London, England, My Unexpected Journey

If you’re a traveler like me, you enjoy being surprised by the unexpected, and that’s what London was for me—an unexpected journey.

I’m not sure why, but I did not expect to see so many beautiful structures, or cool and interesting street performers like this 'mime' above. I only went there, honestly, to see Shakespeare’s Globe, and the Prime Meridian over in Greenwich, England.

Then I caught sight of the beautiful Thames River swirling through the city.

And if the Thames River wasn't magical enough, I walked along the dazzling boardwalk, until I caught sight of London’s beautiful Tower Bridge, sparkling beneath the moonlight.

Then, if that wasn't enough, I caught sight of the exquisite grand Tower of London, a beautiful castle on the north bank of the River Thames in central London.

The feelings that go through your body and mind when experiencing these sights is so rewarding. I guess I’m the type of person that’s crazy enough to travel across the world to see the Prime Meridian, a somewhat imaginary line running through Greenwich, England from the North to the South pole at 0 degrees longitude.

I guess I’m the type of person that could relax by the River Thames for hours, wondering how the Great Fire of London must have looked in September of 1666.

I guess I’m the type of person who wonders why nobody knows who William Shakespeare really was?

Being inside Shakespeare’s Globe was so cool.

I could imagine the jesters, the kings, the men dressed as women, the clowns, the killers, the brutes, the beasts, the soliloquys, the officers, the plagues, the death, the love, the light, the darkness, and the roaring crowds pouring into the Globe after a long day's hard work to scream and shout and cheer and rave, anything from the similar appearance of today's quiet theatre crowds.

And, there, in the back, above them all, was Shakespeare, the man himself, watching his thoughts and scenes come to life from the people of his age.

And, there was I, some 400 years later reimagining how times change, but people remain, initially the same.

London did surprise me. My thoughts surprised me. I never thought I would find a place where I really felt at home, and there she was, the Thames River, waiting for me, like she knew I was coming all along, and she moved swiftly, almost a jig, almost a swirl, almost a kiss...

And the London mist and gray skies seemed to watch us both, saying, "I knew you were coming, my friend, as so many do pass through, and in this lovely city, you're heart can play true."

Your heart can roam free in the lovely city, and you'll never know who you'll meet. I met these two lovely ladies from France.

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  pryanka and camille pic

They showed me such a wonderful time around London, and even taught me quite a few things - like how to 'smile big' and how to get 'lost', because as I learned, getting lost in the city is the best way to explore it. :)

I never thought I would meet so many great people in only a few short days. I never expected to be dazzled by London's architecture. I never expected to be sharing these pictures.

And, here I am ending this unexpected journey. But one thing you should know is that the journey never would have happened, if I hadn't taken that first step.

Is there somewhere you'd like to step to? Then take that step. Make that sacrifice. Have that faith to leap into the unknown, and find out what journey awaits you.

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If you would like any details about traveling to London, or questions about expenses, or travel tips, please feel free to send me an email at pcopeland2345@gmail.com, or post comments below!

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