After I led a young adult pilgrimage to Ireland this past spring, I decided to end my journey in a place that has come to feel like home to me: London.
I studied abroad in London during my last semester in college, and it was such a pivotal time in my life that the city itself seemed to plant its seed in my soul. For me, it was a season of autonomy and growing closer toward my true self—a time that has served as a touchstone ever since in moments when I feel as if I’ve lost my way.
And so, every time I visit London, I feel as if, in a way, I’m visiting a part of myself. That’s what I wanted to do, at least, on my solitary journey last spring. My husband, Kyle, had just set off on a transformational journey of his own, and even though I only had a few days, I wanted a taste of the same.
As we prepared to end one season in life and enter the next, I wanted to touch that part of myself that felt so alive in London many years ago, and I also wanted to see how much I’d changed. I wanted to walk the streets, to feel the thrill of knowing a city like the back of my hand, to allow myself to leisurely lose my way in order to turn the corner and find it once more. I wanted to smell the smells, hear the sounds, and see the sites that felt like old friends. And, I wanted to find that old friend within me, too.
I had just a few days to explore, and while I still visited many sites that are frequented by tourists and locals alike, it felt more like a pilgrimage than a vacation. The intention behind the journey made each flash of memory significant, each internal struggle an opportunity for humility and growth. The journey was meaningful simply because I made it so.
While it would be hard to put my experience into words (some experiences are best left without words, I think), I want to invite you into my journey at least in picture form by sharing the images and captions I posted on Instagram during my time in London. Know that while these images might just seem like things to add to a London itinerary, to me each picture stirs my soul. I hope they encourage you to make the time to visit your own personal Sacred landscapes, too, in life and in time—no matter how ordinary.
My first full day in London began with a walk in the park. Apparently these guys had a similar plan…
Next up: The National Gallery, with plans to wander, wonder, and write.
Borough Market—I could roam these food stalls for days. Celebrating 1000 years. Can you believe it?!
Afternoon tea for one, please!
Finished the day with a choral evensong service at St. Paul’s before walking back to my hotel. I walked everywhere today, apparently totaling an unexpected 10 miles. But to be fair, whenever anyone asked me about my London plans I told them I just want to walk around the city, so…check!
Starting the day with breakfast at The Orangery at Kensington Palace. Kate suggested we meet here since it’s in the neighborhood and all…
Picnicking at the V&A on a grey English day.
A pilgrimage site if there ever were one…
Ending the day with Jamie after a stop to visit Cath (Kidston)! A good way to end a very British day.
Palm Sunday at Westminster Abbey followed by a 6 year reunion with the girls from my Uganda gap year!
GO FURTHER…
What is a place that holds particular significance in your own journey? What is it like to return there?
PS: My disappointment during my previous visit to London and posts on London from our Pilgrim in Residence series. Plus, 5 ways to turn your ordinary trip into a pilgrimage.