One of the things that I love most about being in London Town is being able to freely be who I am. I don’t have to worry about the constant overt or covert racism or homophobia like I do in my own country. Don’t get me wrong, those isms and issues exist here like they do all over the world. Even the Duchess Megan Marckle shed light on her experiences of racism within the Monarchy. However, in my opinion, one of the reasons why I don’t experience discrimination on a daily basis in London is because our histories are so different. Racism is not embedded in the laws, system, and every nook and cranny of England in the way that it is in America. Because of that, my wife and I get to exist freely without having to feel like we are always playing defense. Racism in London is more connected to your socio-economic status versus the color of your skin, which is a conversation for another time.
London Town
Much like New York City, there’s something magical and dreamy about London Town that attracts people from all over the world. While the average traveler tends to gravitate towards the city’s attractions like the London Eye, the Shard, and Westminster Abbey, my wife and I prefer to get to know a place on a more intimate level like a local.
While I grew up in the heart of New York City, as a young child my wife rarely ventured into the heart of Central London. Once in a blue, her nan would take her and her younger brother to feed the pigeons in Trafalgar Square (before that was banned), but prior to three years ago, she hadn’t been to places like Buckingham Palace since she was a young child. Her family and world were in Southeast London where she was born and lived.
It Feels Good to Be Home
I never thought that I’d call another country my home, but I guess that’s one of the perks of being in a relationship with a woman who was born abroad.
For the past 4 years, my wife and I have altered between spending Christmas in America and England. Words can’t even describe how excited I was that this holiday season fell on that year that we were supposed to be in London. Last year was the first time I hadn’t visited since we started dating so I was definitely missing London Town and I also desperately need a break from New York and Amerikkka. What better way to escape than to my second home with her and her family who’s now my family!
This trip has been different than previous visits. For one, my wife recognized that, much like her, I don’t need to explore the tourist attractions. I would rather spend time with her and the family learning about the areas she grew up in. On the other hand, due to the resurgence of Covid-19 and the fast spreading Omnicron variant, we didn’t want to risk getting anyone in her family sick so when we did go out it was to get food, walk in various commons or outdoor spaces, but other than that, we spent most of our time in and around Southeast London.
Eat, Explore, Unwind
If you haven’t learned yet, my wife and I travel the world through food. We spent the first week indulging in yummy food at some of our go-to restaurants and dessert shops like dumplings Leongs Legends, short rib tacos El Pastor in Borough Market, chicken dumpling soup at Cool Breeze, Chinese pastries at Bake and Crosstown donuts. We also explored some new places together like the Borough of Kensington and Chelsea’s Holland Park, which is also home to one of London’s secret gardens, the Kyoto Garden. One of our favorite discoveries, and also another one of London’s hidden gems, was the Barbican Conservatory, London’s second largest greenhouses.
Apart from our usual food excursions and new discoveries, we always book a staycation for a little quality time together. We spent a relaxing and romantic two night complimentary stay at the Sea Containers London, which is located on the Upper Ground and South Bank of the River Thames. If you’re someone looking to be within walking distance of everything London then this is the hotel for you. On the flip side, if you want a place that’s quiet and a bit removed from the noise then the Sea Containers London offers that as well.
London Town Through Her Eyes
It’s been really exciting and special exploring and re-discovering London with my wife. We spent countless days and hours walking all over Southeast London. Some days we’d walk from Catford up Blythe Hill Fields through Crofton then Brockley where we’d pick up fish and chips at Brockly Rock, eat them in Hilly Fields and walk back. On other days, we’d head down to Dulwich Park, grab a bite in Dulwich Village, and head over to Hearne Hill then walk back home. I loved seeing her face light up when a flashback memory would pop into her head. Like time spent with her father in Hilly Fields or what Lewisham was like when she was growing up.
So much has changed since my wife left years ago, yet so much remains the same. All I know is that London is now my home too. I’m thankful for and excited to continue creating new memories with my wife for years to come.
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Where to Eat
Megan’s In the Helmet (Dulwich Village)
Where to Go
Princess of Wales Conservatory
What do you think?