Samuel Johnson is attributed with the quote, "When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life." While some disagree with these words and find themselves puzzled by the appeal of driving on the opposite side of the road and numerous spurts of rain showers throughout the day, I understand completely what Mr. Johnson was trying to articulate.
Whenever I'm in London, something feels different. A lot of writers have written about Paris and New York igniting this feeling within them, but for me, I find my inspiration in London. In the past year, I've been there twice, and both times I have filled an entire notebook with notes. Granted, this could be attributed to my not being wrapped up in a semester of schooling while I'm abroad, but I feel it's more than that. Dare I say, there's something a little magic about London.
In the summer it's warm, but it's not humid like New York, and there's still a breeze so you can comfortably wear a jacket. In the winter it's cold, but it's a damp cold that chills you beneath your skin and makes you think you'll never get warm again. Almost always it's a little cloudy and gloomy, which is far more noticeable seeing as the buildings are shorter. And it is always beautiful.
It is easier to lose yourself in London for it lacks the convenience of the grid system. Streets curve and end whenever they feel appropriate. Some run into each other at awkward angles and have multiple names explaining that they turn into something else eventually. You could use one of the many maps conveniently posted in the city center, but what explorer ever used a map properly?
The Underground (or the Tube, as it is more affectionately known) will make you not want to return to the MTA for it will look like a real hovel in comparison. Similarly, Hyde Park will, dare I say, put Central Park to shame. The flowers even continue to bloom in the winter. And I can't even think of something in the city to compare any one of the palaces.
When you enter the department stores, you'll discover you can buy a designer purse, a souvenir teddy bear and a head of broccoli all in the same checkout. You can also probably eat dinner (though may I suggest opting for a traditional pub instead), have a hamper (i.e. a food gift basket) made, and exchange your money. My favorite is Fortnum & Mason, even though I can't really afford anything there.
But my favorite place in all of London? That's Notting Hill, and it's even better than the film. As my Instagram post said, Kips Bay is my address, but Notting Hill is my home at heart. There's nothing quite like a stroll down Portobello Road, having a look at the antiques and window shopping for flats after I finally publish the novel in my notebook.
Ah, yes, to me it is London that is the city of love for I love it, and I can hardly wait to return to the other side of the Atlantic again.
