Northern Ireland: Mussenden Temple, Coleraine

I can't believe the last time I wrote anything was almost 2 years ago, so much has happened since then. For starters me and Raymie are now officially husband and wife, which reminds me that I should probably put some of our wedding photos up here. Life's been kind. It has its ups and downs but nothing we could not handle.

We took a little trip to Coleraine last Saturday. I was happy enough to visit Ballintoy Harbour again just because I took some amazing photos the last time I was there. Turn out the weather was not as pleasant as we thought it would be, we stayed for a bit and our friends decided to take us to this place called Mussenden Temple.

and oh dear, aren't spontaneous trips the ones that surprises you the most?

Lotsa love, x

England: The Monument, Central London

The Monument to the Great Fire of London was definitely my favourite. After paying a small fee at the entrance, you will have to take 311 steps to get to the top. Not going to lie, it almost killed my unfit body. The spiral stairways are also really narrow so if you suffer claustrophobia, probably would not be such a great idea to go. Even so, the view in the end makes everything absolutely worth it. The top of Monument gives you a clear view of Central London, and it is spectacular.

More information regarding The Monument at the end of this post.

Visitor Information
Opening Hours
Summer Opening Hours: April – September 9:30am – 6:00pm daily (last admission 5:30pm)
Winter Opening Hours: October – March 9:30am – 5:30pm daily (last admission 5:00pm)

Admission Prices
Adults £4.50
Children (aged 5-15) £2.30
Students (with identification) £3.00
Seniors (aged 60+) £3.00

PLEASE NOTE: The Monument only accepts cash payment, and children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult. In order to preserve the Monument’s original structure, visitors with large bags are requested to leave these at the base of the staircase. Due to the limited space in the viewing gallery a maximum of 33 people are allowed inside at any one time.

How to get to the Monument

• By bus use numbers 17, 521, 21, 43, 133, 141, 48, 149 (all routes through London Bridge).
• By train use London Bridge, Fenchurch Street or Tower Gateway DLR stations.
• By tube use Monument on the District and Circle lines or London Bridge on the Northern and Jubilee lines.
• By car the nearest car parks are: Q Park (Tel 020 7248 5874) Bucklesbury House, 4 Wallbrook, London EC4N 8DQ or Thames Exchange NCP (Tel 020 7248 6089), Bell Wharf Lane off Upper Thames Street, London EC4R 3TB.

Website: [Here]

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England: Camden Market, Central London

Stepping out of Camden tube station kind of feels like you are stepping into a different world. If I were to describe Camden in one word, it would be eccentric. From funky tees and accessories, retro furniture and crafty goods, to second-hand books and antiques, all sold in various kind of stallholders and store owners.

The downside would be the crowd. Known to be the alternative scene of London, tourist and angsty teenagers flocks here especially during the weekends. I choose to visit London during peak winters and despite having to freeze my butt off in the brutal weather, it turned out to be a good decision. The streets were not as packed as what I saw in all pictures and travel guides, yet still enough to annoy you a little.

TIPS:

• Approach from Chalk Farm station instead of Camden station to avoid the crowd.
• Camden was Amy's place. Make sure to find the Statue of Amy located nearby Stables Market.
• Be sure to check out [Cyberdog]! The store seemed like it was from the future, selling cutting edge futuristic clothing that comes in techno funky colour. I do not want to give away too much but lets just say upon entering the building, you will be greeted by 2 techno dancers on their own mini stage built right up the wall.

Signing off with a photobooth picture we took over there,
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