In the British university system, the month of April, just before the final examinations, is designated for relaxation, recuperation, and intense studying. While my April will encompass all of these activities, it will also be the time when my American friends and family journey to London to visit me.
The first visitor was Sean, a close friend from my freshman year who has been a part of my entire college journey and now joins me during my study abroad experience. Following Sean was Emily, a friend I met just last March. Despite our friendship being relatively new, Emily and I made a pact that she would visit me in London while I was studying there, and I would reciprocate the visit during her own study abroad program in Lyon next spring.
Lastly, my parents arrived last Sunday for a two-week visit, during which I planned to show them around London and Edinburgh before embarking on an exploration of Amsterdam together.
While I eagerly anticipated the visits from my friends and family, I also felt a hint of nervousness about assuming the role of a tour guide in a city that I was still in the process of discovering. The pressure to provide my parents with an exceptional London experience weighed heavily on me, considering the limited time we had to explore everything they deserved to see in the five days we had together. Realizing the impossibility of covering all of London’s attractions in such a short period, I had to temper my expectations.
To alleviate the pressure and ensure a well-rounded itinerary, I decided to create a detailed list of activities. We commenced their visit with a traditional Sunday Roast, indulging in British delicacies such as roasted meats, potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, and refreshing beverages.
Following the hearty meal, I escorted them to the Blues Kitchen in Shoreditch for a night of live music featuring The Beatles. This venue holds a special place in my heart as one of the finest bars in London, boasting a captivating ambiance and consistently excellent live performances. The evening marked a lively start to our week together, albeit a bit exhausting for my parents who had just arrived that morning.
Throughout the week, I guided my parents to iconic landmarks including Buckingham Palace, St. James Park, the National Gallery, the British Museum, Regents Park, Westminster Abbey, and Borough Market. With each step, my confidence grew, dispelling any lingering doubts about my connection to the city. I was simply thrilled to share my favorite spots with them.
Despite the enjoyable beginning to their two-week visit, one aspect that often goes unmentioned is the sheer exhaustion that accompanies playing host and tour guide in a bustling metropolis like London. While I traverse the city daily, the repetitive nature of showcasing the same sites to my guests took its toll on me.
As we prepared for the subsequent leg of our journey to Amsterdam and Scotland, I consciously scaled back on our itinerary, striking a balance between historical sightseeing and much-needed relaxation. However, London’s demanding pace eventually caught up with me, leading to fatigue and illness just before our departure to Amsterdam. The toll of sleep deprivation and constant activity left me drained, a sensation I knew my guests must have also experienced.
As we continue our travels for another week, I am certain that my efforts to showcase the best of each destination will be appreciated. I have learned to incorporate more breaks into our schedule, recognizing the importance of rest amidst the adventure. Beyond the joy of hosting loved ones in London, these experiences have fostered a newfound gratitude for the trip planners within families and the hospitality of friends who have hosted me in their own cities.