I’ve tried to catch up with all of my travels before I start posting about my new ones. This may be the last post about my Europe travels from last year. So we are almost there!
But… I love this city.
I came when I was 18 as a student for three weeks and I remember thinking, “I will come back one day.” Three years later I came on as staff with the program I had attended for six months. It was magnificent. London is the city I love, and the city I have been heartbroken to leave each time. That is one thing Instagram will never talk about when it comes to travelling: the nature of heartbreak.
I loved my life in London. I loved my friends, my lifestyle, my home, the Tube, my biking and all of my adventures. It was the city whose pace matched the tempo of my heart. Leaving all that was tremendously difficult, especially when I had to re-adjust to life in North America. Travel displaces you in many ways and it takes time to find your footing again. But I am thankful for the experience anyways.
Below I will write about 10 of my favorite things about London. I hear a lot of people say they don’t enjoy the city… maybe this will help you fall in love with it!
- The shows.
If you go to London you MUST go to a show. You MUST. My favourites were Kinky Boots and the Phantom. It is so worth it… Get your tickets at the TKTS booth in Leicester Square.
2. The men. Lol.
Guys in Europe are just so much more awesome than in Canada or America. I’m sorry the stereotype is true. People were so much more open to ask you out or hang out, it was just a very refreshing change. It beats the DM’s.
3. My bike.
Rupert was the source of many miles and adventures. I loved him! Biking in London is exhilarating. My favorite trip was riding from London to the Windsor Castle and I rode by the River Thames everyday. Getting to know any city by bike is my favourite, London especially so.
4. Easy Day Trips
I already mentioned the Windsor Castle. Also Cambridge and Oxford are manageable train and bus rides away!
5. Access to Cheap Food
This probably was not the greatest health plan, but in order to maximize my finances I used to eat carrots and Peanut butter Sandwiches for the first three months I was in London so I had more money for the second half of my stay and travels. The plan worked. I was living off of 20 pounds (32 dollars?) a week.
But afterwards I could still save money because there are just so many cheap food options! Go to Finsbury Park or Angel Station for quick grabs. Also, if you go after 9 everything at Itsu is 50% off…!
6. Free Museums
I am not a museum person, but it is amazing how much is available to you if you wanted it. The National Gallery, the British Museum, Natural History Museum… woah.
7. The Freedom to “Find Myself”
I know this fact is not universally applicable to those who visit London. But when I was in London I was away from all people who I had to “answer” too. No Parents. No Coaches. I broke up with my partner, no old friends. This was hard, but in the isolation I was also forced to face myself. Ask myself what I wanted, and who I wanted to be. Then.. the opportunity to follow through on these ideas. I became really strong in London and have taken that strength with me when I left.
8. Friends.
Again, not universally applicable. But loved my peeps.
9. Playing Basketball against the Localers
It was a great way to get to meet new people and Basketball is always fun! Break up the Tourist routine and try it! I found my pickup games on Meetup.com.
10. Easy Access to Anywhere in Europe
People joke that the train ride to Heathrow is longer than any flight around Europe. And it’s true!
Overall London was home for me. I would never be who I am today without the joyous time to work and romp around this fantastic city. I miss it often and the lessons it taught me, but I am glad for the experience. But I can’t be too sad about it… because who says I can’t go back?!
More Pictures Below.
