England
📍 July 2009
🗓️ London, Dover
England is one of the few countries I’ve visited more than once. Others include Canada, Mexico, France, The Netherlands, The Bahamas and, of course, my home country the US.
My first trip there was during the summer of 2009 when my friend Kristin and I embarked on a European adventure (more context here). Landing in England was a visit of firsts — first transatlantic flight, first overnight flight, first country in Europe, first time in England. And I was surprised by how comfortable I felt there. Maybe too comfortable, actually. I had expected to feel more of a whirlwind or culture shock crossing the pond, but I didn’t. And for that reason, England was my least favorite place we visited that summer. I thought it felt too similar to home. I made no plans to go back. I figured, what’s the point? Until…
📍 December 2024
🗓️ London
…15 years later. When I found a mistake fare on Delta between Christmas and New Years. After seeing the price I amended my thinking to, well why the hell not? Lol. I spent all of my time (a long weekend) that trip in London and the city was decorated the way London does — to perfection. It felt like being in the most festive, winter/Christmas wonderland. Every storefront, restaurant, home, street, taxi, bus, etc participated in some way. It was beautiful to experience. I probably shouldn’t admit this, but I cried when I saw the angels that fly over Regent St every holiday season. I think the magic is that I didn’t put any expectations on the city that time. I just bopped around, let it be what it is and had the best time 🪽
