Think you know London? Think again!

I've been to London a handful of times, but every time it's been in transit between European romps, and only for a very short time. I've stayed in a couple different suburbs, but never had enough time to really explore. Sadly, I think this is a picture of London the large proportion of masses get as it's seen as a hub to the prettier, and better weathered countries of Europe. However, it seems there truly are some gems 'off the beaten path' as close as East London.


This is the kind of travel article I have been craving and I'm so happy that I found it. It combines all the things I think a great travel article should have: A new discovery, sensory experiences, setting a scene the reader can become immersed in, and an objective surveying of what the location has to offer. I was instantly drawn in by the authors tone and style, she made me want to hop on a plane to London and bicycle to East London tomorrow.

One of my favourite descriptions in the article was "On a recent visit, I was browsing the shelves of house-made jams with the cookbook author Anissa Helou, who sometimes holds cooking classes in her nearby loft, and after we stepped outside, a perfectly silent electric car whipped around the corner. The driver and Ms. Helou knew each other, and as they said their hellos under a bank of trees four stories tall, I felt that I was looking into the future, to a time when cities are gentle and everybody is friendly."

Her descriptions of the artsy and eclectic neighbourhoods of easygoing cafe culture was a stark juxtaposition of the mad streets of Central London. Perhaps the fact that most of the areas in East London are not properly served by the underground service helps the area keep its quaintness. No matter the cause, it's refreshing to discover through the authors article that there are hidden gems in London, and even sources of culinary prowess outside of some overly greasy fish and chips in a dingy pub.

Not only did it draw me in with her colourful anecdotes, but also it gave a widespread appraisal of several nearby areas and hot spots to hit depending on your personal interests. In addition to that, the article concludes with an easy to understand list of places to visit if you decide to go. I've listed these suggestions below. More articles like this please!!

IF YOU GO

Boundary (2-4 Boundary Street; 44-20-7729-1051; theboundary.co.uk). Doubles from £200, or $302 at $1.52 to the pound.

Broadway Market (broadwaymarket.co.uk). Open Saturdays.

Caravan (3 Redchurch Street; 44-20-7033-3532; caravanstyle.com).

Columbia Road Flower Market (columbiaroad.info). Open Sundays.

Fin and Flounder (71 Broadway Market; 44-783-801-8395; www.finandflounder.com).

Hostem (41-43 Redchurch Street; 44-20-7739 9733; hostem.co.uk).

Leila’s Shop (17 Calvert Avenue; 44-20-7729-9789).

Rochelle Canteen (Rochelle School, Arnold Circus; 44-20-7729-5677; arnoldandhenderson.com).

Shoreditch House (Ebor Street; 44-20-7739-5040; shoreditchhouse.com) Double rooms from £75.

Towpath (Regent’s Canal by Whitmore Bridge).

Violet (47 Wilton Way; violetcakes.com).

http://travel.nytimes.com/2010/09/05/travel/05nextstop.html?ref=travel

Travel article with commercial twist

I found this article in the travel and destination section of the SMH. Masked as news slanted article about a new trend of young Aussies making return holidays to London, but in a more mature fashion. The article is interesting enough, detailing the method in which young Aussies who once made the shoe string trip to London to experience life on the smallest amount of money are returning on holiday leave with more money and therefore enjoying more luxuries.

Yet from the second paragraph of the article I began noticing a "Student Flights" cropping up every other paragraph. Student Flights is introduced as somewhat of an expert who is providing new insight into a current travel trend in Australia, however as the article goes on it seems they are the only resource contacted. Not only are they the source of this 'new' information, they are also the expert on what to do, and just so happen to offer special flights deals at the conclusion of the article. 

It seems it's more of an excuse of an article to plug Student Flights- and I'm probably right when I suppose that Student Flights bought an advertising package where they got an ad as well as a small editorial coverage disguised as news. Overall not impressed with this practice as it gives journalism a bad name. We shouldn't have to read articles with a sifter in order to decifer whether it is real news, or just a commercial plug.

http://www.smh.com.au/travel/get-back-postbackpacking-aussies-return-to-london-20100805-11k4j.html