Spotted in London: My Favourite Things

The British explorer and travel writer, Freya Stark, once wrote: "To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world."

How exciting!
I won't question how I got here or who gave me this turban.

While I can think of many situations where this would not ring true (Taken, anyone?), I'll agree that travelling is infinitely enthralling and addictive, akin to the world's greatest roller-coaster, the bonus being there's no fat guy screaming in the seat behind you. Usually.


The whole experience is such a whirlwind that it can be quite a challenge returning home, where people speak your language, accept your money and find your tendency to use hand gestures when speaking just plain odd, rather than endearing.

Okay, you're happy, I get it.

While the sudden change of pace can leave you feeling a bit bewildered, it's also a great opportunity to reflect on all the reasons you call home, "home", for example:

1. The Tube - More existent than in Ghana. More efficient than New York. Less entertaining than the Paris metro, but it has a cooler name.
2. The Clothes - No one does boho chic better than Londoners. It's a fact.
3. Boris bikes - And seeing the most unlikely riders on them.
4. Pubs - Not a bar. Not a club. Not a fancy soiree. Just good old-fashioned after-work drinks with friends. Yes, please.
5. The Weather - Call me crazy, but I like the rain. And the fact that hardly anyone bothers with umbrellas here.

That said, my suitcase sits less than a foot from my bed, open and ready for action. London, I hate to love and leave you, but I'm a travel junkie, and always will be.

Tools of the trade.