Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
Standing rather squished on the London tube at 8 in the morning and I've just discovered that the green matching-bag duo are a couple from Pennsylvania and are embarking on a 3 month trip around Europe together! She's never backpacked before, or even left the States for that matter, and he's backpacked once before, 3 years ago. He apparently realised on his last trip not to pack so much. (Where were you last week when I was packing!!) Brilliant accents I will add, and quite refreshing amongst the dismal cloud of Monday-itis that seemed to hang over the rest of the train. We got a few looks, I'm guessing for actually being so chirpy and friendly to one another but the best part for me was being filled in by my green-bag duo on their experience as they rocked up to Heathrow informing the Border Security officer that they had absolutely no idea of where they would be staying on their first night in London. (no bookings for any nights, any where!) The officer was apparently sitting in disbelief as he glanced discerningly between their faces and their passports hearing the words of their spontaneous (lack of) plans. Fortunately he stamped the passports and they proceeded through. Haha!...Travel half way around the world with no idea or care in the world of where you'll be sleeping that night! why not hey!
Nevertheless, I fill them in a little about my plans and ideas for my travels and soon enough we are exchanging Facebook details with the hope to cross paths again one day in the future. Her name was Olivia and his name was Ned. My new underground friends. I got off at the Knightsbridge station and felt a sense of confidence as I was meeting such friendly, interesting people so soon into my trip.
I find my way eventually, lugging my big backpack, small backpack, handbag and book (that I was still yet to finish), to a road called Rutland Gate, 15 minutes from the station arriving at the National Baha'i Centre of London. It is the most stunning building with it's glowing white entrance standing amongst many other semi-detached buildings stretching down a sloping picturesque lane. I unload my things and sit myself on the steps as I take it all in, grateful for getting there in one piece.
Before long, I am greeted by my new friend Natalie and am welcomed into the warmest atmosphere full of smiling faces and open arms. They relieve me of my bags and soon enough I am drinking Persian tea and desperately trying to remember everyone's names! One of my beautiful new friends, Sahar, originally from Nigeria, meets me there at 10am (to which I find out she has actually traveled an hour just to spend the day with me) and we enjoy the next several hours together getting to know one another. We also got the privelidge of being taken on a private little tour by a Persian lady named Shahla around this 3-story miniature palace learning the history and significance of it's existence.
Sahar and I later decide to head 5 minutes up the road to Hyde Park, a very famous attraction here, for a relaxing lunch on the grass followed by a slow walk along the river embracing the beautiful white swans and their babies as well as the families and youngsters walking their dogs or catching up over coffee. The weather was perfect, a sunny 24 degrees and it definitely did not feel like we were in the middle of the hustle and bustle of London.
We walk back, and it's time for me to depart again, jumping back on the tube heading North to Highgate station where my new friend Tahlia would be picking me up. Upon arrival, I realise I'm early and she's running late so I try to find somewhere to plonk my things and have a rest...After walking around there ends up being nothing so I invite myself to sit next to a lady sitting just outside the station selling weird magazines. I figured I'd be reasonably safe with her as I crossed my legs, looked around and opened my book. This was definitely an unusual experience for me and for the first time, I felt quite vulnerable and almost homeless! Despite having the lady's company, you find yourself on high alert with full awareness of everything going on around you. It's like you've got your feelers up and your senses get heightened. Not something I have really had to do too often in Adelaide but I'm soon to learn that this is how I will have to be from now on whenever I'm alone...
- comments
Jedi knight Good read, keep it up lady ;)