Welcome to London
From my raw travel journal.
This piece is published as a part of Travel and Soul, a new thread on my Substack. Think of it as a special section in a newspaper or magazine, focusing on travel poetics, on-the-road musings, and other personal reflections. If you would rather not receive such writings, simply opt-out from this section in your newsletter settings. You’ll continue to receive all of my Truth and Consciousness posts and podcasts.
Covent Garden, London
May 11, 2025
Slept almost eight hours last night, thanks to a full melatonin and half a sleeping pill. The flight over was – meh. I’m none too pleased with United at the moment. Why is the food so bad on the airplane? Why? Reminds me, I need to change my seat to an aisle seat for the return flight home.
I’m all turned around regarding food, too – never really understand how to deal properly on the road and in the air. Last night, I ate an overpriced shepherd’s pie for dinner with a hunk of lettuce drowned in an odd dressing. My water bottle spilled in my pack and gushed all over my lap and onto the seat. It was a wonderful, shitty approach.
On the plane, I watched the Becoming Led Zeppelin documentary and it was superb regarding of course Jimmy Page – I’m just in awe of his early playing – sincerely a genius. He’s a machine and attacks those songs like nobody’s biz. Very attractive. Sexy! Then I watched Madonna’s new documentary [Becoming Madonna, 2024] which was well done and gave me a little more respect for her. Also extremely driven, like Page.
Keith went out to get groceries this morning for our Airbnb which I sincerely wish we’d done last night instead of eating out. Just after the long flight and checking in, we ponied up for the walk to Big Ben and Westminster Abbey, followed by our rip-off tourist meal.
I definitely do not like tourism and especially not in big cities. So why do I even go? It’s hard to get in the mood for it. Feels like something one must “do” at a certain point. Something like that. Plus, Keith really digs it – seeing things. Right now, in Covent Garden, it’s like being in New York. Crammed in. Though we do have a really nice Airbnb, which makes me happy and relaxed. The funny thing is, there’s a picture of the Eiffel Tower in my bedroom here in Londres.
Today, we plan to have a proper Sunday Roast, visit Watkins Bookstore, and meet Garth [Cartwright] for blues in Notting Hill. Quietude is also on the list.
I always wonder why and wherefore I’m placed in certain spaces and places. Right now, I’m simply waiting for my digestion to kick in.
Well, the main thing I’m interested in is FLOW. Stay grounded, optimistic. Just for today, easy does it. Be willing to learn and go slow.
And bring a hat.
I love this share, thank you Erin. I also agree on the touristy thing, big cities and food. For me, less is more and simple is always better.
I look forward to more of your journals🙏🏻💜
I’ve spilled water in my purse twice this week. Lots of water.
I like this travel burst from you. Cute pic.