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London Spots

by James C. Kao | 2009

When I first visited London almost six years ago, I was attracted to the city because I felt that it was a Metropolis with a small-town charm; the architecture was short and contained decorative details (compared to the brown and gray skyscrapers of New York). But when I moved here, I began to develop an accept-hate relationship with the city. It was a difficult place to enjoy and its energy felt like pressured sadness, not yet melancholia. London's identity felt segregated and guarded, and though at times I still witnessed its charm, I often felt frustrated. The city is made up of neighborhoods completely different from one another. Though major cities are often times made up of areas with local identities, I could not discern the overall, cohesive London. One might argue (and someone certainly has) that that was indeed London's "thing." To further this sense of a disjointed city, London is one of the most international cities of the world due to the ease of Europeans to relocate here and the prevalence of English. It is also closer to Asia than New York, and its cultural strength has drawn talented people from all over to come study and try to "make it." Emphasis on "try," though, which at first I found tragic; now I realize it is also inspiring and... sweet.

As I consider moving back to New York, I find myself feeling slightly nervous to be leaving a place that so embraces creative freedom and boasts an abundance of diversity. But as I see it, London is more creative "ideality" and New York more creative "reality." Nonetheless, London is a place with spots of special spaces, and I shall list mine:

Borough Market, London, England
© James C. Kao

1. Borough Market
I discovered this gourmet food market in the early days of London, stumbling upon stands of cheese, pesto, teas, chocolates, vegetables, seafood, and many other delicacies whilst on a search for art materials (though in the end on that day I did not find paper I needed). It shall always occupy a fond place in my stomach and memories.

2. Angel, Upper Street & Highbury
Angel is a nice area but not pretentious, and Upper Street is filled with cafes, shops, and restaurants. If I had to pick a place to live in London, it would be in one of the side streets off Upper Street. Going further north to Highbury is like going to an English suburb. The park, when the sun is shining, is warm and inviting, and the houses there are cute. It certainly has that small-town charm.

Highbury, London, England
© James C. Kao

Barbican, London, England
© James C. Kao

3. Barbican Highwalks & Waterside
The highwalks all around the area form a maze, and there are small gardens and hanging plants from the estates giving a surprisingly pleasant experience of the area. The pond between the art centre and the church is like a hidden oasis. I don't think I would've ever known about this space if I didn't work here.

4. Southbank
Culture, food, and situated next to the river: it has some of my favorite things. The night views are lovely.

5. Greenwich
Greenwich is on the outskirts of London providing a nice and quick escape. It is educational with its university and museums. The prime meridian is there too, though I wasn't very impressed. I much more preferred the park with its open feeling and spectacular views from the hills.

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