Giddy Like a Little Girl

I’ve never really wanted to go to London. It was never on my list, I was never curious about it, and I wasn’t even that excited to be here for a month.

Boy was I wrong.

From the moment that I hopped into a cab and watched the London-world go by, I knew I was in a great city. I couldn’t wait to get out there.

Perhaps these feelings are partially due to having lived on a Zimbabwean farm for the past two months. I’ve returned to civilization! But I also think that this city has a beauty and a charm that I didn’t expect. And even in November, tourists are everywhere, creating a jovial, energetic vibe that is contagious!

I had my first day out on the town yesterday and it was great! After teaching, I stepped out the front door and began to walk toward the center of town. My mission: to find a map. I accomplished that very quickly, for the Westminster Bridge (close to my home) is filled with tourists snapping shots of famous London sights as the London Eye and the House of Parliament. I didn’t even know that I would come face-to-face with Big Ben so quickly, but sure enough, as I stepped onto the bridge, it came into view, its gold-detailed rims glimmering in the sunshine (yes, it was sunny – and warm-ish!).

In my past travels, I think I’ve tried too hard to blend in and look like a local. Sometimes this meant not stopping to appreciate the beauty around me or to take out my camera and capture a moment. But yesterday, I decided I no longer cared – in fact, I WANTED to look like a tourist. So I stopped, I gaped, I stared, I held up traffic, and yes, I snapped photos. I think a permanent smile was plastered on my face – the beauty, the history, the freedom.

I loved not having a plan and just wandering around. I walked through St. James’ Park and watched people feed all the fowl. I happened upon a photo shoot of the Royal Guards. I walked through Picadilly Circus and felt the throngs of crowds, noise, and bussle around me. And still I smiled.

In fact, not only did I smile, but I shopped! For those who know me well, shopping is not my forte, and I ALMOST NEVER walk into shops just to browse. But yesterday, I did. Just for fun.

As I walked down streets selling cheap tourist kitch and low-priced tickets for the theatre, I happened upon Soho. So many shops, restaurants, pubs, and coffee shops! I can’t wait to go into as many of them as possible. Yesterday, though, I was satisfied to go into a second-hand bookstore and then sit down – outside, no less – for a cup of tea, a glance at my map, and a bit of people-watching. I was loving the funky people and the lovable accents. (I think people here like my accent – I always get a bit of a smile as soon as I open my mouth and declare that I am foreigner).

After regrouping, I continued through the streets of Soho until I hit Oxford Street. There are some major shops there, but I wasn’t too fussed – I prefered the narrow roads and eclecticism of Soho shopping. I wandered down Oxford Street for a long time, and then met a friend (someone that I met at the wedding in October) for a sushi dinner and a wine bar to cap off the evening.

I walked for 5 hours. And I would walk 500 more…!