It was the end of May and I was running out of time and ideas. June 1st was my 4-year anniversary with my boyfriend Kyle, and although he probably wouldn't care if I got him anything, I knew I wanted to get him something really cool. Why? Because I was going to London for two weeks! I had to find some kind of worldly cool souvenir that says a combination of "still love ya" mixed with "look I found you something in London" with a dash of "no I didn't put this off 'til last minute why would you say that!" But the pressure of finding a cool gift when you have no idea what you're looking for usually results in not finding anything but a bunch of "I love London" T-shirts you buy out of irony.
Luckily, on day 1 of the trip I realized the best way to share a piece of this trip with him wouldn't be found in a British flag mug or an Abbey Road sign, but in actually sharing the experience with him. I gave myself the task of writing a letter every day from an iconic London location to catch my candid perspective in that very moment, and then photograph the letter with the background that inspired it. It ended up being very helpful and therapeutic as it forced me to take time to reflect every single day about the things I had seen, and really appreciate the views in front of me.
So I present to the world now, the finished online manifestation of this photo series, "Letters over London".
1. Big Ben and the Thames
I'm standing here in the overcast shadow of the London Eye, looking out over the Thames and making direct eye contact with Big Ben. I keep thinking of the lovely prospect of standing here, looking out at this view, shoulder to shoulder with you.
2. Windsor Castle
I took a self guided audio tour all by myself unintentionally. I really got so lost in the history and the architecture that I felt no inclination to be in anyone's company. I feel so small here and I absolutely love it.
3. Seven Dials
I'm sitting right now in the middle of a rotary in London, on a giant statue that overlooks about six streets. It is a hustle and bustle like you wouldn't believe, and I'm finding myself so at peace with the mayhem of the city, especially when I'm navigating with a close handful of friends.
4. Camden Market
This city is the most unbelievably beautiful blend of the urban, new and up-and-coming with the historic, traditional, natural world. I'm feeling so independent here while finding my footing in this unique little London-town.
5. Shakespeare's Grave
Standing in this church in Stratford Upon Avon, I'm reminded of the permanent and informative nature of history and literature. Thank you, William Shakespeare, for shining a spotlight on what it means to be human.
6. The Tower of London
Today I feel particularly regal writing this letter to you, as I'm sitting on one of the walkways at the Tower of London, looking at the Tower Bridge! I also feel regal because I just ate a fudge brownie ice cream cone, which always makes me feel like a princess.
7. Hampton Court Palace
I think I've found the perfect most blissful combination of incredible man-made architecture with the finest elements of natural beauty, and it's in the gardens at Hampton Court Palace.
8. The Top of Saint Paul's Cathedral
There's so much color in this city and I feel like I fit right in. I can see it all from up here: the red buses, the golden building tops, green copper roofs and the blue of the perfect sky. I may be on top of the world.
9. Abbey Road
The craziest thing about being here is walking in the literal footsteps of so many famous and admirable people.
10. The Globe
I'm sitting right now on a wall on the edge of the Thames in the sunshine, and it's a glorious and beautiful day to see "The Taming of the Shrew" at the Globe. How lucky I am to have the opportunity to see Shakespeare performed where it is meant to be.
11. Oxford
Oxford is such a lovely change from London. Think less busy and crazy streets, and more a village downtown. I've also met a lot of dogs today. I may transfer here for that reason alone.
12. Portobello Market
So much of this trip is built around spontaneity, following impulses wherever you go. Today at the Portobello Market I'm just eating what smells delicious, buying dresses that I fall in love with in the moment, and writing this letter when I feel most compelled to.
13. Heathrow Airport
It's been so nice having you on this trip with me. No, you weren't here in person, but a part of you lived and breathed in the pages of this journal, so the thought of you could walk by my side every step of the way. I hope you enjoyed sharing a slice of my journey, now back to America to see you again.
Love,
Emma
