When I land at JFK in one week, London will be an ocean away…
Then “take away” will turn into “take out”, no tip will turn into 10-20%,
and real cask ale will turn into whatever frigid lager is on tap. Noshing my
way through London and Europe has been unforgettable. So many cultures, so many
foods, so many memories and ideas that will come with me right back to NYC. Like
cooking an actual Sunday roast with a British grandmother, making a wish on my
first mince pie of the season, finding advent calendars (which is near impossible
in the states sometimes), finding hidden gardens with a Parisian, eating the
soggy Turkish hamburger that Anthony Bourdain ate, having Venetians walk my
lost soul to my hostel, and so much more. I know I can use these little tidbits
of culture somewhere in my future in the restaurant business whether to bring
the awe of new experiences or the warmth of European hospitality. I hope this
blog has given you a glimpse of both.
And throughout all my travels, it was so nice coming back to London and
feeling like I was home. I’ve become used to the weight of pound coins in my
purse and looking the other direction when I cross. I don’t think I got anywhere close to the tip
of the iceberg in London but in some ways I’m glad, because now I have the
perfect excuse to come back.
Again, many thanks to Banco Santander for the scholarship that made
this whole experience possible.
Cheers!
