A magical mystery tour - A week of discovery in London
walking, wondering, reflecting and exploring
For one week I became a tourist in London, I needed a change of pace, time to think and also an opportunity to enjoy all that city living could provide. I was also pondering my future, as London is somewhere that I am currently exploring for my next career move.
I had the freedom of being there by myself, with a couple of set plans, but mostly as each day unfolded I tuned into what I wanted to do. I found myself walking a lot, and despite the crowds, pollution and pollen I discovered that I was the most clear-headed and perceptive of my needs and emotions than I’d been for a while.
Friday - Suit delivery
I arrived, and it was cold, wet, and rainy. I made my way to South London with my M&S sandwich, and a huge suitcase on wheels ( I still can’t believe how much I brought with me) entered the flat and then collapsed in a heap on the sofa. I took a deep breath, I had finally made it. That afternoon I had to deliver a suit to Hackney (it’s a long story, one for another day). An hour later after taking a ride in an Uber, my mission was finally complete. My journey was arduous due to the rain and traffic but it also included an unexpected moment, going under the River Thames through the Rotherhithe Tunnel (who knew you could do that?)
I then zigzagged across London to get back to the flat and felt exhausted but exhilarated that I made it. I needed to go food shopping but first I stopped at the South London Gallery to gather my thoughts and have a cup of tea. Feeling reenergised I then did my shopping and finally made my way back to the flat. I did a light bit of meditation to calm my nervous system as I still felt like I was moving, then I cooked dinner and finally relaxed.
Saturday - Richmond Park, flowers, walking and the rain - 8.6 miles
I visited the South London Gallery in the morning, the sun was shining, but there was a cool breeze. The gallery has become my centring tool, a walk there takes me out of the flat, and it’s far enough to make me feel good as the endorphins kick in. Little did I know that this leisurely walk was only the start before the main event. That afternoon I took a bus, and a train, and walked to and around Richmond Park with my cousin and his partner. It was a glorious afternoon, spending time with them and enjoying the beautiful flowers and trees. I had almost forgotten I was in London as it was so peaceful. It was followed by a drink in Richmond by the Thames, the sunlight was glistening on the water and so many people were enjoying its warmth.
We then returned to the city and went to a Mexican restaurant by Battersea Power Station. We sat outside and just as we finished our food, a huge dark cloud arrived and it started to rain. We raised our three umbrellas to shield ourselves from the rain, paid the bill and then dashed inside. I ended up having a late-night ice cream from Venchi which made me feel like I was properly on holiday. As I took a final bite a wave of contentment washed over me.
Sunday - The Science Museum - 5 miles
The morning started with a bit of light yoga with Adriene, and then I made my way across London to the Science Museum to meet up with my friends who had come up to visit with their kids. It was so wonderful to see the children race around, wide-eyed and smiling at the displays and trinkets on show. We then walked to Hyde Park Corner, The Prince Albert Memorial and made our way to Kensington Palace Gardens. It was a really lovely day, going with the flow and enjoying the company of friends. When they left I made my way back to the flat, tired, but my heart was full. It made me realise even if I move here, my friendships will not get lost.
Monday - A rainy bank holiday- 1 mile
I decided to venture out as I found myself watching far too many episodes of Palm Royale (an absolutely crazy show starring and showcasing the marvellous Kristen Wiig) and didn’t fancy another homemade cheese sandwich. So I gathered my things, put my raincoat on and launched my umbrella as I stepped outside. Lo and behold, when I reached the café at the South London Gallery, the only option I liked for lunch was an Emmental, sauerkraut, and gherkin toastie. I laughed and ordered it anyway, along with a tea and a huge wedge of carrot cake. It was nice to be out and among people, even if I hadn’t escaped another cheese sandwich- it was just in a fancier guise. I felt comfortable in my own company, enjoying the atmosphere, taking time to sit and watch the world go by.
Tuesday - Seven Dials, a musical and lots of tea - 5.1 miles
I left the flat in the afternoon and made my way across to Covent Garden, deciding to spend the time I had before I went to see Sister Act meandering around the city. I found two amazing bookshops in Charing Cross and then wandered up to Seven Dials. I popped into shops, had a tea, rifled through clothes in vintage shops, and then I walked up to Tottenham Court Road to scope out where the theatre was. I needed to stop and sit for a bit, so I found a Starbucks behind the theatre. As I sat there I realised that people were arriving who were starring in the show as the stage door was around the corner.
Sister Act was a really fun show and so full of energy. Beverley Knight was amazing as Deloris Van Cartier, Ruth Jones was funny as Mother Superior and the whole cast were incredible. The crowd around me were so joyous and laughing at all the jokes, it was infectious and made the evening fly by. I totally adore live theatre, every time I see a show it makes me feel alive.
Wednesday- Books, cake and a few surprises - 6.5 miles
The sun is shining and I headed to Southbank, I went into the Southbank Centre to book my ticket for Sara Pascoe and fill up my water bottle. I then took a stroll alongside the Thames, I browsed through the books at the Southbank Book Market and wondered down to the Sea Containers. I grabbed a salad from Pret for lunch and sat in the Southbank Centre, overlooking the river. Halfway through my salad, I realised sitting at the table next to me was Matt Edmondson (BBC Radio One DJ) which amused me. After lunch I caught the tube to Bond Street and walked to The Wallace Collection, which holds an utterly mesmerising private collection of treasures. I adore walking around this house, it’s full of paintings, furniture, ceramics, sculptures, and armour. I love seeing the Canaletto paintings, as every time I see them I feel like I am immersed in the city of Venice. As I walked up a grand staircase to another floor, Grayson Perry and entourage greeted me at the top of the stairs. I couldn’t believe it, I’d now seen two public figures in London.
I then walked up to Marylebone and made my way along the gorgeous high street, finally reaching Daunt Books…and oh my goodness, it didn’t disappoint! The most beautiful cathedral of worship for books, the Edwardian architecture and vibe were so pure and harmonious. I stepped out for a moment as I was meeting my cousin's partner and who should walk in front of me… Autumn De Wilde, photographer, filmmaker, and director (she directed the 2020 version of Emma) I couldn’t believe my eyes (I didn’t interrupt or interact with any of them as they were going about their day, but by my third spot my mind was thinking what is happening?????).
We then went back into Daunt Books and wandered around for an hour. I ended up purchasing Olive by Emma Gannon (side note-I’ve just finished reading it, such a brilliant book) and Friendaholic by Elizabeth Day and a green tote bag. We then made our way to WA Cafe, a Japanese patisserie café, and I had the most delicious strawberry cake slice. It was an utterly surreal day and really rather marvellous.
Thursday - Time watching and Sara Pascoe - 4.2 miles
I took the bus to Greenwich Park and walked down to The Royal Observatory, it was such a hot day! The views of London were spectacular, I joined the other tourists and paid to go into The Royal Observatory, it was interesting but to be completely honest, I think I was too warm to really take it in. So I decided to make my way back to the flat for lunch and rode two buses through areas of London I had never been. I find when you are on a bus, you take in so much more and get a real feel for a place. I went out later for dinner, by myself (which is definitely something that feels less odd in a city) and although I am comfortable eating by myself, seeing people around me doing the same thing still felt strangely reassuring. After dinner I went to Sara Pascoe’s event at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, it was a lot of fun. During the show she was later joined by Aisling Bea and their banter and relationship was so lovely to experience.
Friday - Trees, antiquities and an Elizabeth Gilbert connection - 5.7 miles
My first stop was the Southbank Centre for a tea and a cool down (I know all the best places for a bathroom break, tea and a sit down lol)
I then headed towards Westminster Bridge, as I was walking across the bridge it was absolutely heaving with people and boiling hot. I couldn’t face the crowds anymore or the heat, so I ducked into the underground and caught the tube to Green Park.
I emerged and walked to the Royal Academy - I spotted ‘H’ from Steps filming a segment for The One Show (a daily topical programme on the BBC) in the courtyard. I wandered past and entered the gallery, the coolness hit me as I meandered around. I came out searching for somewhere to eat and realised that The Society of Antiquities was open, I had never seen it open before and walked in. A very enthusiastic volunteer was stood in the reception and started telling me about the society, and then I made my way around. It was amazing, going into one of the societies that surrounded the Royal Academy, as it felt like I had been given a backstage pass to a secret world. I made my way out and saw that there was an exhibition on at The Linnean Society - again luck was on my side as I’d never seen them open before. I had to press a buzzer to be let in (which felt a bit secret squirrel). As it was lunchtime I asked if they would be ok if I could come back to look around later as I wasn’t sure when they might shut, as my body was flagging, and I needed some food. A past version of me would have not felt comfortable asking that. But I knew I would rush around, worrying about my blood glucose number and not appreciate what was on display if I had gone in without taking a break. They were very kind and told me that they were open to 5pm and to pop back when I was ready.
So predictable as ever I ended up at another Pret but then something amazing happened. A lady sat next to me and I noticed they hadn’t given her any napkins, so I offered her some of mine. We started to chat, and next thing I know we spiralled into a conversation about female power, change of career direction, and then moved onto discussing writing and writers. I casually mentioned recently seeing Elizabeth Gilbert whilst she was on tour and loving Big Magic and Eat Pray Love, and then it felt like I’d said the magic words. As my lunch partner then smiled and said she loved her and had seen her recently at the Barbican!!! Of all the people to chat to, in the whole of London! We regaled our tales of seeing her in person and couldn’t believe the kismet that had brought us together and how the universe aligns in magical, mysterious ways. We said our goodbyes and I felt so enlightened by our conversation. When you take a chance and open up to someone new, you never know what might happen.
"I think that I shall never see / A poem lovely as a tree."
Trees by Joyce Kilmer (1913)
I went back to the Linnean Society and walked around the Lovely as a Tree exhibition. It was a breath-taking building and such an engrossing collection. After I left I walked to Fortnum and Mason, then walked to St James Palace, down Pall Mall to Buckingham Palace and then to Victoria tube station to return home.
Final reflections
My time in London felt like a trial of a life that I might eventually lead. And although it was idealised week it made me realise that a version of this lifestyle was ready for the taking if I chose this path. The noise, the pollution, the occasional loneliness, the joy, the freedom, the culture, the power, the possibilities of new connections and the openness of choice were all swirling around me.
Unexpectedly, I did feel a twinge of sadness at the beginning of the week, as last time I was in London for an extended period of time was when I went to the acting summer school. It did feel strange not going to school every day, but then everything that I experienced created new emotions and memories which soon exceeded that feeling and so I acknowledged it and moved on.
The week also taught me that my body is stronger and more physically fit then I thought. I really listened to it and stopped when I needed to, instead of pushing through. I honed in on any red flags and took moments and breaks to recalibrate. Unexpected and wonderful things happened in the breaks, time stood still and bounced by. There were no limits or timeframes on anything. I navigated the tubes, buses, trains and walking around with relative ease, which also boosted my confidence.
Furthermore, my time away reminded me that everything doesn’t have to be in a strict structure. I had a sense of what I wanted to do, but I didn’t force or rush things. Lots of books were brought, lots of miles were walked, and I spent a large amount of time reflecting, it strengthened my belief that being around art, creativity, and literature fulfils me and makes me feel whole. All I need to do now is work out what it means for my future.
Have you experienced a city break or a new environment that changed your perceptions on things or indeed confirmed things for you? Have you ever experienced a place you are familiar with as a tourist? I would love to know :)