London Calling
Sebastian was born there. Eloise called me “mummy” and “queued up at school” until she was five and I became “MOM!” in New York. Peppa Pig and Postman Pat were household fixtures. London was our first full family home. Our three years there were both magical and formative. Perhaps that is why our recent visit, the first since we departed back in 2014, was such a nostalgic and enchanting return.
Sadly, Eloise didn’t accompany us -- she was busy performing in New York with her choir -- but Sebastian, James and I got a chance to retrace old steps and visit familiar landmarks. And, the most special part of our trip? Reconnecting with old friends in our old neighborhood.
I have to say, first and foremost, London did not disappoint. It is still breathtakingly beautiful and so very alive. The streets were buzzing with tourists and locals alike. Street performers played to enthusiastic crowds late into the evening. And, I was reminded why I loved calling this city home.
In three fast days, Sebastian and I caught a show in the West End, had dim sum in Chinatown, window shopped in Covent Garden, stuffed ourselves with a proper English Breakfast, perused the stalls of Portobello Market, wandered the paths of St. James and Hyde Parks, and even took a breather near the steps of Kensington Palace. We ogled the city from the top of the London Eye, bought the requisite Chelsea and Liverpool jerseys (gotta keep your options open), indulged in bangers and mash and fish and chips, witnessed the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace and, of course, crossed the London Bridge to explore the many culinary options of Borough Market. It is safe to say that London was delicious.
But what was most special about our very quick visit was reuniting with some old friends, who still live in the charming village of Chiswick.
We have been very fortunate in every place we have lived to be embraced by incredible, diverse communities and to have formed friendships that will last our lifetimes. For us, in London, this community was comprised of some of the most “ab fab” women I have ever met, all of whom were dropping off their toddlers at the same local nursery school as me back in 2011.
Call it kismet, but these mom friends became dear friends and their families, extensions of our own. Although many like us have moved from London since our shared time there, a few families remain. And, to be able to pick up in person with easy familiarity despite the passage of years is a testament to the magic of genuine human connection with wonderful humans. For me, this is such an incredible source of joy.
We have moved a lot. And while amazing, it is not without its challenges. But we are so blessed that our world, our community and our connections have gone global because of it. I promise you, we are so much better for it. London (and all our buddies there and from there), we love you long time, and can’t wait to return!
