Being a traveler is one of the greatest things to be able to be:To have the time, money, spirit and freedom - the opportunity;
To aimlessly or aimfully roam around;
To admire detailed masterpieces, all astound;
Stand before phenomenon landscapes, breath taken away;
In awe of the bright lights, soft hues, and buoyant bouquets
Of cultural vastness, history, and delights for the buds.
Things once not understood, now understood.
May I be that traveler, some day, one day,
To explore myself, the world, new strangers - come what may.
- Friday 18 January 2013, thoughts after post-finals celebratory trip to London. I'm closer to be able to be a traveler...
London Highlights:
Saatchi Gallery
My favourite out of them all.
Specifically, Valery Koshlyakov's "Grand Opera Paris 1995 - Tempera on cardboard".
First night out ever in London,
and definitely not my last. £7.50 total spent.
Continuous great music/mixes from 9.30pm-3am- couldn't fault one song.
Brilliant company of friends, full of life on the dancefloor that you forget you're tired.
At the near end, got chatting with a traveler. David from San Francisco, a decent interesting guy who I surprisingly clicked really well with - and kind of wished I exchanged contacts if he ever needed a friend and tour guide from up north.
Unfortunately it was near the end of the night so I let a friendship slip.
I won't let that happen again.
Harrod's.
Getting lost in the female clothes section, nevermind the rest of the department store.
Walking around amused - will not be buying any of these clothes/shoes ever.
Loving the food section.
Paul's Patisserie
The best baguette ever...and bread!
Under the crusty sesame-seed coat, the bread had a soft springy texture with some extra virgin olive oil.
Le Montagnard
Coppa ham, Comte cheese, tomatoes, olive paste, salad leaves, poppy seed bread.
Beautiful. I miss it so much.
Hummingbird Cupcakes
My friend surprised us with Red Velvet Cupcakes.
It was heavenly. I shall try to re-create them as thanks.
The company
Traveling, if not alone, is all about who you're with.
You need to be around those who don't show sadness/stress/tiredness, but is always smiley, bright, lively, positive, doesn't complain or moan, and full-on enjoy themselves. They make you smile, always.
There are also those who are in touch with their childhood. Those who are street-smart.
Those who love, appreciate and admire culture and food as you do.
I loved London.
But returning from London, I do feel a lot safer on the streets.
But definitely had a fantastic, buzzing time.
There's lots to see, do, and meet - without damaging the bank account.
Many thanks to the Londoner friend who we stayed with, who without, definitely wouldn't have been as epic.
