London. A city where everyone has a preconceived idea of what it is: larger than life, the central point of modern-day societies (literally Greenwich borough is longitude zero) and the significance, good and bad that surrounds it. Music, movies and media all propel this fantasy of London, England or “The Big Smoke” (a legal fog caused by coal burning). While London is an interesting city, it is just another city to me that makes me claustrophobic.
Seeing Big Ben, Parliament and Westminster Abbey was incredible, like spectacular, the rest of the city was just ok. While the charm can be found in the Theatre District, Chinatown and elsewhere, it was just so busy to really take it in. You always felt like you were blocking the way when you stopped or were constantly pushing your way against a sea of people. It’s not my idea of enjoyable travel. We are slowly realizing our favourite sights in our countries of visit have been the countryside and the landscapes…so London with a population of 9 million with a matching tourist population did not provide. Yes, the parks were pretty but I actually thought St. James looked a little like Wascana Park in places: dishevelled. Oh, and London has ZERO garbage bins! It is beyond odd and very difficult to find even one.
That all being said, I am happy to have experienced London: the shows (unbelievable), Big Ben and Parliament, the Tube (dungy and loud but authentic London), the people (very diverse and kind), but I am happy not to come back…anytime soon that is.
