London with Locals, London, England

Living in Japan, it's rare that I get the opportunity to travel to a place that doesn't require a lot of advance research on my part. Traipsing through strange foreign lands is quite fun -- don't get me wrong here -- but David and I often find ourselves aching for the familiar (read: the English language). This summer we satiated our desire for the uncomplicated with a trip to visit friends and family in London, where we were treated to some seriously epic British experiences (including Wimbledon seats sandwiched between the royal box and David Beckham). It was my first time in London, and I'm already scheming my return!

Keep scrolling for a list of my favorite stops from our tour -- courtesy of London locals. I'd like to extend a big thank you to our wonderful hosts in England: my Uncle Michael, Aunt Jinder and my bestie Tamara alongside her husband Cedric. You made our trip so memorable.

{Above: a corner of the Kyoto Garden in Holland Park | Below: pub patio views & double-decker buses on Brompton Road} ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).