The first few days in London have been incredible. It was recommended that I stay in Shoreditch, so this is where I set up base camp. Let alone my camp is a hotel, the likes of which I’ve never experienced before. If you have a chance to stay at a CitizenM, do it. You will not be disappointed. Imagine the hospitality of a Ritz-Carlton combined with the quirkiness of a W. An absolute gem of a hotel.

I finally visited the legendary XXL and danced the night away. Reconnected with friends I made last trip (hello Joseph) and even ran into a friend from San Francisco who was in town (hi Eric!). It’s a small world sometimes. I enjoyed chicken burgers and chips on the street at 4am and had my first cream tea. The clotted cream was from Cornwall which was a bit of a a controversy since my tea-mate is from Devon. I shopped at Selfridges for the first time and walked through the heritage experience there. My English fry up at BSMC Shoreditch was great and I will always remember or very authentic and helpful waitress who needed to be studying vs waiting tables that day. I went shopping in Brick Lane then went to my first car boot sale on Sunday morning. So many amazing experiences I need to take some down time to reflect and truly remember how special these days are. What’s more, all this in the company of a kind and honorable gentleman. I’m forever grateful.

Tomorrow I head back to Camden...

“Your leg came to rest against mine

Then you lounged with knees up and apart

And me and my heart, we knew

We just knew
For evermore

Where taxi drivers never stop talking
Under slate grey Victorian sky
Here you'll find, my heart and I
And still we say come back
Come back to Camden
And I'll be good, I'll be good, I'll be good, I'll be good”

-Morrissey