People, Places: Raison d’être

Experience Life

London calling

but not so long this time.

but not so long this time.

London was the first European city I ever visited. I was there with my sister for a week during spring break in 1992. It was  my very first stamp in my very first passport! (Note: I had previously traveled to Mexico & Canada, but you didn’t need a passport at the time.)  We took walking tours and visited all of the major tourist sights including the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Picadilly, Trafalgar Square, St. Paul’s Cathedral etc.  We also took day trips to nearby cities including Shakesphere’s hometown. I felt like I had experienced all that London had to offer.

I returned to London again with college friends in 1994 to launch our seven week backpacking tour of Europe. I actually can’t recall what I saw on that visit, but I suspect it was much of the same as the 1992 trip since it was the first visit for my friends.  With two visits under my belt, I checked it of the long list of places to visit.

I always assumed I would return to London, but I never expected that it would take 15 years! In March, I finally returned to visit several of my friends that have moved there in the past year. I love London!  I had fond memories of it, but it seemed to be a completely different city to me. Perhaps we both matured along the way.

The food used to be crap. Now they have “gastro pubs” that serve wine and a variety of ethic food beyond traditional fish and chips.

Security has changed quite a bit too. In the 90’s there weren’t any trash bins on the streets, but they have reappeared along with cameras. EVERYWHERE.  I’m sure that is the case in most cities today, but it is very obvious there.

The city is clean, lively and completely fascinating. It’s both historic and trendy. Sophisticated.   It’s a vast city, but it feels like a small town. It’s not as urban as NYC. It’s more like Brooklyn.  Actually, It feels like  Boston, but that could be because all of the street names are the same. 🙂

One of my friends lives in Chelsea which is prime location in walking distance to shops, restaurants etc. It’s apparently a very wealthy area. I noted many Porches, Ferraris and Maseratis parked on the streets!

On this trip, I spent very little time at the traditional tourist stops. I explored neighborhoods and food markets, saw a movie in a local theater, strolled through parks and museums, participated in quiz night at  a local pub, attended the Oxford versus Cambridge crew race.

I felt like a local.

I may need to rethink my love affair with Paris.

April 12, 2009 Posted by | London, Travel | , | 1 Comment

Cruising at 39,000 Feet

I recently flew Air France from JKF to CGD Paris. The experience was quite pleasant as far as flying goes these days.  The bi-lingual  flight attendants were cheerful, and the coach accommodations were reasonable (decent leg room, clean, spacious overhead bins).  I was thrilled to be on my way to Paris, so, I admit, few things could have altered that euphoria. I did note  features that enhanced the experience:

1) Personal TV screens. All planes should have this feature. It’s one of the reasons I prefer Jet Blue for domestic flights.  Watching whatever  you choose during a 6+ hour flight is great distraction from the monotony.

2) Printed diner menus. This used to be standard on international flights, but it seems to be 50/50 these days. I like that Air France provided menus. I almost forgot I was in coach. Almost. 🙂

3) Champaign. French Champaign. Then wine with dinner if I so chose. Classy.

4) Reading Materials. They had a nice selection of magazine and newspapers.  Another good distraction if you don’t want to watch movies/TV for the entire flight.

My return flight was from London Heathrow to JFK on Delta.  I  expectated  the same level of service. Afterall, both legs were purchased through Delta.com.

Nope. Completing different experience.

No personal TV screens. I had to strain my eyes to watch the pre-selected movies on a screen about 5 rows away from me.

No menus or Champaign. Wine was offered with dinner, but otherwise for purchase in coach.

No magazines (other than the duty free etc.).  Although, thankfully they did offer a selection of newspapers. I suspect that’s because Europeans read newspapers frequently and expect news to be available.

The difference between the two international flights was striking. I had wrongly assumed that international flights were  “old school” and still provided ammenities that enhanced the travel experience.  Small details, yes.  However,  details make a difference as far as brand and customer service go.  Air France did it right.

Ah, vacation was indeed over.  I was jet lagged and exhausted. After a two hour lay over in a dingy JFK terminal, I  boarded a small commuter plane and quickly realized the flight from London was a luxury in comparison.  I didn’t care. I took a nap and was home before I knew it.

April 12, 2009 Posted by | Travel | | Leave a comment