London: Land of Cockneys

My brother, Ian, spent a year in Germany after high school. During that time, he traveled through Europe and visited many cities. When I asked what city he liked best, I was surprised to learn his answer wasn't Vienna, Prague or Rome, or any other obviously romantic, exotic European city. No—his answer is London. So, needless to say, my expectations before arriving there were quite high.

I can say without a doubt that these expectations were met, and indeed exceeded. Jenna and I spent three nights there, during which time we were witness to beautiful art and architecture, enjoyed delicious meals, and met some truly kind and hospitable people.

A highlight of London for me was the walk Jenna and I took along the south bank of the Thames. As we passed packed restaurants and shops and darted through crowds of Londoners and foreigners alike, the city skyline across the water displayed the towering spires of Westminster Abbey and the Parliament Building—edifices I had first witnessed up close as I exited the tube station. They were somehow even more awe-inspiring when seen from afar, their enormous curves and points juxtaposed to the gleaming glass and steel of newly risen
skyscrapers and high-rise apartments.

-Sean

In many ways, London reminds me of my own favorite city, Portland, OR. It's people are friendly, hospitable, and in a large majority, white. It has a great deal of green space, spectacular food, and a lovely skyline. But the most reminiscent thing of all is that, like our own city, London has a river running right through the middle of it. Though the river Thames is somewhat more polluted than the Willamette, their incorporation into their respective cities have both practical and aesthetic implications. When navigating through London, you are either 'north of the river' or 'south of the river', and when crossing between the two, you have no choice but to use one of the city's many beautiful bridges. Both rivers serve as thoroughfares for shipping barges, and both look absolutely stunning on a sunny day, or at night with the cities' lights reflecting off their surfaces.

During our stay in London, Sean and I were lucky enough to have accommodations directly on the river. Not next to, not a short walk from, but ON. I have, for several years now, but an active and enthusiastic member of an online community called “Couchsurfing”. If you are unfamilar, please check out the website (couchsurfing.com) and consider signing up. I would strongly encourage anyone who is planning to travel, to use it, and anyone who is rooted and able, to host. Being a member of couchsurfing.com, both as a host and a 'surfer', has enriched my life with more incredible experiences, connections, and friends than I can count, and I am so looking forward to expanding that list over the course of our trip. Shortly before we left for London, Sean and I got on the site, updated our profile information, and started our search for a couch. The one we found was being offered by a member who currently resides on a houseboat, which is docked at a small pier community in the center of the city that he and the other residents refer to as “Boatlandia”.

Let's just say we couldn't have asked for a more wonderful situation. Our host, Mark, was incredibly welcoming, well traveled, and full of advice, both in regards to our coming travels as well as our plans for our own sustainable housing when we return to Portland. Our surfing experience also came fully complete with 2 other house guests: Lucy (a bundle of energy and fun who has floated around and lived on several of the different boats in the community) and Liz (who is from Liverpool and has graciously invited us to come and stay with her there). Our daily explorations of London were pleasantly complemented by their company in the evenings, and we so enjoyed the time we got to spend in the unique, and absolutely magical place Mark (and Lucy, too) calls home.

-Jenna

And now we've taken the train north to Sheffield- our 'home base' from which we will explore more of the UK... but more on that later...