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Another chance

8/19/2013

16 Comments

 
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(Photo by © Brandon Elijah Scott / Eye & Pen)
The experience of traveling to a destination is subject to circumstance and event. Someone may have a wonderful and unique time in Rome, by staying at a hostel or couch surfing, by meeting great people and having an overall positive time there. However, others may have a completely different experience, based on who they met, where they stayed, and what happened. For each and every person, a place will feel different and the experiences one has there will differ from anybody else’s, no matter the kind of destination. Travel and perception are both subject to the relationship of experience in each individual’s eyes.
I’ve heard ravings of positive feelings and adoration toward London, however my own experience was not quite as lovely – and I’m now left with a less than warm feeling when I think back on my time in London. I was new to traveling internationally and without knowing any better, I chose where I was going to stay based on price, not on the location. And as you may have guessed, I stayed in a rather dodgy area of town in a London hostel, far away from the attractions, and the more positive experiences that I could have had. This choice hindered my ability to wander the great lengths of the city freely and effected my judgements on the place, therefore changing the experience I had altogether. I left London thinking that it was a dump – a sprawling mess that wasn’t even 1% English. While part of that perception may be legitimate for certain parts of London, it’s a bad judgement, narrow-minded on the fact that I only really experienced a certain area.

No matter how your first experience was, nor how awful or traumatic it felt, it’s important to give yourself some time before returning again, however, the point is to ACTUALLY return – and to give the place a second chance. Each time you visit somewhere, the experience will always be different than the time before, but it’s important have a well-rounded view, rather than to remain with a fractured misconception of a memory. The same can also be true when one has an amazing time, full of romanticized memories, to where the second visit is nowhere near as magical and memorable – but that’s life. The first time you had ice cream or pizza probably was life-changing, and while each time afterwards it was pleasurable and you enjoyed it, it will never have the same introductory surprise as the first time.

I don’t know when I will return to London again, but I know that I will give it another go – trying new things, meeting new people and giving it the benefit of a doubt. And if you can relate, you should too.
(This piece was written by Brandon Elijah Scott and originally published on HostelsClub)
16 Comments
Jess - Sunshine Umbrella link
8/19/2013 01:24:21 am

Nice article... And go you for having the guts to admit that you didn't have the best impression of England's capital. Although it's not so great for travelers on a really restrictive budget, London truly is a magnificent city.

I feel the same way about New Orleans as you do about London (I'm madly in love with London, btw). I've never heard anyone say anything bad about NOLA, so I think my terrible experience (constant food poisoning, getting robbed, harassed by drunk tourists, etc.) in the French Quarter was an anomaly. Now that's been a few years, I feel like it's time to go back with a much more open mind.

I've been to the area of London that you're referring to and it's definitely not visitor-friendly. I hope you return to London someday-- staying in the heart of the city would be a far more enjoyable experience. Having the luxury to safely walk to/catch the tube to Piccadilly Circus, St. James's Park, museums (loved the Tate), different pubs/taverns, shows, etc. are worth the extra cost.

Safe travels! :)

Reply
Brandon Elijah Scott link
12/21/2013 01:46:47 pm

Wow, I am very sorry to hear about your rough experiences. I do indeed planning on returning. It will be some time down the line, but I will do it. My next visit will be in the heart of the city for sure.

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Ian Phillips
8/19/2013 02:44:47 am

I was just in Portland and chose cheap over location. It was ok but took me a 1/2 hr to get in because of where I was so yes location maybe worth some extra $$.

Reply
Brandon Elijah Scott link
12/21/2013 02:15:55 pm

I recommend to anyone who is traveling to chose their place of stay based on location. It will save you from many hassles, and be worth the extra money that is spent. When traveling you don't want to leave with bad taste of the place in your mouth. Choose wisely. :)

Reply
Marsha link
8/19/2013 11:31:53 am

Nicely said. Even if things don't work out, give it another try. It's too bad you stayed in a dodgy part of London. I've been three times and love the city to death. When you're travelling for the first time, it is so hard to know everything and especially location. But glad to hear you will give it another try.

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Brandon Elijah Scott link
12/21/2013 02:35:41 pm

Yes, I don't want to think that all of London is bad. It was a mistake made on my part by not doing my research. I am planning on returning, and giving it another go.

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Barbara Cacao link
8/19/2013 12:56:28 pm

Brandon,

true thoughts. I have had this experience a couple of times with different places. As for my hometown Vienna, my husband didn't like it at first sight. He arrived in winter and found it grey and dull. Spring and summer visits, along with a couple of new local friends for him, made a difference.

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Brandon Elijah Scott link
12/21/2013 02:45:17 pm

I agree, seasons have an impact on a persons visit for sure! Some places are better to travel in the summer months while others are best to travel in the winter months. I am very glad to hear that your return to your hometown was a better visit than your first.

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Megan link
8/20/2013 05:58:50 am

I always feel guilty when I leave a place without liking it. My relationship with Dublin is "complicated" yet I keep going back, convinced I must being "doing it wrong." Next time you're in London, let me know. i love this city.

Reply
Brandon Elijah Scott link
12/21/2013 02:46:55 pm

Ok, I will definitely let you know! Maybe you can show me around? I can understand the feeling guilty part. It's like you expect something that you just don't actually experience, and you want to return to get that feeling, that experience that you were coming to get!

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amanda link
8/20/2013 07:44:08 am

Funny, I just had the same thoughts (and briefly wrote about them) with Las Vegas. I didn't even have a bad experience, I just don't think I had the right, real experience. I'm convinced there's beauty everywhere -- you just have to find the right connection/path to it.

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Brandon Elijah Scott link
12/21/2013 02:48:35 pm

There is beauty everywhere! It is just a little harder to find it when you go down a different path attempting to find it. haha. I haven't been to Las Vegas however, I plan on visiting! Any tips?

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ohmjam link
8/21/2013 03:08:05 pm

Enjoyed reading your blog and look forward to more.

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Brandon Elijah Scott link
12/21/2013 02:49:42 pm

Thank you very much for the compliment. I post new stuff often and update my photo gallery on a regular basis. I look forward to seeing you around the site. :)

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Jack Scott link
8/25/2013 07:03:53 pm

As a Londoner, this proves beyond doubt that research is vital when planning a trip. London is so big, you have to choose well. Years ago, I made the same mistake and stayed in the suburbs of Paris. It was a disaster. I learned the lesson!

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Brandon Elijah Scott link
12/21/2013 02:52:33 pm

I am sorry to hear that you didn't have a good experience in Paris. Did you ever return, or are you planning a return?

Reply



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