Don’t Hesitate, Just Go

I’ve now gotten that advice several times. First in Amsterdam, while biking, and then walking in London. The gist, as I understand it, is this: understand the rules, look both ways, and then just go… the system works if you let it… quit being timid and hesitating and gumming up the works and making everyone around you look out for you.

It’s sort of like skiing – the more confident you are and the more you just lean into it, the easier it actually is. Or sort of like life, don’t you think?

I arrived in London late yesterday afternoon, my flight from Amsterdam delayed. A couple of notes of things I should have known (or at least looked up ahead of time, for Pete’s sake):

1. Gatwick airport is not actually all that close to London. Half of you probably knew this and I feel like I should have….Thank goodness for the nice man next to me on the plane who warned me off of a taxi (£100 and at least an hour) and pointed me to the train (£12 and 30 minutes).

2. The train system and the Tube are super easy once you know where you’re going and which line to take. Had I taken 2 minutes ahead of time to download the London Underground app on my phone, I could have saved myself a few flustered moments in the station.

But all’s well that ends well. I had 10 minutes when I got to my hotel, the lovely One Aldwych in SoHo, to freshen up before I needed to head out to grab a bite to eat before the show at Ronnie Scott’s jazz club . I went ahead and got myself over to the area of the club and found a terrific, very authentic Peruvian ceviche bar right across the street (one should not, in general, plan on eating in jazz clubs, though I will say the food at Ronnie Scott’s didn’t look half bad). I had a glass of rosé champagne and toasted my arrival London 🍾

The show at Ronnie’s was Keyon Harrold, an American trumpet player. He’s no Chris Botti (but he’s 20 years younger and really… who is), but he’s creative and energetic, it was a fun show, and the venue is fabulous. I highly recommend it if you are in London and enjoy jazz.

This morning I walked to Kings Cross station to catch a train to Welwyn to meet up with some old friends for lunch. While in Kings Cross station, of course, I had to go by platform 9 3/4. It’s hysterical and really cute to watch all the kids pretend to crash themselves into the wall for photos.

On to Welwyn…..I met Tony and Carole on a hiking trip in Peru 3 years ago, and they are such a treat. Tony retired at 59 (they are in their seventies now, and in terrific shape…. just like my parents, who even have a few years on them) and they have traveled the world. Tony told me today he has a philosophy: that life shows you two doors. 1) Come over here and sit down, or 2) Get off your backside and let’s go. So you can see why we’re friends. I want to be them when I grow up 😊. Carole made lunch and Tony made stiff gin and tonics, and visiting with them made my day.

I hopped back on the train to London pretty quickly in order to meet up with friends here who happen to be in town, but our meet up time has been delayed a bit…. so I’m now sitting at Brown’s Hotel having what, as far as I can tell, is the only healthy afternoon tea spread in London. They traditionally consist entirely of gluten and dairy, which leaves me with just the caffeine and the alcohol… not that I am necessarily opposed to that, but a little sustenance would be nice. Enter the “Tea-tox” at Brown’s: tea and champagne with fruit, little gluten free sandwiches, and other loveliness.

My friends and I are going to a Michelin star Chinese restaurant for dinner – I’m intrigued! It’s called Hakkasan, and I’ve heard it’s amazing. Or, as a woman I met at the jazz club said last night, “oh it’s very swish“.

Looking forward to another outstanding evening in London. Let’s all endeavor to be more like Amsterdammers, Londoners, and Tony and Carole…. don’t hesitate, just go. Door number two looks very swish to me.

Cheers!

Traveling Girl