Weekend London Trip

As my plane takes off, I feel the drag of the jet engine as it pulls me back into my seat. Slowly, the cars and buildings on the ground become smaller and smaller. We're ascending. I feel a rush of energy overtake me as I think of the wild, crazy decision I've made. Then again, my life has been full of crazy decisions, but they have always given me treasured memories to take home with me and an amazing ride to enjoy.

My latest trip was to one of my favorite places on the globe: London! I began taking portraits as soon as I landed. The smell of rain perpetually hangs over the city, even on sunny days, but its beauty never fades. For two glorious days, I walked through London's streets enjoying delicious food, three glasses of champagne a day, and meeting new and interesting faces. London's architecture is simply amazing, and several cozy little spots are tucked away on the sides of its behemoth buildings.

My stay in London this time brought me to different accommodations. The flat I was staying in had beautiful bay windows and a small forest of lush potted plants just outside. It was gorgeous! My wanderings took me to the Limehouse streets along the river Thames near the business Canary Wharf. The geometrical shapes of building windows are quite beautiful, and I simply had to take several shots of them. Even the newer buildings in London are architectural masterpieces.

Pretty soon, I was lost. Don't worry, I didn't mind at all! Getting lost is an adventure in London, one that I was glad to participate in. I stumbled upon a lovely restaurant called Big Easy. The smell of smoky wood and tangy barbeque was heavenly, and the sweet sounds of blues music filled the entire building. There was even a wall where customers could place their business cards, so of course I took a look and left one myself. See if you can spot mine!

You won't find fresher seafood than you will at Big Easy. Every crustacean is still wiggling until it's cooked in a pot! The chef is a man who cooks with passion. He told me about his wife and how she was not as passionate about cooking as he was, but he always encourages her to try her best. I told him that although I may not be a passionate cook, I am a passionate eater! We agreed that the best relationship is one where one is the cook, and one is the eater. :)

I finished my trip with a dance party to incredible afro-cuban jazz performed by Juanita Euka, Eliane Correa & En El Aire Project, and my friend Aleph Aguiar (who just published his new album). My hips moved in ways they've never done before as I grooved to the beat. Although I wasn't able to take pictures during the performance, I took these last jumping shots to commemorate the wonderful experience hanging out with my friend Christiaan in one of London's spectacular rooftop gardens. 

Thinking about my London trip, I can sum it up with these wise words from Eliane: 

“Your feet gets something, your head gets something, and your heart gets something!”