How I Felt After My First Day In London Since The Pandemic Started

Pre pandemic (if we can remember a time) I would head into London pretty much every week. Sometimes for a gig, sometimes for a theatre show, sometimes for dinners and drinks, and other times for days of exploration. Jumping on a train to explore the city didn’t feel like a big deal. It felt completely normal to me. And if you’d told me that I’d have just gone on my first day in London for just over 15 months’ I would have laughed. But that’s exactly what happened.

I’ve been into London three times since the pandemic started for a few meals out (when restrictions allowed). But only recently had my first day in London to explore. And now I’ve actually been in twice. On my first day I headed in with a friend where we started off with brunch and then headed to the Victoria & Albert museum to explore the Alice in Wonderland exhibition. The day ended with a trip to Hummingbird Bakery.

My second trip was a solo one filled with walking the streets of London, plenty of food and finishing off with my theatre trip in a long time.

Things I learnt after my first day in London

Wearing a mask on the tube means different things for different people

We’ve all been wearing masks indoors for the past year or so. And for the sake of feeling a little hot or uncomfortable with them on they are for everyone’s safety. But people still don’t seem to understand how to wear them properly, or more likely choose not to. While the majority of people do seem to be following the rules and doing what they should there are many who don’t.

Some people seem to put their mask on but pull it down under their nose, or even under their chin. And what good is that?! Whenever I see someone not wearing a mask or not wearing it properly I just find another space to stand in or move away.

I need to get used to walking around and exploring again

When it wasn’t my first day in London and I was going in every week I’d be absolutely fine walking round all day. Yes there would be break stops and time to relax, but I managed it. But I learnt that my feet and my mind need some getting used to exploring again. After a day walking round London I felt physically and mentally exhausted. So I need to retrain my body. If like me you’re starting to go out again after so long then take it easy and try to build yourself back up to it.

My London bucket list is always growing

I have a London bucket list of places I want to go and things I want to eat, but that list is always growing. I love getting inspiration from books, blogs and social media including the newly released Pretty Little London book. On my second trip into London I ended up going to four places in the book; Primrose Hill, Borough Market, Coal Drops Yard and the Word On The Water floating bookshop. Some of these were intentional finds after browsing the book, but others I stumbled across.

I love how the book is split into seasons so I know next Spring where I go Cherry Blossom and Wisteria hunting. But the Winter section is what’s got me excited as there are so many Christmas displays. I’ve already got my day off work planned to explore and tick off more from my bucket list.

My first day in London reminded me how much I love it

Regardless of all of our time apart going back into London and walking the streets made me realise how much I love it. And how lucky I am to live so close to it and have the chance to go in as much as I once did. We’re so lucky to have the West End and access to so many amazing shows and my wish list of things to see just keeps growing. This time I saw the Price of Egypt but I have two more booked so far this year. But I’m sure I’ll be adding even more to that number. There’s so much to see in London, and so many places to eat at that I feel spoilt for choice.

Have you been back to London or a big city you used to go to pre-pandemic?

Pin It