Birthday in London

I’ve talked a lot about my stay in Paris to celebrate my birthday, today it’s all about London!

Although I’ve visited this European capital several times - including during my hen night one month before my Solo Wedding in Santorini (for those who don’t know yet, I married myself in 2017 after my fiancé broke off our engagement) - I’m always happy to come back again whether it’s by plane or Eurostar.

And as every time, the party last several days, so many things to tell you ...​​

Of course, my friends are indispensable in my life and even more during these moments so unique that I organise as much for them as for me.

However, I'd like to say a big thank you to Milan, friend and manager of Elba Bar, who took good care of us. Being able to celebrate my birthday while admiring the city from this rooftop bar, which has a splendid view, and sipping delicious cocktails, will remain an unforgettable memory.
Having become addicted to pina coladas, this place became my lair in London.​

To pursue in this friendly and festive mood, Circolo Popolare was the perfect Italian restaurant. Recently opened, its relaxed and magical atmosphere with all these little lights everywhere, matches perfectly with its authentic and refined cuisine.
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I’ve done a lot of things in my life but I’m still surprised in many ways, and when the whole team of the restaurant comes to sing me Happy Birthday in Italian, I melt like mozzarella on a pizza ...

​With these wonderful days, basking in the city's parks is pure delight, the Regent's Park for example.
This 166-hectare (410 acres) royal park is one of my favourites with its lake, numerous bridges, flowers and Primose Hill where you can relax and admire the city...

Or Hyde Park, a 142-hectare royal park opened to the public in 1637 joined with the 111-hectare Kensington Gardens.

Here you’ll find many statues, sculptures and monuments, including the Lady Di Memorial Fountain, a large oval granite fountain where families can come and wade. But also, the Albert Memorial in memory of Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, husband of Queen Victoria, measuring 47.5 metres high.

It’s also in this park where the Kensington Palace is, the current residence of Princes William and Harry (with their wives and children).

I’m glad that I’ve chosen the Park Grand Paddington Court Hotel to stay, a great location with a friendly staff and a good breakfast buffet. No doubt that I’ll stay there again next time.

Not far from there is Baker Street, does it remind you something? And yes, this was where lived the famous detective Sherlock Holmes in the novels of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

The Museum in his honour restored the house the way he lived with his objects of everyday life. A small townhouse with 3 levels, the first with Sherlock's room and his office, the second where Dr. Watson and his housekeeper Mrs. Hudson resided, and the last level staging the famous prisoners and cases of the detective.

Get ready for time travel!

It's already time for dinner and let’s continue in this nostalgic atmosphere by going to Covent Garden Market at Buns & Buns.
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A souvenir from Picadilly Circus on the way is highly recommended (you'll notice that Chris Hemsworth is gazing at me hahaha).

I saved the best for last.

Although I’ve organised many adult only parties in the past, and especially for women, some will recognise themselves! I never had a show for me, it was time to fix that ...

I chose one of the most incredible shows of the moment to honour me: Magic Mike Live!

Inspired by the two movies Magic Mike and Magic Mike XXL, which take place in the world of male striptease, Channing Tatum wanted to offer an alternative / suite to the movies by choosing to highlight the talents of each dancer (watch the following video). I must say that Channing is not part of the show.

​This show for over 18 combines good music, a spectacular performance and a great sense of humour, reinforced by Adonis bodies, unicorns (it reminds me of my article Unicorns) and an unexpected staging. In addition to London, this show is also in Las Vegas and Berlin.

The temperature rises very quickly in the room, no way to be bored, and when it's over we want more (it reminds me of something hahaha).

However, that evening the show wasn’t complete, unfortunately half of the dancers were ill. "The show must go on" then makes perfect sense!

I’d like to say a big congratulations to the team that night, the artists but also all the people behind, you have achieved an incredible performance!

We had free cocktails and free tickets as compensation, which is extremely generous and appreciable.
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I’d also like to thank Emma, C​ustomer Services Manager, for her kindness and outstanding professionalism.

I'm going back to London in a few weeks and I can’t wait to see the show in its original version!!

And what are you waiting for to get your tickets?? 😉
 
(The following video is for adults only)

London it's also Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, the Tower of London, Madame Tussauds, Riverbank and the London Eye (the Ferris wheel), Westminster ... And shopping on Oxford Street… I promise you’ll discover more in another article, until then, a video at the end of the article to make you discover or rediscover the main sights of London.
 
A reminder: no article next week, I give you more time to read during your vacation.
​Next article: August 10, 2019!
 
Have a good summer and remember to stay hydrated!
 
Love & Water,
L.