The past week has been surreal as the time to depart from Heathrow has beckoned closer. I’ve spent some time in London, explored Bath (and Bristol!), and returned for an unforgettable final weekend in a city I’ve totally fallen for, even as the emotions have really hit (Les Mis looking at you). And today, my last day, was a quiet one spent further out near Heathrow with friends, sorting out the last minute packing, and going for a walk around a park with a lake.
There’s simply so much to do and see and explore in London, there’s never enough time (ugh, Kew Gardens, the British Library, the National Portrait Gallery, Somerset House, Peggy Porschen, Harrods…the list goes ON AND ON).
I’ve reconnected with some friends, made new friends, and spent time on my own appreciating my time in this city. London is easy to explore on your own, and a place full of hidden treasures.
It’s so international and the buzz gets to you. The food (coffee, questionable…but kudos for trying anyway), the parks and waterways, the juxtaposition between old (really old) and modern architecture, the markets and antique shops…you get the feeling that London is a truly global city.
So this is essentially my farewell to London, the last stop of my UK/Europe tour. There are so many memories I’ll always treasure, and though they feel far removed from life in Australia, they are so so real. From swimming with wild swans, to skiing in Austria, to hearing church organs live, to seeing Les Miserables at the London West End, to spending New Year’s in Berlin…I mean, that’s all pretty unforgettable. But the thing that will stick with me forever, are the people who’ve made me feel so profoundly grateful for my UK/Europe adventure. Whether it was a two-second-smile or weeks spent together, or time talking til 2am in the morning or crying with other people (and sometimes I was the cause. That’s awks but kinda meaningful. Hah.), these people have shared this adventure with me in some way, and that will always be special to me.
I suppose I wasn’t exactly expecting to love London, because it’s so big and so fast-paced, in comparison to Melbourne anyway. But I do love you long time, London, and I’ll be back one day soon!
Love always, Nat 🥀♥️