London Trip

Before the excitement of a memorable place dies away in my mind; I decided to write something about my first visit, to London here and create some space in my hard drive.


I had seen London so many times thanks to Yash Raj and Karan Johar… they made Europe so closed to every Indian by showing every nook and corner of these places in their movies. But this was really REAL. And it was hundred times beautiful then any movie I have ever seen. It’s a wonderful feeling no doubt. I guess reality can only fascinating if it is dreamy. I am in that dream so far.

First of all, I can’t believe I was there. It’s like being fascinated with a certain idea, but not giving a thought that the idea could be reality some day. Now, that it was reality (I pinched myself and have confirmed this), it seems all surreal. That big bridge over that huge Thames River, those huge buildings of all shapes and sizes…from that small window on my flight….that was the only scene visible to me… I was so excited about the whole idea of visiting London.

But before I could enjoy this wonderful city… Destiny had few surprises for me. I LOST MY LUGGAGE… everything money, cloths, food, camera…. I lost it all in this absolutely new & strange city. And I was in complete shock… this can’t happen to me… Why me??? Were the questions all around me…. Excitement, enthusiasm, happiness, eagerness…. All has suddenly changed into……Complains, sadness, tears, confusion….

But elegance and beauty of this city didn’t allow me to stay in that status for long time…. And I just forgot everything about that bad incidence…….

Walking in the streets of London was a joy. It’s a relief, in a way, that you stop existing and everything outside of you takes your attention. It’s like being a part of the play and a spectator at the same time. Yes, and it would definitely help if your shoes are comfortable too…. Since I lost everything but my snickers… which were so comfortable that I loved those long long walks.

All the buildings look colonial. In the evening with the dim lightings, the buildings look grander. I don’t know whether it is to match the architectural beauty or not, but if you are not looking at the buildings you can look at people around and boys in particular… lol. I guess it could also be the other way round. The buildings have a certain disadvantage with the folk of London around. When you pass by the buildings you don’t smell lovely perfumes.

Talking of spirits, that’s one thing that you would not fall short of. Beer is available in plenty in even the ‘General Stores’. People with me prefer beer over water and I pity on myself…. Poor me, is still searching for that plain… tasteless… colorless Water.

It’s hard to walk for five minutes without having seen a pub. The pubs are peculiar in one respect though. They will have fancy Menu Cards being displayed on their windows boasting about their food varieties. But, the kitchen closes at 5 in the evening. I guess, people have their dinner during the lunch time.

Hmm ... Food. Well, I would say, what’s the point of being in such a lovely place if you have to die of hunger? It’s impossible to survive on the English food. Well, you could survive actually, just that you would need to add a lot of ketchup to it. The food is cold and bland. But it has certain advantages which are quite evident. Having such qualities that I have mentioned, English don’t eat a lot. Since they don’t eat a lot, they don’t become sloppy, it does wonder to their work efficiency. Since the meals are not elaborate, they could be had while doing your work. But actually, I don’t mind the English Breakfasts and their salads….. n butter. But after that for lunch and dinner Subway was my only option. Thank God they were there otherwise I don’t know how I would have survived.

Transportation is something that the English should be proud of. Be it bus (the red Hiphops for tourists) or train transport, a literate man could read his way through to any part of London. Travelling in a tube is also an experience. I am sure, if I was to ask each and every person in the tube, their country of origin, I would get more than 5 distinct answers. The instructions and directions have put in place assuming that it’s your first day in London. Tube stations also offer another important facet. People playing music for money. They don’t seem like beggars at all. I could not help but stand in awe at the music they played. It’s not just the normal guitar but the electric guitar with set of speakers.

London Eye, Museums (having things from all over the world including famous Khoinoor replica, Natraj statue, Mummies from Egypt and lot more), Bridges with unique functionalities, Madam Tussaud statues, Beautiful churches, Wonderful gardens…. Those maple leaves (I still have them in my diary)…. All just perfect.

I saw all these when we were lost in that big city…. only three of us....With map in our hand (it was not great help as I have to rely on my judgement only as other two were bad with Maps & directions)….. so collectively we decided to explore the entire city and use this opportunity of being lost. We just followed our conscious and yes map of course.

The weather being so nice, walking being so comfortable, the landscape so beautiful and the convenience thought of at each and every point … the mind remains clear. It’s simple, when you are outside walking on the road, and you don’t see any poverty, any traffic or any kind of pollution, the mind remains at rest. You don’t carry any of it home where things are as comfortable: - Carpeted houses with heaters, Windows that don’t make noises when the wind blows, not a gap where the cold from the outside leaks inside. In such circumstances, when your physical self is at rest, the only problems that would bother you are the ones that you have created for yourself. But it may be quite to the extent where you might start feeling lonely.

Well, tried to note everything that came to mind down here, but one part remains. The people of London. Unfortunately, the only interaction that I have had is asking people for directions, where they have been very polite. Or talking to the Hotel receptionist where she has been very helpful. As for now, they seem to be a witty lot who would keep a certain distance always.

There are certain interesting facts that I have noted so far.

People here don’t drink water. There are no beggars on the streets. People with vehicles don’t honk without any reason. People come to office with foldable cycles. Girls like to get pierced on all sorts of places on the face. There were more girls than guys in a tube compartment. At least, I didn’t like that. People walk fast with no reason at all. There are no stray dogs. You get free newspapers which come with single headlines of somebody being stabbed or getting drunk. The cost of repair may exceed the cost of the equipment itself. It rains any time. They don’t frisk bags while coming or going out of offices. Showrooms don’t keep your luggage bags as you do shopping. Eat fish n chips, and you know chips taste better than the fish. You realize you are not born here. You forget that not less 65 years ago, these guys were still ruling your country.

All said and done, I think it’s hard not to appreciate the fact that it’s a wonderful city that these guys have built and right now I am just happy of having got the chance to come here.

And Like most of Hindi movies I got my luggage bag which I can never expect in India…. And with all cash in hand I did some shopping……and purchased lots of chocolates for everyone. It was indeed a great experience.

Luv, Jyoti