Waves lapping, birds chirping, the smell of spring flowers wafts over the breeze and boats float by as I sit on a bench enjoying the sun hit my face as I read The Times. Yes, I said The Times....London that is.

Yep, that typically-depicted smog-filled (and recently volcanic ash-strewn city) I managed to find an oasis from "Mind the Gap" and taxis (even the pink ones) that threaten to run you down. That's because last week I was lucky enough to find myself back in the "smoke" (frequent flyer miles!) and while there I decided I was going to find something 1.new and 2. cheap to do in this well-visited town.

Sure there is always the multitude of plays and musicals that fill the theatres and plenty of new restaurants to try in this capital city, but why not venture away from the West. For one: the West will eat your pounds (and not the ones from hips) fast enough to send you running for Bermuda. For two: the East provides both a cultural and currency break.

To start my adventure (and yours if you so choose) I headed for the Tower of London (you know, right next to the bridge). I have been here before so I didn't bother entering again, but if you haven't been in the Tower, well... what are you waiting for. First ensure the ravens are there though. If they ever leave....well the kids nursery rhyme will come true or so they say.

Once you've lusted over the crown jewels and safely kept your head, continue down to St. Katherine's Docks. These are on the East (of course) side of the Tower and contain, on a Friday, a feast of foods from everywhere in the world for a fraction of the price of the multitude of restaurants here.

Try Peruvian, Chinese, or Thai food while watching the oversized yachts and houseboats bob in the docks. Of course if the weather is not outstanding (because of course London is known for its great weather) then there is the Dickinson Pub to escape to for good hearty food or a naughty beer.

But don't get stuck there. After browsing the food (and of course I had to hit the fudge tent and the second-hand book stand), it is time to walk it off. The beauty of Londoners is that they are fastidious about sign-posting everything, so figuring out where you are going is pretty simple.

From St. Katherine's Docks head for the signs indicating a Thames Walk that will lead you (if you have it in you) down to Canary Wharf (I suggest making it down there). I did this walk in about an hour and a half with stops along the way for photos, and catching the news while lounging on the benches.

But I get ahead of myself. The first area of East London you're going to hit is called Wapping (no, not Woppened our Bermuda favourite). This area used to have some 36 taverns along the High Street for sailors and other frequent quests. Luckily a few have survived so those who need a top-up after St. Katherine's docks or simply a chance to put you feet up, pull into one along the water and enjoy the boat traffic.

For those less keen on the pub and more on the photography these old, red, brown bricked Wharfs-turned luxury homes (check out the BMWs parked outside) the architecture will not let you down. Keep clicking as the High Street will turn into Narrow Street and the Limehouse Basin where barges access canals and waterways that can take them up to Manchester.

Once you get beyond here, those with children can enjoy the playgrounds and those without can enjoy the benches that line the waterside. Just be careful of the runners who WILL take you down.

Side note: if you do run this is a great way to "get out" of the city.

Shh...is that water lapping? Yep you're right. This area really struck me because while Piccadilly Circus provides life it will also provide you with a headache. Instead here is calm especially for those living in London without the means or the time to escape the chaos.

Fully rested? Follow the flashing light (on top of Canary Wharf) into the dungeons of corporate London (or at least that is how it felt taking the escalator in). If you're not quite prepared for this stark reminder of corporate London there are cafes and restaurants to re-hydrate and re-fuel on the wharf-side.

From here jump on the DLR (Docklands Light Railway) just don't forget to debit your Oyster Card (a handy re-usable card that costs three pounds but let's you just top-up to travel and will provide discounts) if you have one, and head to Stratford.

Well that is if you are a Olympic nut and you want a glimpse of where they are building the 2012 Village. I am, so I did. Cranes and construction workers outnumber everything else as this area will also be home to the Westfield Mall's (you know the largest mall in Europe built in Hampstead) sister.

After indulging in envisioning world class athletes swinging from the lamp posts jump on the Central Line Tube to Liverpool (the street not city). Here you can hob-knob with more of the city folk before heading to Old Spitalfields market.

Unfortunately now these city folk follow you there. That's because what used to be a fantastically dingy, artist infused and culture rich courtyard had sold itself to chain restaurants with slightly less room for crafts and artists. Some of the original market culture still exists, though, so don't give it a complete miss.

The best is yet to come (in my humble opinion). From Spitalfields it is an easy two minute walk to Brick Lane, which was formally called Whitechapel Lane and gets its name from a brick and tile manufacture in the 15th century. It's also Monica Ali's title.

Culturally it is a melting pot. Indian, Pakistani, English, American, and all kinds of culture find their niches here among curry houses, vintage clothing shops and French cafes. Wander along the street before you finally settle on a curry house. Believe me they will be enticing you with free starters, desert, cheap eats and I encourage you to take them! Just don't forget to pick-up your wine, beer, whatever from the off-licences next door. No liquor at the restaurant but they will open your wine for you.

Bricklane isn't finished at curry! Next stop is the Vibe Bar filled with the trendy artist-type that now call the surroundings home.

By now you've got to be tired? Want to think about more? Check out: www.visiteastlondon.com/ for more walk ideas and East London hotspots. Just promise me to think about it? Oh and to visit my website: www.robynswanderings.com. As always blogging everyday.

Next week: Travelling....why it's important.