I have a sweet spot in my heart for London. The first foreign city I solo-traveled, my memories there encapsulate my entire experience abroad: absolute freedom, afternoons of wandering, exploration and discovery. So, with a few days to spare this past May, my parents and I hopped on an early train out of Paris’ Gare du Nord and arrived mid-morning with two days of London baby! stretched out before us.
Coming from Paris, what catches me off-guard about London is how fast everyone moves. It feels like they’re going at rocket-speed and that you’re in everyone’s way (which I’m certain we were). Another shock are the colors of dress and diversity of people – it’s a startling change from the restraint and uniformity their English Channel neighbors prefer. A different, potent vivacity, London just pulsates with life – so much so that is shakes me up and inspires with every turn. Thirdly, the language! I tried to explain to my parents the near bliss it is to not for even half-a-second need to think about how to say something. The words can rush out like a mighty river which really nearly makes me want to skip. And a major bonus for us, we arrived the week before the Queen’s official Diamond Jubilee Celebration, which allowed us to experience a city with celebration practically palpable and floating in the air as well as streets and window displays decked out in honor of Her Majesty.
With a short amount of time and a whole city to conquer, we set out for a few of the major to-dos and some of my Londy-town favorites. Here, my friends, are the highlights:
What’s on your London must-do list? I’d love to know!
P.S. A few favorites that we didn’t make it back to on this trip:
– Colorful Notting Hill
– Signage on Portebello Road
– My secret (London) garden obsession
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Alexis, they totally are the colors of your life! Wish you had been there with me :)
That’s so fun! We went to see Chicago and a play called The Woman in Black while we were there. The theaters in London are so much smaller and feel much more intimate than what I’m used to here – London theater is definitely a treat!
I remeber seeing Agatha Christy’s “Mouse Trap” in London on a just out of high school trip. May have been my first live play – certainly the first of that magnitude. I’ve been hooked since. Thanks for sharing. You always make me feel I’m right there with you.
The colors in that last photo are incredible. Colors of my life.