London, England

The first time I went to London was back in 2004. Foolishly, I expected to be exposed to some new and delicious foods. Well I was wrong. On this latest trip to London, I expected to catch up on my sleep, and relax a bit. Wrong again.

After taking the ferry from Holland to the UK, I met up with RP, who wasted no time in making the weekend a wild one. To add to the madness, KA and YB were around too, and came along for the ride. London was cram packed with good times and funny moments, but the 24 hour block between Friday night and Saturday night really stands out. KA, RP and I went out to a really flashy French restaurant. RP, who happens to know the staff, scored us a discount that made this otherwise exclusive restaurant, actually affordable to a backpacker. After the incredible meal, we met up with YB to go to the Huxton Square Bar, where, again thanks to RP, we were on the VIP list, and didn’t have to bother with lines or fees.

After the club closed, KA and I headed back to YB’s – which could have gone awry seeing as none of us had any clue where we were, but once again, stunning wit prevailed and we got back quickly. Upon arriving at YB’s (who happens to live in the same neighborhood as Sting) KA and YB, who are both good harmonica players, had a jam session that went on, literally, until the break of dawn.

When we finally got up the next afternoon, we headed over to Camden for people watching, feasting, and window shopping. Camden is a very unique neighborhood. Think Greenwich Village with a Goth flare, combined with the density of Hong Kong, and you’ll more or less get Camden. Whether it’s for the art scene, the people watching or just the appreciation of the bizarre, Camden is well worth checking out.

However, the coolest part of the London stop was yet to come. It’s not often that I actually get nervous or awestruck, but this one did it for me. After Camden, we ventured off to Abbey Road, - the Abbey Road. The walls of Abbey Road Studio are covered with graffiti dedicated to The Beatle’s. One of the more entertaining lines reads “Thank God Bob got you high.” After admiring the wall, and absorbing the atmosphere of the very place where The Beatles did most of their recordings, I calmed my nerves and walked across the street barefoot. It was a pretty spiritual experience.

Afterwards, we went back to RP’s for a huge and hilarious dinner party, and it was the perfect way to cap off an incredible visit to one of the world’s best cities.

Thanks to: YB – cheers for letting me crash at your sweet apartment, and cooking that awesome meal – good work walking out of your job
RP – thanks for the incredible times man, you showed me London the way a rock star would show London – good luck with your new job.
KT – it was awesome having a travel buddy, if even just for three days – good luck finding a job.
Next Stop: Oxford, England