PERKS OF BEING A NOMAD – LONDON EDITION
(Nearly five years into being a nomad. Reflections of the last six months in and around London, sandwiched around family time in California. Fully accepting of divorced empty nester status. Can’t clip my wings now! From the journals.)
June 2024
Perks of being a Nomad – and chatting with people wherever I go. In the autumn of 2022 when the Rogue and I were at the Chelsea Harbor Hotel for 3 weeks (where the Paul Weller song played on repeat and we started a staff uprising), I met Nnamdi, a hotel worker and aspiring actor. We kept in touch. He messaged me while in Cannes this past May, and Daughter and I took him to a rooftop bar. He’s now high up at the posh boutique Kensington Hotel in London. He got me a “family” rate for two nights.
So I arrived from Zurich today, and literally out of the taxi I was greeted by name by the staff. Bags whisked away and I was escorted straight to the bar. Everyone had heard of me, the lady from Cannes who “took care of” Nnamdi. He and I caught up in the bar for a few hours. I finally made it to my room where a lovely fruit bowl, macaroons, and champagne truffles awaited (I will never get to diet!). Off to the gorgeous dining room for a late dinner and see what new adventure awaits.
https://www.expedia.com/shop/second-chapter-nomad – I receive a small commission if you book through me 🙂
https://www.expedia.com/shop/second-chapter-nomad/london (here are some of my favorite London hotels)
Struggles of a Traveling Nomad
June 2024 – The rapid fall from the Kensington LOL. Cut to 1 1/2 hours in an Uber with a lovely Londoner young man in his Tesla. Time for the reality of an Airbnb in Greater London. June. Summer. Always difficult to find a place to stay. I’ve been burned many a time with fake places (that’s how I ended up living at the Groucho Club!).
So, we travel south of the Thames, far to the east. Through cute Greenwich (note to self – stay there next time). Finally get to Woolwich. Hope diminished, but staying positive. Third time (not a charm) having to get the key in a “Nest”. In the “Confectionary Box in the Woolwich Covered Market”. Say what? Not the first time having to trust a stranger. Uber lad kept all my worldly possessions as I had to get out on foot (no cars allowed in said market) to retrieve the key.
Not exactly a neighborhood I was comfortable in. The “confectionary” man behind the counter was not welcoming to say the least. I gave him the code like a super spy. He replies, “No.” Ummmmm…. It’s well after the 3:00 pm check in time. “Not ready.” I look around. Dodgy is a kind word. Phone calls, illicit visitors darting in and out. I race back to Uber, thankfully still there with my possessions. He didn’t want to leave me there. We brainstormed.
WOOLWICH
He drove me nearby to the “Beefeater” establishment where I at least could regroup. Ate a cheap “8 mains under 8” item and downed a large pinot grigio. Airbnb finally messaged that the cleaners had run late. The key is now ready, back in the “nest”. Well, I’m not ready. I’m eyeing my backbreaking load and thinking of the gauntlet back to the Confectionary Box. Stay tuned.
LATER: Push my unwieldy load down the road, past the “Gun Pit” (pub?), back to the Confectionary. New man at the helm. Gave new code. Voila! Key appears. But, that is not the end of the struggles for the traveling nomad. I push my load, uphill (what are the Godforsaken bumps put on sidewalks that prevent the pushing of wheeled objects??). Then my phone service goes out. No maps. Nothing. I am like a sitting duck with all my possessions. Lost. Addresses make no sense here. They are post codes that have nothing do with a street address as I’m accustomed.
Asked a few non-English speaking residents who could not provide assistance. I had to go against all woman-traveling-alone better judgment and count on strangers. One very kind man finally figured out which building was mine. Oh happy day when the fob opened the front door! I staggered inside. And a working “lift” (aka elevator)! Praise be! I collapsed in my unit, never so happy to see a clean, spacious apartment. I may never leave the building again. (The Rogue arrived a day later to join me.)
One nomad treasure my sister gave me for my birthday: https://amzn.to/3CJFiQR battery powered tea light “candles” (purchase with my Amazon Associates link if you please!). These not only add warm candle effects, but I now use them as nightlights in the bathroom and throughout my pad. As a nomad, I often wake up not knowing where the heck I am. These help!
UNPLANNED ADVENTURES
Side note: The benefits of ending up in Woolwich were countless. It was certainly a part of London that tourists don’t visit, and most Londoners don’t. It’s proximity to the Thames led me to walk UNDER the river, fly OVER the river, “sky dive”, and take an Uber boat. So many unplanned adventures!
So many fun words that are different: Aubergine/Eggplant, Corgette/Zucchini, Coriander/Cilantro
Day in Greenwich
The not so fun but necessary tasks of a (digital) nomad on the move. Time to ship items “home” (i.e. parents’ house) to lighten the load. Trying to find a DHL Express is always a mission as they’re often hidden undercover. This one disguised as a storage facility. Deal with unwieldy bags and a frustrated Uber driver going in circles trying to find said destination. Rude staff welcoming me with disdain (and refusing to help with the door), until I flashed my barcode proving I was prepared with the digital form so detailed I might as well be an international trader.
More fun was taking an Uber boat on the Thames. What a great way to see London!
Next quest to find my gym that I have to cancel in person (archaic system). Same one that oddly welcomes me in the system as “Second Chapter Nomad” even though I signed up with my actual name. Signed up in Tooting Broadway, haven’t been since W Hampstead. My code didn’t allow access in the space age capsule so the cross fit trainer had to leave his class to escort me in. American always creating a scene. Did mini workout amidst 95% men while I waited for him to finish as he’s also the membership man. As usual he says “Go on the app to cancel”. Nooo whole problem is you can’t get the app on American phone. The issues go on and on.
All of this took me to Greenwich which meant a new area to explore! Saw cruisers from a cruise ship on the Thames checking out the famous Cutty Sark ship. Naval College. Lunch with most gorgeous summer views. And just as I shipped books home, I bought more!
FARNAM
Next move was to Farnham. The Rogue got an acting job there, so we moved to random village south of London. What a cool charming summer experience. More Sunday roasts, exploring the small town, while staying in a little Airbnb in a family home.
This is a link to an example of a simple gratitude journal (using my Amazon Associates link) https://amzn.to/4fv4n0w. This is a great way to start a journaling habit. Setting goals and dreams with actions.
Jane Austen’s House
A delightful day trip to visit Jane Austen’s House. Inspiring with my U.K. writing partner! Followed by the Ivy in Guildford, Surrey, south of London.
BACK TO CALIFORNIA
After nomad adventures in the U.K. and Europe for nearly five months, it was time to go back “home”. California. My family. Visit my storage unit. Repack. Regroup. Stay with my parents’ in their lovely home (across the freeway from Ex & T2 who are still in the family home; wound not as fresh, but will forever be there).
Seeing both of my kids at the same time has turned into maybe a twice a year highlight as Daughter is in LA (with her boyfriend) and Son is in San Antonio with his Irish Fiancee. I adore every minute I get with them.
All the little things I miss: Iced tea, Mexican food, proper salsas and hot sauces. Real bacon (always a debate with U.K. friends – they call ours “streaky bacon”). The best! Sun, blue skies, ocean.
Mom’s 80th birthday
This nomad life has many perks I never imagined, like the ability to be with loved ones on momentous occasions. This one, my mom’s 80th birthday! I left the day after for the next round of U.K./Europe.
Having access to a kitchen at my parents’ is a joy for a nomad. Summer fresh produce. Look at these stone fruits! My beloved avocados. Cooking a few of my old favorite family recipes. And found this note I had saved: Do something worth reading or do something worth writing about.
FITNESS
Love my California fitness. Got on a roll with the gym, a boxing gym, pickleball (that’s a separate post!), and even tried sword fighting! (All of these are perks with the Rogue as he encourages fun activites together).
PALM DESERT
The Rogue joined me in California for a month, including a week in the 114 degree+ heat wave in the desert. We slowed down like reptiles in the sun. Visited the Cabazon dinosaurs (which my dad had some part in as a young engineer in his twenties).
WOOLWICH 2.0 SEPTEMBER 2024
Hilarious how life works – after my experience of arriving in Woolwich for the first time as described above, to purposefully choosing it again for a month. Once I adapted to the extremely diverse neighborhood, I really enjoyed it. The Airbnb flat checked all the boxes, very hard to do in Central London. Spacious, light and airy, a small terrace, a bathtub, working kitchen, TV, washing machine (!), a space that inspired me to write. It was a seven minute walk to the Elizabeth Line (newest Tube) that takes you into Central London in twenty minutes.
Day 1 back in Woolwich – Unpacked. Put out my treasures collected over time, and of course my books, those I’m finishing and those on deck. Half a suitcase was full of nice candles, lotions, hair and bath products I brought from “home”. Healthy protein power, shaker, mixed seeds, lol. Even high end olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Then went shopping and finally found my beloved Cholula AND olives stuffed with anchovies. Oh yum.
BACK TO THE “NEST”
Picked up second set of keys for flat from the “nest” in the “confectionary” shop, perhaps the seediest place in Woolwich. Checked out the “leisure center” (sort of like a Y). Boxing classes, yay! Alas there will be no pickleball in Woolwich… but hope in Greenwich! (Remember both of these do not rhyme with “sandwich” haha). And yes I packed pickleball paddles (tongue twister?). (Update – Alas never did boxing or pickleball.)
Riverfront not so attractive this time of year in gray skies.
SoHo
Tomorrow: a day of meetings in Soho. Excited to see everyone, and get back at it. Another note: My current United airlines status allows for 2 bags up to 70 pounds, thus the packing of “extras”. Nomad luxury! Numerous film and music events. In my element.
In other news… I bought London Oasis tickets while in LA, and LA Oasis tickets while in London! Well, there are my summer 2025 plans!
MY BIRTHDAY
Chose to celebrate alone this year. What a joy! Picked a restaurant straight off Instagram. The staff was so good to me. https://bacchanalia.co.uk/ Then I took myself to a spa at https://www.landmarklondon.co.uk/ Spoke to family. Drank champagne. I highly recommend a birthday alone to celebrate yourself!
A FRIEND FROM HOME
One of my favorite days is London is when I get together with Julie, my California transplant to London friend. Friends since our early twenties. One of only married couple friendships to have survived the divorce. We tried a delicious Peruvian restaurant in https://www.llamainnlondon.com/ in Shoreditch.
RADISSON BLU AGAIN
Month later: I had hoped to extend the pad through my time in London, but it was booked. Clearly it was meant to be as more adventures awaited. The beauty of being a “nomad” is the ability to pivot at a moment’s notice. I couldn’t find an affordable appealing option in London, so I went to my “home” base, the Radisson Blu Heathrow hotel. I’ve written and posted about this the last few years. It’s affordable, and they’ll hold my cases as part of the Suitcase Shuffle. Best part is the gym and spa, all included, and a great breakfast buffet.
MANCHESTER
With that done, I took off for three nights in Manchester by train (with the Rogue). Another one of my “homes” as I’ve been so many times, and I stay at the same hotel again. There is something about familiarity when one doesn’t have a traditional home, that is comforting. I visited my Lockdown Loretta (infamous in my Casa de Coco and Quarantine Chronicles blog posts). Such special times always. (Manchester blog post below).
As usual I was pulled into bookstores, and have collected even more tangible books. This is a priority for what I carry. My bags may be heavy, but it’s the weight of pleasure!
King’s Cross
Three nights at a tiny Kings Cross Airbnb followed. Useful location, but I could barely move in the tiny bathroom. This decision was convenient as with a week unscheduled, when I received an unexpected invitation to an event in Paris, I was able to say YES. The power of yes! The Rogue grabbed a train back to Scotland, while I took the Eurostar under the English Channel to Paris. (Paris post coming separately).
If I had a regular home with rent or a mortgage, I’d never be able to pivot and travel, accepting life’s invitations and opportunities.
NOVEMBER 2024 – Bye Bye Spa
I returned back to the Heathrow “spa hotel” as I refer to it. Met the Rogue coming back from Edinburgh. Much to our horror, the spa was permanently closed! End of an era. It was such a joy after a long flight or before a flight, to soak in the hot tub, relax in the sauna and steam room. Such a bummer. Once again, this hotel has been one of my many “homes” where I know all of the staff and they greet me fondly. It makes the world a little smaller.
LAUNDRY TIPS
I fine tuned the laundry problem while in Paris. Had some left over laundry capsules from Woolwich. I washed some socks and undergarments in the sink, and hung them to dry on the heated towel rack. What an invention! Within hours they were dry. Laundry on the road is a constant issue.
CHISWICK (West London)
Next up, ten days at another hotel in London, this time in Chiswick. “Palace” is in the name, but I’m not too optimistic. Choosing location over quality. Positives of hotels over Airbnbs are the joy of housekeeping being done, walking into a freshly cleaned room, fresh towels. If there’s a lobby or somewhere to sit, it becomes more a “home” feel.
The final countdown before back to the States, is another ten days, this time south of London in Guildford, closer to my writing partner.
CHISWICK REPORT
Well, it may not be a “palace” but this Best Western offered a free upgrade to a studio room complete with small kitchen, laundry facilities in the room (!), and a heated bathroom floor! Excellent housekeeping, even washing the dishes. Great value. The ten days in Chiswick flew by. Off the High Street, endless array of pubs and restaurants. Even got my hair and nails done, rare treat. Delicious Sunday roast at the Lamb, with friends from California, always nice.
Was able to get into Central London (Southbank – Booker Prize – separate post).
Took a boxing fitness class from Leon at the Chiswick Boxing Club. So fun to challenge myself. I was at least double the age of the other participants. Reminded me of the years of kickboxing through my divorce proceedings.
Nov. 14, 2024 On the Move
Sitting in the breakfast room of the Chiswick pad, awaiting the time to go to Guildford when the High Street opens to cars (i.e. Uber with massive load of belongings). Anticipation of the last accommodation of this leg of the U.K. tour before heading back to the States for the holidays, Thanksgiving with both my kids (!!!), parents, sister and nieces.
GUILDFORD, SURREY, SOUTH OF LONDON
Eleven nights in the charming town of Guildford. In a historic hotel (haunted?) on the cobblestoned High Street. Christmas lights already up. Cozy digs with old exposed wooden beams, whole room at a slant. Live violin music wafts up from the street out the window. Holiday shoppers. It all looks like a scene from a Christmas film.
Great place to catch up, hibernate a little, and get ready to transition back to the States once again. Fifth holidays out of the house. Thanksgiving will be wondrous. Christmas will be first without either of my kids. The traditions are becoming more and more fleeting, and makes my nomad life all the more appealing. Making new memories and routines as I go.
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