Tales of an Unexpected Friend

Hey Travelers,

Earlier today I was cleaning out my camera roll on my phone and came across some photos of a mini adventure I had when I went to London earlier this year. The photos reminded me why I love the city so much and provided an important reminder to be present and kind, as you never know who you will encounter along the way.

I hopped off the plane at London Heathrow airport and immediately found myself snaking through what seemed like an eternal maze to get to the Heathrow Express, which is the train that would take me to my flat for the weekend in Paddington. The train ride itself was quite nice and very quiet, and included a beautiful view of the city from the outside.

Upon arrival to Paddington Station, I needed to figure out how to get to my flat, which was about a mile away, very close to Hyde Park. I quickly realized that my international data plan was failing me, leaving me with no sense of direction and no ability to call an Uber. So, with about 100 pounds in my pocket I walked outside of the station to find a row of black cabs, notorious in London, awaiting clueless travelers like myself. As someone who hates taking cabs in New York, I was somewhat reluctant to request a ride, knowing that the cost would likely be exorbitant. However, I needed to get to my destination quickly (and properly) so that I could begin my travels throughout the city.

I found myself in the back of a piercing black cab driven by a young man named Harry, likely in his late twenties or early thirties. He was very pleasant right from the minute I stepped into his vehicle, chatting up a storm almost immediately. At first I rolled my eyes (internally, of course), thinking I just wanted to look out the window and get my first looks at the city after a long day of traveling from home. However, I quickly realized it was unlikely that I would be able to get Harry to stop talking, so I took advantage of the local and began asking him for some recommendations.

He was absolutely delighted to help and incredibly friendly, asking about my interests to help tailor his response to what he thought I would enjoy most. He began pointing out key landmarks we were passing, explaining the history of each, and even sharing some stories about clueless tourists (like myself) he had encountered at each one. What began as an exhausting encounter quickly turned into one that was very positive, as I realized that Harry truthfully could care less about the money he would be receiving from the ride, and much more about showcasing his city to an outsider. As someone who is consistently in the New York state of mind, most often keeping my head down when walking and speeding past people before they can even get a word in, I was quick to dismiss his eagerness to be of help.

I realized later that Harry had stopped the meter fairly early into our ride. Most often I would find this somewhat concerning, but his true dedication to his city shined through when he clearly showed he cared more about creating an appreciation for the city amongst visitors than the money at all.

In times where you find yourself consistently rushing, use this as a reminder to take a breath and a step back, and step out of your comfort zone. You never know who you may encounter.