Have Bag, Will Travel: London

To say I love to travel would be an understatement, and I guess you could say that statement doesn't make me very unique. Lots of people travel and travel well. Many have gone places I can only dream of going. Yet in the span of 21 years, I've had the opportunity to visit many amazing places. According to my horoscope, as an Aquarius, I have the perpetual, incurable case of wanderlust.

This blog is designed to highlight the places I've been, the things I've seen and all the wonderfully mysterious places I haven't explored... yet. To start things off I thought we'd start with my favorite city in the world:

London. Oh London. I didn’t believe in love at first sight until I stepped onto the bustling platform, full of coats and scarves rushing home after a long day of work. But then again, I’ve been in love with this city since I was 10 years old. I used to dream about going to school in England, and at the tender age of 12 created a bulletin board of pictures and descriptions of Oxford and Cambridge. I had high expectations, I know.

The city is an enigma, but I think it always has been. Just like Paris, if not more so, London has played a crucial role in history, politics, culture and new waves of societal change. It was the epicenter of trade and colonial expansion. It gave rise to the certain foundational aspects of U.S. law. It is a city of importance.

To plainly describe it: it’s a mix of what is wonderful about New York and what is beautiful about Europe. London is its own.

I spent a weekend in the city during one of my trips while studying abroad. Thus, my limited scope of the city has only spurred the drive to go back. I’m thinking of establishing a permanent residence next time.

I stayed with a friend in Camden while there. Katie was also studying abroad, and while I was based in Brussels, she was based in London. In an attempt to not seem overeager and to try and fit everything I could in a short 48 hours, Katie took the reins.

First we went to the Seven Dials and had coffee and a cronut with custard at a coffee shops she frequents. Then we walked aimlessly in and out of art galleries and stories, picking up gifts here and there. We stumbled across a little antique bookshop and on a whim walked in to see these beautiful leather-bound books.

I happened across a third edition of Mansfield Park and just about died when I held a first edition Charles Dickens novel in my hands. If it had been Great Expectations instead of Bleak House, I would have spent my entire life savings on it because that’s about how much it cost. For any of you who really know me, you’ll understand my tears and speechless reaction. Katie had to forcibly remove the book from my hands and drag me out of the shop.

Now here’s a little travel tip: Buzzfeed. They write incredibly short articles/lists of recommendations to places to eat and bookstores to visit. That’s how Katie and I tasted the world’s best grilled cheese.

In the Borough market through the stalls of produce, cheese, cured meats and nuts, is an unimposing stand with a long daunting line. Don’t let the crowds deter you. The cheesy goodness is a melt in your mouth feast, and I used to be a vegan. So if I say it’s good… it’s good.

After stuffing ourselves with grilled sandwiches, earl grey macaroons and cinnamon, chocolate hazelnuts, Katie and I walked along the Thames passing along St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Globe Theatre, street performers and city life in general. We then hefted it down towards Big Ben and Parliament. It was at that famous landmark that I truly felt it. I had accomplished my dream of visiting London and it was so much more. To be honest, I was apprehensive of visiting a city that had permeated my dreams for so long. The thought of it not living up to my expectations was a particularly saddening thought.

I spent my last day in London alone, on a typically dreary English morning. Rainy and windy, it seemed as even the city was sad to see me go. On my own, I visited the Tower of London, tried to walk around Hyde Park in the rain, stared longingly at Buckingham Palace, stole around 221b Baker Street, walked in and out of shops and bookstores in Westminster, waved to the BBC and rewarded myself with a gin and tonic. It was a full day, and even then there was still so much I didn’t get to do. You could spend years in London and still not accomplish everything.

London is not for everyone. Just like New York is not for everyone. It’s a city to get lost in and never be found. It’s a city to discover and unearth but never understand. It’s immortal. London will never die, not in my mind or in the history books. Yet, I would say if you’re looking to feel a little small yet wholly inspired, it’s the city that could take you there.

#fruits