Get the low-down on London from Gigi the Geek
Today we’re introducing our newest Guest Blogger Gigi, the loveliest Londoner of them all – read all about Gigi on her profile page here, and if you want to keep up with the latest posts, don’t forget to subscribe to our RSS feed.
Gigi being a total London geek
This morning on the Central line, an old fashioned city gent clothed in pinstripes and a bowler hat sat down next to a young girl with ripped jeans and a pink Mohican. I wish I’d had a camera to capture the moment because it was a perfect reflection of the many worlds that exist side by side in this great city.
That’s what I love about London – the sheer number of people, places and experiences on offer.
Mind you, sometimes it can be hard to choose between all the options. I mean, on any given night there are thousands of restaurants, hundreds of gigs and endless possibilities for entertainment. Should I go to the gym or head for the pub? See some art made from elephant dung or watch a silent film with music from a live orchestra? Go to the theatre or hit the clubs? Grab a fry-up or have a curry?
I used to be overwhelmed by the ever-expanding number of possibilities. And then I realised that with a bit of research and planning, you can make the most of all that’s on offer, even with limited time and money.
The wonderful streets of London
During my first few years in this city, I spent countless hours with guidebooks, maps, events listings and spreadsheets. I became one of those people who read every poster in every window and avidly accept every flyer thrust into their hands outside tube stations, so desperate was I not to miss out on some great new place or event.
These days I do most of my research on foot or online, trawling for new venues, exciting events and great bargains – which is how I stumbled across the wonders of MyCityDeal/Groupon. Two vibration plate workouts and several discount spa treatments later, I’m completely hooked.
One thing London certainly has a lot of is people, so clubbing together to get group deals is a pretty genius idea. I was so taken with this cunning plan that I put myself forward to join the MyCityDeal/Groupon team as one of their local bloggers.
So now you too can benefit from my total city geekery and the insights gleaned from years of poring over books and websites and pounding the streets with my eyes peeled for hidden gems and good deals. I’ll be keeping you up to date with the best bargains and dishing the dirt on the places, events and activities that make this city the weird and wonderful melting pot that we call London.
The only thing I can’t help you decide is whether to enjoy the city dressed in old-fashioned pinstripes or the modern Mohican. But as for me, I think I’ll opt for a Victorian ball gown and combat boots. Because this is London after all, and one has to be ready for anything.
Photography: National Archives
I absolutely love the imagery in this piece and takes me back to when I lived in London. I can’t wait to see what trouble Gigi The Geek get into and count me in as a fan!
The way you have described London made me feel proud that i live here. It is like I almost felt the London’s smell and taste in my mouth. I like this article, and i will wait for your next one.
London rules!!!