way to describe it, other than to just show the pictures of the amazing views of the city. Each capsule on The Eye can hold up to 25 people {crazy right?!}. You can also rent out the capsules for private events {such as a proposal or small party!} #learnsomethingneweveryday. As I mentioned to my friend, my three favorite things to do in a new city are the following: try a local dish, experience a night out on the town, and get a bird’s eye view of the city to get a lay of the land {I should also add to the list: take a boat ride, if it's available}. There is no better way to get a feel for all of London than a 20-30 minute ride on The Eye.
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I never understood the hype surrounding Guinness. It was too dark, appeared to have a curd-like texture, and seemed to be extremely filling. After going on the Guinness Factory Tour, I now understand the hype: it’s flavorful and not very heavy. It's also smooth and enjoyable to sip on {in other words, it’s not a shotgun-type-of-beer}. The outside of the Guinness Factory takes you back to the horse-and-buggy days. And not because they actually have horse carriages outside to add to its charm, but because it's this very prominent, brick building that has so much character and takes up a large portion of Dublin. You could get lost {or at least I can!} walking just around the exterior. Inside the factory, there are 7 {yes, SEVEN}, giant + spacious floors, starting with the Guinness family's 9,000 year lease of the building: First floor: This is where you learn about the high-quality ingredients that go into making Guinness. Second floor: This is where you learn how they actually make the beer and the machines {or pieces of art} that aid in the process. Third floor: This is where you become a taste-tester. You get to smell the various ingredients {the hops smelled the best!}, and you get a mini-Guinness to learn how to properly taste. To properly taste, you must breathe in, take a “generous mouthful” of Guinness, and breathe out. That is how you are able to taste all the flavors. Fourth floor: This is where they show you the various Guinness advertisements throughout the years. From print ads to commercials, you can see how Guinness has been marketed to the masses. Fifth Floor: This is the holy grail of the tour! You get to partake in Guinness Academy by learning how to pour a Guinness properly. Once you have “graduated” by correctly pouring yourself a glass, you get a cute, little certificate. I wonder how I become a teacher in this kind of academy…;). First, the spout must touch the harp and you tilt the glass. Next, when the beer is filled about halfway, then you move the glass upright. About three-fourths of the way full, you let the glass settle, and finally, you top it off. Sixth Floor: They have various restaurants to enjoy food and some more Guinness. This is where we tried the traditional Irish stew and soda bread, which was out.of.this.world. Seventh Floor: This is not only the most crowded area of the entire factory, but also the one with the best views of Dublin. So grab a drink, snap a pic of the view, and head to the sixth floor for food and more seating :). This is one of the world’s leading tourist attractions and it’s easy to see why. It’s informative + interactive, which makes for an entertaining day out in Dublin with good friends.
Over spring break {which seems like forever ago now}, we visited Dublin, Ireland. Before traveling to The Emerald Isle, many people suggested we drive out to the countryside, as that is where the most stunning views of the country will be; however, because we only had two full days in the city, we opted just to stay in Dublin and explore. To be honest, Dublin is like most large cities, particularly London, with similar architecture and activities. Two days was definitely plenty to see all of Dublin, so if we do happen to travel back to Ireland, I would like to skip the city and see the rolling hills + the cliffs. That being said, if you have two days in Dublin, there is plenty to do + see: Dublin Castle: While we didn’t go inside the castle to view the rooms, just seeing the castle and its architecture is pretty amazing. The fact that this giant structure still exists in the middle of their city is unbelievable. The castle has a beautiful garden to walk through {or to use as a backdrop during a proposal to the girl of your dreams ;)}. The happiest couple who got engaged in the castle gardens {and who happen to be our great friends!}. Talk about a trip of a lifetime! Trinity College: Much like our trip to Cambridge, you can’t go inside the actual buildings, but walking around the campus and its courtyards are fun. St. Stephen’s Green Park: Besides markets, if there is another part of Europe I really enjoy, it’s the parks. The large, open spaces with blossoming flowers definitely make for a nice place to gather with family + friends on a sunny, spring day. We're the four best friends that anyone could have ;). St. Patrick’s Cathedral: The burial site of Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver’s Travels, is one that should not be missed. Further, the church, in comparison to other cathedrals we’ve visited, is interactive with a coloring + building area for children. The cathedral gardens above. Irish Pubs: This is one of the top reasons to visit! In all seriousness though, the Irish know how to drink and have a good time. With lively music {at times, live bands}, colorful inner + outer décor, and friendly people, the Irish pubs are fun. I think because I’ve been able to experience the quiet English pubs so frequently, this was a nice, more energetic change of pace. The pubs we visited and really enjoyed are the following two: The Brazen Head {Ireland’s oldest bar} and Temple Bar. Even during the day, there was so much energy around the Temple Bar area! There are so many pubs to choose from while walking around! There was so much character inside Brazen Head, with many references to America with its decor {which I loved!}. Jameson Distillery: We didn’t take the actual tour, but this is worth checking out for a quick drink. I loved the warehouse feel, with the exposed brick and piping. It reminded me a little of Chicago. My absolute favorite part of the trip was going on the Guinness Factory Tour. And because we spent hours there, it deserves its own post, so stay tuned for the condensed version of the tour! Overall, the city of Dublin was easy to navigate + extremely walkable {we walked to most places you see posted here}. While it wasn't a city-escape, it was a bit livelier than what we typically experience in London, and for that, it was a worthwhile trip!
Between noteworthy coffee shops, like a Victorian-toilet-turned-caffeine-selling-cafe to weekend coffee festivals, London takes the cake in the coffee + tea market. While I can't say I'm a coffee connoisseur {I tend to pick convenience over quality at times}, I do appreciate an independently-owned, unique oasis from the city hustle + daily grind. And that's exactly what I found in Hackney Coffee Co.: a book-lover's dream, a warm + welcoming cafe, and a peaceful respite. I was thrilled to be invited by the co-founder to pop in for a "cuppa" and "nibbles" {when in London ;)}, since I mainly stick to one of the hundreds of Starbucks I pass by on my way to work. Unlike the generic coffee shops, Hackney Coffee Co. has a lot of character + charm. From its exposed brick, to its playful light fixtures decorated with hats, to its upstairs reading nooks, this cafe is comfortable + inviting. Just take a look at those couches! I think I can sit there for hours and grade {or read or nap!}. Further, Hackney Coffee Co. knows it's coffee, cake, and sandwiches {aka toasties}. The apple, earl gray cake is to.die.for. And their salt beef toastie was the perfect after-school snack on a chilly, rainy day {I mean the melted cheese + pickles are perfection!}. And if you want my professional opinion, you should eat it in that order ;). To the team at Hackney Coffee Co., thanks a latte for inviting me to experience your charming cafe. I will definitely be seeing you again soon!
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Danielle MarieChicago native. Proud teacher. Wannabe yoga instructor. Life-long learner. Royal & celebrity enthusiast. Foodie. Animal lover. London implant trying to understand a new culture and lifestyle. Follow me and my journey abroad, by subscribing below with your email address. xoxo @pdathleisureArchives
May 2017
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