It's Resolution Time: London List of Things to Do 2012

It’s the beginning of the New Year, the start of a new term, and London is calling.

At the brink of a new dawn, drunk off champagne, you begin to taste the possibility – the place between an idea, anticipation, and hope, where the unknown is filled with possibility and the past fuels your prospects. To do better, be better, and live the truest version of yourself. And before you know it, you've done it: Made that New Year's Resolution.

My New Year’s Resolution is to take advantage of the sights and sounds of this city, and explore its maze of museums, markets, parks, shows, bars, restaurants - essentially everything and anything London. I love living in this city, but as I amble to and from school and play and soak up the atmosphere of everyday living, I realize I haven’t been treating London as the tourist destination it is. I’m picking up on London’s nuances, but I’m missing the big ticket items.  Thus, I present:

New Year's London Living To Do List

A Guide to Dating London in 2012

1. Visit at least one museum and one art gallery per month
2. Get to know my Neighbour(hoods) – Angel, Brixton, Camden, Covent Garden, Greenwich, Kennington, Pimlico, Soho, South Kensington, Waterloo (semi-check)
3. Be an overzealous tourist – Tower of London, London Eye, Changing of the Guard, Buckingham Palace
4. Take all available London transport – Bus, tube, train, Clipper, taxi, Barclays bike (Pending: Barclays bike)
5. Go to a live football match!!!!!!!!!!
6. Spot a royal
7. Study in the British Library (or in the café as I think you need to be member to access the study rooms)
8. Attend an opera at the Royal Opera House
9. Go to an Olympic event
10. Attend a play in Shakespeare’s Globe
11. Compare curry houses on brick lane (semi-check)
12. Return to Gordon's Wine Bar (it's a great wine bar)
13. Attend Question Period in the House of Commons
14. Join Prohibition
15. Eat my lunch atop Parliament Hill
16. Go for a run criss-crossing the bridges across the Thames starting with Wand(a)sworth Bridge and ending at Tower Bridge
17. Do a tour of Westminster Abbey and listen to the evensong (check)
18. Market Manoeuvring – Borough Market, Columbia Flower Market, Greenwich Market, Spitalfields Market, Portobello Market (semi-check)
19. Drink in a Speakeasy - e.g.: The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town (check)
20. Sit in the front seat of double decker bus Heritage Route 9
21. Become better friends with the Royal Festival Hall and the BFI
22. Missing the Great Canadian Bagel – Get my fix from Brick Lane Beigel Bake
23. Have a traditional High Tea (check)
24. To the theatre! Attend some sort of theatrics once a month (movies work too)
25. Attend the Royal Ascot

Need inspiration for what to explore in London? TimeOutLondon’s 101 Things to Do is helpful as is talking to your friends and fellow students about their favourite places and things to do.

Happy New Year!

 I'm off, I’ve a date with the city.

Follow how Wanda fairs check-marking her New Year’s London Living To Do List @WandaOBrien.