Allison Chang

Word.

“We’re born alone, we live alone, we die alone. Only through our love and friendship can we create the illusion for the moment that we’re not alone.” (Orson Welles, American motion-picture actor, director, producer, and writer, 1915-1985)

London.
So I’ve just returned from my 3rd international conquest – backpacking around London SOLO. Now, depending on the reader this can come off as an insignificant feat – or a life-changing accomplishment. For me it was the latter, and this experience has opened a gigantic heavy-set wooden door into the world…literally. This is the second time in my life that I’ve stumbled into this type of independent liberation as well as the realization that we will always be alone. Which is a beautiful thing.

Pre-Departure.
In a sense, this trip happened accidentally. Initially, I was convinced by a colleague of mine to accompany her on a quest to be rekindled with a former love. With an expiring $500 voucher for an American Airlines ticket, I decidedly used it on London – only because it would be financially feasible and I would have a place to stay for 2 weeks. Free of charge. Approximately 1 month before departure, my colleague found out that from her Amour that he had been laid off from Goldman Sachs because of the economic crisis, thus forcing him to move back to the states. Of course…I panicked becuase knowing that London would be wildly expensive with the heavier exchange rate I assumed a statutory position in front of my macbook – scouring facebook and old buddy lists for any potential London couches to sleep on. I even signed up for Travbuddy.com – which is like a facebook for travel enthusiasts.

Fortunately- I found an old college friend that happened to be moving there at exactly the same time I was leaving. But he hadn’t secured an apartment yet. Weeks passed and about 3 days before departure my colleague had just received the worst of worst news – her grandmother had passed and had to cancel the trip. So no place to sleep & no knowledgeable traveling partner and a non-refundable airplane ticket. Distraught & panicked, I geared up my backpack, bought a TimeOut London Guide, and peaced out to London all by myself!

Retrospect.
Cheers! In London, everyone says “Cheers” after everything. I was able to experience all realms of emotions and discomfort – my first 2 days I was lost as a tiny tornado in a big city. I had no idea what I was doing each day, but simultaneously overwhelmed with experience. Tube-hopping galore, museums abound, alcohol flowing, masses of international citizens, sleeping in a different place every single night. The funnest part of London was the spontaneity I was allowed – I loved spending days with random strangers from other countries and soaking up the London culture of craziness. I hung out with Australians, South Africans, Italians, & the French to name a few. I even conversed with deaf French people on NYE! They were going to a crazy party apparently. The touristy activities got boring after awhile and I tried to stay away from places that didn’t feel any different from America. My favorite area was the Shoreditch/Hackney area, east of London. Known as the heart of the”creative community” – there were tons of unique bars such as Ingrid Von Underbelly, Roadtrip & Mother. The Yard had the most delicious pizza! The scene was very “hipster” and the crowd ranged from artsy college students to professional 30’s. One night, we got invited to East Finchley by a group of English people and ate meat pies & crisps (potato chips). Chips are fries.

As always, the most meaningful thing about this trip was experiencing freedom and meeting the unique individuals that I met. It was a nice change from the cubicle life in corporate America. Crossing paths with other people and listening to their experiences has ultimately knocked down my walls of insecurity. Now I will now have a stronger stride and a confident step towards a path only to be created by me.