The first time I visited London I didn’t get robbed or lose my passport, I didn’t end up in jail or get lost in a seedy neighborhood and I certainly didn’t eat any mystery food and get sick. What I did get was a feeling I hadn’t felt for a long time: A feeling like I belonged there.
It was 1997 and winter was nearing its end and so was my college career. Instead of asking for something practical like luggage or furniture, I asked for a trip to Europe. I had been to Norway and Sweden in 1991 and was itching to go back. My parents told me I could travel anywhere I wanted (within reason) so I choose a week-long tour of Europe.
I landed in London on a rare sunny day and threaded my way from Gatwick Airport to Victoria Station and on to The Underground. I sat next to the train window on the way into London and stared into the backyards of brownstone houses straight out of a Pink Floyd video. Laundry hung in the backyards and bicycles and toys were scatted around the green grass. I got off the train at Russell Square and promptly got lost. After 20 very sweaty minutes and some wrong directions from some very helpful people,I found my hotel and my vacation officially began.
I was a little overwhelmed when I first got there but after I acclimated myself to the buses and Underground, I felt like an old pro. I switched trains and backed tracked like a pro. The sights and sounds of London made me feel like I was part of something truly exciting. The majesty of Trafalgar Square made me dizzy and seeing Big Ben was truly breathtaking. I strolled through Kensington Park one afternoon taking in the gardens, museums, and status without spending a lot of money. I did however, visit many of the quality English and Irish pubs and ate my share of mushy peas and bangers.
Going to London with a group made it easier to explore the city and stick together. I only spent a couple of days in London before moving on to other cities in Europe but it was something I put on my list to visit again – which I did 10 years later. London is not an inexpensive place to visit but is certainly worth every Pound.