This week, I found myself in London again, a place I think of as the “in-between Denmark and the U.S.,” not just geographically but also in terms of life quality and enjoyment. It’s neither Europe nor America. Not one of the happiest countries in the world, but not as far down on the list as the U.S. either. It has the best, and the worst, of both worlds. It also has a lot of joy to offer, if you know where to look for it. And isn’t that true of most of life?
Here are a few small bits that bring me joy on this trip, and remind me that it’s the simple things that often matter the most.
Good and cheap bread
I was determined to continue my low-carb diet I started in California on my trip to England. I lasted about an hour. That’s how long it took me to run across the airport to a Pret cafe for coffee and an almond croissant.
While much is written about Danish pastries and French bread, I like the English versions just as much. In London, freshly baked goods are everywhere and most supermarkets have bakeries on the premises. And, most importantly, fresh and delicious baked goods in London, and in most of Europe, are cheap.
I’ve given up on all my low-carb efforts for the time being and embraced the simplicity and joy of daily fresh bread.
(The very many) charity shops
On this trip, I’ve been shopping exclusively in Lodnon’s endless charity shops. Because it’s crazy not to. Similar to American second-hand shops but much better, charity shops are a proud English tradition, and here in London, there’s got to be at least five of them in every neighborhood.
And without a stroller or a toddler (a story for another time), I’m free to push my way through the crowds for a good bargain.
Just today, I bought five high-quality stylish dresses for my daughter for 12 Pounds. But there are also accessories, toys, home decorations and lots and lots of adorable British trinkets I can’t get enough of.
(Free) culture
Most museums in London are free, so running in and out for 30 minutes at a time is not uncommon. In fact, just today, I popped into the William Morris Gallery for a quick bathroom break, a bit of shopping and a bit of “culture.” It is a luxury.
Cheap (delicious) groceries
Yes, it’s food again. But what is life if not lots of good food? Which in the U.S. can leave you broke. But not in Europe. One of my favorite things about traveling to Denmark or the UK (or Paris!) is just that - going to the supermarket. It’s a spectacle but not the American “a lot of space but not a lot of substance” kind. In Europe, supermarkets stock a greater variety of foods at lower prices and of better quality. So you never have to stare at an aisle of endless much-of-the-same sugary cereals.
In Denmark, I became addicted to a liver pate and sliced beetroot sandwich, which is also the first thing I buy when I visit England. This delicious selection here cost me three pounds.
Ease of movement
I’m not a fan of driving, as you know, so every time I’m in a city with a functioning public transport system, I feel free: to explore, to move, to just be.
(Almost) free coffee
If London’s native chair Pret A Manger wasn’t amazing enough, they now offer a coffee membership for 30 Pounds a month (15 for the first month) which gives you five free drinks a day. Back home, my double-shot latte costs six bucks. In London - almost nothing.
I may have become obsessive with having two Pret drinks a day, but that’s just my personality.
The quiet
I walk around my neighborhood in residential London amazed at how a big city can function so well without excessive noise. Back home, we had to move to another side of the neighborhood just to escape the street noise of our seemingly quiet area. Still, we have cars honking, trucks beeping, people talking loudly, and car traffic in general.
When I walk down the street here in London, I can hear… nothing, aside from an occasional crying child.
As always, I look for joy in the little things, wherever I am.
After a year of writing this newsletter, I know I’ll return home and count whatever joyful things I can find there (and I will not keep score!).
And that’s all the wisdom I can offer you today.
Oh, the bread!!!!! I missed it so much when I was home in the US.
Oh, I know! I ate too much of it here in England.