Alight here for Little Venice

If you're free one afternoon head out to Maida Vale or Little Venice. You won't believe what you see.

Tucked under street with traffic whizzing by. Next to an adorable plot of land with spring flowers blooming (where no tape machines can be played - but perhaps an mp3 player can be?).

Right in the mix with geese, swans and ducks galore is a little place called Brownings Pool.

Several times a day the small establishment of London Waterbus Company collects locals and tourists a like and takes them on a bit of a 'behind the scenes' ride to Camden Town.

When I think of London the first few things to come to mind are the crowded streets, pub life, accents, strange says and tea. Life on the canals is not in the top 100 things I would come up with about London life. I overhead the operator tell a fellow customer that because of the extremely long wait times for a water moorage licence people can wait years and years to get one. The entire canal was packed with narrow boats converted for business and for living. I'm curious if there are illegal moorings and how that is managed as a system. Also - how do you get your boat out when you're done with dirty London canals?

It's the million dollar question.

The tour itself allows you to see some amazing houses, real working (and lived on) boats as well as takes you past the London Zoo and Regents Park.

There are some spectacular houses along the way.

The trip this past weekend was suggest by another international person working in London. One of the things that I enjoy most about this city is that there is so much to do and you can combine things by taking different modes of transport. My favourite is walking because you get to experience the good and that bad of the crowds, the smells, the sounds and the sites. This city is absolutely massive and it can feel like it's swallowing you up on some days. That's why stepping out and trying a slower method of travel can be nice.

You never know what you will come across. As a local in whatever city you're in make sure you enjoy what you have. Be a tourist in your own city, town or village.

And of course don't forget a cup of tea or chocolate at the end.