I first visited the UK as a child. My older sister had moved there, and my mother and I went to visit her. Being from Texas, I was raised knowing that I lived in the best place on earth, so it was a shock to go to another country and see that they had interesting people, delicious food, green grass, castles, bookstores, cool accents, and men wearing skirts. It shook me to my core. Then I embraced it, and I was changed. |
Then, it all came together. I live in Paris, and my niece lives in London. I took the train to see her for Girls Weekend. London is still magnificent, maybe even better than I remembered. Here’s why.
At the Burough Market, you can buy food to take home, food to eat right away, and stuff people make (not like I would make, stuff really talented people make). I ate this steak and kidney pie with gravy and mash (that’s British for “mashed potatoes”). The pastry was flaky and the insides were steaming and delicious. I was moved.
Indulge me in my Harry Potter fandom for a second. (I still re-read Harry Potter, even though I’m a grownup because they are terrific books. I do not apologize.) Visiting London as an HP fan, I can see how the series could only take place in England. People dress in a wide variety of clothing, some ethnic, some eccentric, some just wacko. It’s a feast for the eyes, and witches and wizards in bright purple robes and pointy hats would not stand out. In Paris, people would recoil in horror and refuse to serve you. In California, they’d wonder what movie you’re in. In Texas, they’d think you’re in a cult. In England, you’re just somebody on the street, going about your business. Doesn’t this street look like Diagon Alley, or Hogsmeade? It’s just a street, seen from a department store window. Also, that mysterious food they serve up in the Great Hall? It’s on the menus. It all came together for me this trip. |