What Is It Like To Live In London

As I aforementioned in a previous article the past two months or so I was experiencing the lifestyle in London. With the word lifestyle I mean working full time and fitting in that schedule my traveling and all my other activities like sports, movies, socializing and so on and so forth.

The first thing that I want to note is the reason that I have used the picture that you can all see in this article. This specific picture was taken by me two days ago when I went for some shopping in Oxford street. I wanted to give the picture the black and white coloring in order to show you something, the nature of the lifestyle in London.

Most people in London and in most large cities in the world wake up in the morning eat, go to work, wait for the rush hour to finish in a pub in order to go home more comfortably and they fall asleep. Someone may ask '' so you want us to believe that all these people do not have any other things to do?''. No, of course they have but their state of mind is focused on those things. Money, success, work, sleep, waiting for a single Friday night to show off or get drunk in order to feel happy, these are the characteristics of most large cities on this planet.

Some people may disagree with my statements. However in two months I had the opportunity to meet people from all the classes in London. I have met billionaires, millionaires, middle class people and poor people that barely survive. Thus, this single picture can show you the face of London. Beautiful, charming but moody, boring and without almost any form of happiness.

Now if I compare Cyprus with London there are simple examples that prove my point. Every morning I get up and I want to exercise. In Cyprus I just get up and I want to run. However in London I want to stay in bed regardless of the hours that I have been sleeping. Therefore with just a small example I can show you what I mean about the nature of the lifestyle in London and big cities in general.

Closing, I know that every young person like me wants to explore the world and experience many different things. But be careful where you choose to live those experiences. I have made my choice and my choice is Amsterdam a rich capital but with a lifestyle and character that only a few cities have and that is why I have chosen it. What will your decision be?

An Extraordinary Experience

Last night I was in a restaurant in London. Suddenly two gentlemen came in with a dog. I asked my self, ''why is there a dog in a restaurant?'', and then I realized that it was a guide dog for blind people.

It was the first time I have experienced a situation with a blind person and his dog and I felt that I had to write about it.

The two men sat down. Then the person who was not blind took a look at the menu, he ordered for both and then they had their drinks and food. I was looking at the dog and it seemed like a normal dog sitting on he floor quietly waiting for his owner to finish and then they would go for a walk towards home.

However, at one point the blind gentleman, the dog's owner wanted to go to the bathroom. With the help of the restaurant's owner he went to the bathroom which was a floor lower than the restaurant. The dog instantly stood up and was looking at his owner going down the stairs but with a look that I have never seen on a dog before. I could feel the love and care that the dog felt, it was so intense. The dog would not stop looking at the direction of the stairs that lead to the bathroom.

After a while I asked the other gentleman, ''why are you holding the dog?'' and he said '' it gets very hard to restrain her when he comes back''. I was confused, the dog's owner was at the bathroom only for two minutes. However, when he came back I realized what he meant. The dog was so happy, but not like a usual dog excitement, something a lot more. When a dog is excited with someones appearance you can see a lot of excitement and happiness but after a while it fades. With this dog it would not stop and it was just a two minute absence and you could also feel the infinite love and care that the dog felt for her owner it was something unique and wonderful to watch.

After some thinking and research I realized the reason for the amount of love and care that the dog felt. It is because she had to guide the person everywhere and he was depended on her and her instincts. She was the being that he was closest to. Bounded by a bond higher than owner and dog friendship and love but a bond of absolute trust, responsibility and care.

London

Before the beginning of  my Euro trip experience I was already thinking what I wanted to do after it. I said to my self '' I have three months before the beginning of my studies, so let's go to London'' and so it was, I found a job in London for a couple of months in order to fund my traveling and to buy a camera and a laptop. Thus a week after my Euro trip ended I went to London.
I did not know what to expect from London as a city and that is why I was so interested to experience it. At first I settled in and then I bought a travel-card for a month and I started traveling London bit by bit.
To be honest I thought everything would be bigger, for example the Buckingham Palace, but still the sites in London are very interesting and beautiful. The Hyde park, the Green park, the Regent's park and so many other parks are so amazing and beautiful, you just walk and relax along the water.
When everyone imagines London, they have in mind the London eye or the Madame Tussaud, but for me as I said in a previous post my favorite place is Trafalgar square. However, do not get me wrong, I do not hold anything against those places and I believe you will find them very interesting and fun.
And do not forget, when visiting a place do not just visit the major sites but also the little streets and all the secret places that every city has to offer. The best way to find them, is to ask the locals or simply search the web and the answer is there waiting for you.

During travelling

Today I am going to say a few words regarding what could be helpful during travelling and back-packing.

1. During travelling, I set an amount of 30 euros per day and this makes it very easy with regards to saving money. Sometimes you spend more than your budget but during other days you can make up for it. However, if you are not on a budget then you can spend as much as you like. 
2. Also one thing that impressed me, were the free walking tours. Free walking tours are like normal tours but without payment. So you attend the tour and in the end you can leave without giving anything or just giving them a tip. In this way you can enjoy the tour without thinking about the amount that you have paid for it. Some may say that the free tours are not that good. However, this is a lie. The tour guides are qualified or very well informed about the events that they are talking about and they also provide tips on restaurants, bars and anything else you want, and they are always happy. 
3. Finally in terms of food and beverages, I always like to go where everyone else does not. I do this because one day I was in Prague and I wanted to taste traditional food and I dined in one touristic restaurant that was to expensive for the quality that they provided and it was one of the worst restaurant experiences that I have ever had. However, sometimes many restaurants are very famous due to their quality and therefore these are usually a safe choice because they provide good service, and food for a reasonable price. These are Michelin star or fine dining restaurants or famous patisseries.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Overall, I hope that all the aforementioned will be helpful and useful in terms of your personal experiences around the globe.

Preparing to travel

In this article I am going to analyse in a few words how to prepare for a back-packing experience. By prepare, I mean finding the where you want to go, booking the tickets and the accommodation.

1. What I usually do is having a look at the map of a continent, area or country and I find out the easiest way to connect my destinations and which way is the cheapest. 
2. Then I start looking for tickets. Tickets can be for trains, buses, planes, ferries and anything else that you can imagine. Then I compare the prices because sometimes train or ferry tickets seem cheaper, but many times plane tickets are the cheapest option. Even buses that are known as the cheapest way to travel, many times turn out to be very expensive. 
3. Then I start booking early enough. For trains is usually two or three months and for planes the earlier the better. 
4. After that I start looking for accommodation. The amount that you are going to pay depends on the type of travelling and also on your budget and the amount of people that you are with. If you are going alone or with friends the cheapest way is hostels or using Airbnb. If you are going with your wife or kids you are better of in a nice city-center hotel or somewhere with a nice view. I always like hotels near the train stations which makes commuting easier. However, it depends because if I am going to Rio for example, I would prefer a hotel looking at the beach. Many times hotels have last minute offers, but if you want to play it safe, booking months in advance is a better option.

Nevertheless, I have met a lot of people who prefer booking everything at the last moment, including transportation, accommodation and destinations. Therefore, no matter what I tell you, it always depends on what you find easier, most convenient and of course fun.

The Vatican experience

The Vatican. Most people talk about it as it is one of the greatest places to visit. I love Rome but when it comes to the Vatican I was not impressed. People completely overpay in order to get in for guided tours that say that they will get you fast pass to the saint Peter's cathedral and they do not even come with you. The tours are not that good and when it comes to the Sistine chapel... well it is not that amazing. Actually as I said in Rome you can find a lot better paintings like that in any other cathedral in Rome and I am not lying. However it is a nice experience in order to learn a few things but it is not like going to Auschwitz or into the Parthenon in Athens.

A Michelin star experience

About a week ago I booked a table for me and my two cousins at a Michelin star restaurant in London called Kitchen W8. I wanted to start tasting good food because it will help me for my future studies in Hospitality and of course because I wanted to know the difference between a Michelin tar place and a normal restaurant let as say. Therefore yesterday we had a meal there, I had a carbonara with truffle for starter then I had a medium cooked venison and finally for a desert I had a poached pear with cinnamon and vanilla ice-cream. When it comes to the starter and main courses the taste was good and I could really understand the complexity of the dish compared to a normal restaurant. The price was very good if you think that it is a Michelin star restaurant. The price of those two courses was approximately 40 pounds. Then I ordered my desert and it was amazing simply amazing. When I tasted the first mouthful of the pear, it was like heaven, so soft and so elegant and the taste like something from another world. The price was about eight pounds. Therefore is it worth going to places like that. The truth is for many things you over pay for example the drinks but it is a great culinary experience. However if you want to have a dinner with a lot of fun and a great atmosphere you are better of in a Greek restaurant with some music and breaking plates.

Piazza Venezia

Piazza Venezia, probably my favorite site during all my travelling. The size, the beauty, the detail, the view, the people and so many other elements of that place are just printed into my memory and when I always think of Italy this view and the view from the top comes into my head. If you ever visit Rome is a site you cannot miss because the road that leads to piazza Venezia goes across half of Rome. Just stand there for a minute and just let the view do the rest and then go up and repeat the same thing.

The secrets of Rome

Rome for me is the most beautiful city in Europe by far for many different reasons. Some may disagree with me but that is okay because everyone is entitled to his or her opinion. Rome has some of the most magnificent sites on the planet like Paris but with a difference. The history of Rome goes back thousands of years and you can feel that when you are visiting Rome. Some of those sites are the Colosseum, the piazza Venezia, the Roman Forum and the Vatican and many other sites. I personally feel in love with Rome because of the surprises she can give. You can enter any building or any cathedral and you may find the most magnificent art painting or wall painting that you can possibly imagine. many people say that the Sistine chapel is the most beautiful one but I can assure you it is not. Finally Rome has some of the best I will not say food because I will lie, ice creams and coffee that I have ever had in my life. Thus if you ever have the opportunity definitely try Rome or Italy in general.

Dover

Today I have visited Dover. Dover is famous for the white cliffs of Dover. For many people it is one of the most beautiful sites in the world. In my opinion Dover is a very interesting city with a nice castle, a beach, the harbor, the beach and as aforementioned the cliffs. It is a great experience and I believe if you ever get the chance visit Dover and ofcourse the famous white cliffs and let the view speak for itself. Just get lost in that beauty and enjoy.

Charming Hamburg

The city of Hamburg, a destination that is not usually chosen by people that think of Germany at first because in their mind there is Berlin or Frankfurt. There are not so many things to do in Hamburg but it is a lovely and charming city with a beautiful lake and some nice little streets. It is a great destination if you want to relax and have a nice stroll in the city center. Hamburg soon though will be transformed into a big city because the whole surroundings of the city are constantly developed and until 2020 it is said that it will be ready. Therefore if you ever want to go to Hamburg the best time will be when the city's developments are complete but if you want to experience Hamburg in its original form you are better of now.

My favorite places in Paris

 Yesterday I wrote a small review about Paris. Yes I said in other words that I did not like Paris that much. That is true but I also said that it has some amazing sites to visit and actually some of the most amazing ones all over the world. These two pictures show two of my favorite places that I have ever visited. The first one is the Louvre and the second is Mortmarte. Louvre is like the size of my hometown in Cyprus as it is the biggest museum on the planet and it includes some of the most amazing art collections.

Everyone visits the Louvre for Mona lisa but my favorite is Madonna of the rocks. Now Mortmarte is a huge cathedral not exactly in the center of Paris and it is just an amazing site to see. I t si huge and beautiful at the same time and full of people at all times of the day. I hope that one day you will visit these sites because they are truly amazing.

Paris

Another stop during my travelling was Paris. I know that many of you think of Paris as the city of lights and that everyone says it is one of the most beautiful cities. However I did not feel it. For me Paris is a great city when it comes to site-seeing because of the Eiffel tower, the Louvre which is amazing by the way and so many other places like the mortmarte and the notre dame. But I did not feel anything else, that does not mean of course that it is not worth going because this is just my opinion and if you visit Paris you may love it. Overall, for me Paris has some magnificent sites and my favorite is notre dame because when I entered I heard those prayers but it was something I have never heard before and I was lost in my own world, but generally I was not impressed.

Moments of peace

While travelling there are a lot of moments of peace where you can think in you own world as I said before but this picture shows something more. When I was travelling each country has a lake or a river with ducks or swans.
If you take a moment and maybe feed them some bread or just take a few pictures and then just stare at them you realize that you become so calm and peaceful inside. This happens because of their innocence and purity. Therefore in every moment that you get while travelling try to relax and enjoy everything it can give you, whether is knowledge, fun or imagination it is worth every single moment that you spend for it.

Finding a path

 This is one of my favorite pictures that I have ever taken. It was shot at the lake Zurich on a day that most people do not like to go sightseeing or traveling in general. But for me the beauty of the sky that day and during any day with a ''bad weather'' it is a huge opportunity to just get lost in those amazing dark clouds or be amazed by a thunder. The most amazing things occur in moments and to people that the general public does not think much of. Therefore once again I will ask of you not to follow the croud but do your own thing chose you own path, the path that is not taken by most people in life and it will lead you to happiness or even greatness.

Little streets

One of my favorite things to do while travelling is not just take pictures of famous site or dine at the most expensive restaurants or go shopping but to walk in those little streets that every city has. There you can find some of the most amazing food or things to see, it is quiet and peaceful. It gives you the ability to think and think without having anything else in your mind just your own imagination and the magic that it can create. Therefore I urge you not to just travel for the sake of it or in order to brag about it on facebook but to really feel free and without any problems and regrets because at that moment yiu feel completely happy and alive.

Switzerland

Switzerland. When people hear this name they think of a country full of money, watches, chocolates and clothes. This is true but the also the beauty of this nation is unparalleled. This is a picture that I have taken in Zurich. Many people think that it is the capital, others think is Basel but sorry to disappoint you but Switzerland has no capital. Nevertheless Zurich it is simply amazing with the small little streets, the canal, the shops, the chocolate, the food and of course the amazing lake Zurich that I could seat there forever just gazing into the incredible beauty. However there is a price for all these, for eample 18 euros for two pints. But I definitely recommend Zurich or any other city of Switzerland because it is simply amazing.

An eight hour journey which seemed only a few minutes

When I was in Vienna I had to wake up at five o'clock in the morning to catch a train to Zurich. The journey was eight hours long. At the beginning I fell asleep straight away and then when the sun was up I woke up and had a small meal. Then when I looked outside the view was amazing, simply amazing. And as the train was moving forward the view was more and more incredible. I could not stop staring. I was like a three year old who is given a nice ice-cream or candy. The moment we crossed the border the view was unbelievable I was almost mesmerized by it . This picture shows exactly that. So I urge you if you ever get the chance to travel with a train do it close to the alps it will be a view to remember I can assure you for that.

My memories of Vienna

Another stop during my Euro trip experience was Vienna. To be honest Vienna is really beautiful and has really interesting architecture but I did not like it very much like other cities in Europe. However I have to say that I have never had better deserts than Vienna. For instance there is a place called Demel the are the imperial family's patisserie let's say and they make the most amazing cakes and deserts. Also there are very beautiful castles like Belvedere in the picture. But the most interesting thing is the opera in which you can get tickets for three euros as standing tickets if you are lucky. Therefore even though Vienna it is not my favorite city I believe you should definitely visit the city if you ever get the chance and it is only one hour away from my lovely Bratislava.

An unusual day trip

Yesterday I visited Windsor, the home of one of the largest castles in Britain. Everyone goes there for the castle, the shopping and the prestige of Eton. However, I saw the castle and my answer as always, '' I have seen bigger and better ''. In Bratislava, in Prague, in Vienna, in Krakow, in Budapest and many other cities. But my favorite thing about Windsor was the long walk. In orde to complete the walk you need a 45 fast walking pace and you end up in front of a statue of a horse rider. Nevertheless, I did not turn back at the end and therefore I continued walking in the woods for another half hour. The views of the forest and the small lakes were amazing. One example is this picture. If you ever have the time it is just half an hour from London or Reading and you will not regret it.

One of my favorite places in London

Yesterday I went to the only major site of London that I have not yet been. Trafalgar square should have been one of my first sites to visit especially on a sunset. It is so beautiful and lively that makes you happy from the moment you enter that square. From there you can see Big Ben in distance which makes it an even more interesting place to be. If you ever come to London Trafalgar square should be one of the first places to visit in your list and believe me you will not be disappointed.

While filming London

Last night I was filming London for a new video that I will post soon in my YouTube channel. While filming I realized that London is so beautiful now that Christmas is near. Full of markets and ice-skating rinks, kids having fun, adults drinking and eating and tourists smiling and queuing for the major sites. This is a photo from the market at the London eye. If you ever get the chance London is a great destination for Christmas and any other time of the year in general.

Off the beaten path

Most of the times people while travelling tend to go where everyone else is going for example going to big cities or shopping districts or major sites. There is nothing wrong with that but sometimes if you catch a bus and just get off anywhere or catch a train to the outskirts of the city you might find the most amazing view you have ever seen in your life and you would just sit there for hours and hours without thinking of anything else. You would just be mesmerize by the shear beauty of the place.
An example is this picture. This is Devin, a small town outside of Bratislava. I went there to see a castle but when I got there it was closed. So I was disappointed and I walked around of the castle for a bit and then when I got to the other side I saw this amazing view. I planned to stay there for like 30 minutes but I ended up staying for more than 3 hours. Therefore if you can don't follow the croud and it will lead you to some unforgettable experiences.

Bratislava

Another stop during my travelling in Europe was Bratislava. Most people told me that Bratislava is not a nice city to visit but I took the risk. It is a small city but with many things to do and see. For example the castle, its cathedrals, the old town, a nice walking tour in order to learn the history of the place and my favorite sitting on a bench at Bratislava's main square. Now when it comes to food Bratislava is a cheap city if you compare it with other cities in Europe. I recommend having a nice beer at a local restaurant ( not in the center of the city ) and try some of the local soups and dishes like Halusky. The meal will cost about 7 euros per person. Overall, Bratislava is a great destination in my opinion, really hospitable, beautiful, cheap and with some of the best nightlife experiences that I have ever had.

Beautiful Prague

During my euro trip I have visited Prague. Prague for me is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It reminded me a lot of Budapest because I had a lot of nice memories from Budapest. The views of Prague from the river, its castle, the Devin mountain, the old town, the market square and countless other sites will remain forever in my mind. Also in Prague you can taste many good beers and have some really nice traditional dishes like the goulash and some great sweets like the trdlo. This picture is from the Lennon wall. Here during the communist era in Prague people would paint John Lennon's face in order to protest against the communist government. Then everyday the wall changed shapes as many artists painted there illegally but still today there is always at least one painting of John Lennon. I hope one day you will have the chance to visit this amazing city because I can assure you that you will never forget it.