Paris Syndrome Helped Me Reconsider My Hatred of London

Warning - London May Cause Paris Syndrome

I don’t want Yomadic to go three months without having at least one slightly negative article. Warning: here it is. Sure, there are bigger targets in life than London. But, the fact remains, in my humble opinion, London’s best tourist attraction is its proximity to Paris, and the other grand cities of continental Europe. It’s a popular theme, ask anyone about why they love living in London and odds are “you can travel to Europe so easily” will be high on their list. To me, that speaks volumes

Paris Syndrome is a most interesting mental disorder. It’s a genuine illness, mostly suffered by Japanese people upon visiting Paris for the first time. The Japanese embassy in France reports that around twenty Japanese tourists each year are afflicted. Paris syndrome can result in hallucinations, delusional states, dizziness, sweating, and an inability to discern differences between the various species of Tuna. The Japanese embassy even has a 24hr hotline for Japanese tourists suffering Paris Syndrome, and can provide emergency hospital treatment if necessary.

 

Paris Syndrome? Maybe.

This Guard May or May Not have Paris Syndrome

Paris Syndrome is Like Culture Shock, Only Funnier

Akin to culture shock, Paris Syndrome is a particularly Japanese phenomenon, due to the idyllic pedestal on which the Japanese put everything French. Stemming from the popular mid-century Japanese love-affair of the French capital, Paris developed an image as impossibly beautiful and exciting, filled with fashionable, cultured, and friendly Parisian denizens. When Japanese tourists are confronted with the reality that Paris has a population that doesn’t speak Japanese, are indifferent to tourists from any nation, aren’t all models, and that idyllic Paris is just another version of a major metropolis with all the societal ills that entails – a small number of Japanese freak out and come down with a case of the Paris Syndrome.

This is not what has happened to me, during my most recent visit to London. Indeed, my realistic expectations were met fair and square. Going in, I knew I would find a city filled with residents of questionable dental hygiene, a cuisine known predominantly for sausages and frozen peas, and architecture that can sometimes rank amongst the most brutal that humans have ever conceived. Despite spending time exploring and photographing these obvious high-lights, I’m still not smitten with London.

 

London Syndrome?

Around 1 in 5 of England’s richest citizens are seriously considering moving to another country, so I’m probably not alone in my crazy opinion. For the British population as a whole, “almost half” are dreaming of blue skies, Vitamin D, and food a little more exotic than Lamb Shwarma. A life where they can send their kids to the corner store, without worrying about them being mugged for their iPhones.

Understandably, Australia is number one on the destination list. Perhaps “Sydney Syndrome” will be a new 21st century ailment affecting British migrants? The odds of Sydney Syndrome becoming a reality are very high – trust me, it’s not all Ramsay Street and Summer Bay down under. And with that analogy, I just lost the remainder of my UK audience.

Matt Knepes, a popular travel blogger currently famous for streaming episodes of twilight from every country in South East Asia, hates Vietnam with a passion. Matt has vowed never to return to Vietnam, ever. Why? I have no idea. In any case, Matt has Vietnam, I have London. We all have one city or country we have been to, that we just didn’t feel. United, in “meh”. We’re all different. It’s not as simple as unmet expectations, or Paris Syndrome. The reasons as to “why?” aren’t important. The important thing is that we recognise that not everybody shares the same opinion, and that’s what makes the world great.

 

It will be hard to use the words "Paris Syndrome" to describe this photo.

London Protestors, in an article about Paris Syndrome

Maybe I should give London another go. If or when I do, it will be my fifth visit. It’s kind of inevitable, being an Australian, who does more than his fair-share of travel, that I will end up in London again, sooner or later. For Australians, spending time in England AKA “the mother land”, has long been a traditional right-of-passage. In the 21st century, it seems that writing a travel blog is the new right-of-passage.

Almost three months ago, I entered the world of travel blogging. A world where people strive to live in hostels for as long as possible, scrap over complimentary Room-a-Rama certificates like seagulls over chips, and will do just about anything for twenty-five-bucks. I’m taking it three months at a time, and with Yomadic, the first three months will soon be up.

I’ve already sold my house, and quit my job. By the time the next three months is up, I could be anywhere. I’m currently preparing to travel around the world, with little research, and a rich personal history of ridiculous travel decisions.

What could possibly go wrong, apart from a small dose of Paris Syndrome?

I’ll be writing about the journey here – the good and the bad, warts, and all.

I hope you enjoy my gloomy set of photos from old London town. Black and white film, of course. Writing this article has been cathartic. I actually think I’m ready to head back to London, and try to dig a bit deeper this time. In theory, it has everything I look for in a city. It’s huge, filled with cultural institutions, has an incredibly interesting history, and yet continues to bang-up-to-date and contemporary. Maybe, I just haven’t found the sites, the sounds, and the stories, that suck me in to the famous London lifestyle vortex.

Paris Syndrome is one of the more interesting travel phenomenons. I don’t think I’ve ever experienced it. Even in London. Of course, I don’t hate London. That was just a catchy title I thought up, in order to get a few more English to read this article.

In fact, London has a special place in my heart – after all, it’s the city that makes me dream of Paris. ;)

Nate

PS, please, tell me why I’m wrong about London, and why I should head back. If you’re a Londoner, it is your duty to leave a comment! DEFEND LONDON!

BTW, I would love to send you the next dispatch, posted from some-where random around this planet (and you'll soon find out why YOMADIC email followers are my favourite followers):

54 thoughts on “Paris Syndrome Helped Me Reconsider My Hatred of London

  1. I don’t think you’re alone in this. I’ve heard quite a few people say they don’t like London. I really like it since our last visit there – not sure what changed but John and I had an absolute ball there last year. It took me quite a few visits to get there. I reckon it’s the immigration people at the UK borders =)

    1. Andrea, I know I’m not alone in this. I know one older Italian gentleman, who’s Australian daughter went to live in London. He flat out refuses to visit her in London, and makes her fly to another country, just so that they can catch up! I’ve had a few visits so far, and to be honest, it feels worse each time. However, I’m still of the “it must be me” opinion, so I am willing to give it another go…as long as people leave me a few good tips here in the comments. ;)

  2. I was born in London and lived there until I was in my mid twenties. I still work there but now live just outside in a county slightly north called Hertfordshire.

    Yes London is dirty, it is expensive and busy and the people can seem rude upon first appearance. Yes the tube finishes too early, it a sprawls and appears to have been planned by a blind child who threw some streets and houses up in the air and saw where they landed and some people have bad teeth but London is a truly great and world class city which I am appreciating more now that I don’t live in it.

    1. The world in one city. You really need to get out of central London Nate, it’s over priced and not all that. The beauty of London is it’s neighbourhoods. You can visist the world just by going to different postcodes – I have travelled quite a bit and have yet to see a motre multi cultural place where on the whole people actually mix. Want Portugal? go down to Brixton and Stockwell. Want Turkey? Visit green lanes? Fancy the carribean? Go to Dalston? Want your fellow Aussies? pop to clapham. Want India? go to Southall? Bangladesh instead? Pop over to Brick Lane I could go on and on…

    2. World class art and culture. All of the best exhibitions pass through London. Freize Art fair etc etc. London is a creative hub but there is also lots going on under the radar in places like Shoreditch.

    3. Food- If you get away from the central London tourist trap you can eat well in various neighbourhoods and it isn’t just the usual suspects of Indian and Chinese. I had a great Afghan meal in Islington and anybody from Tottenham or Edmonton knows all about the Turkish Brilliance of Kervan.

    4. Photography- Because of the variety London is excellent for candid photography and I’ve never had anybody punch me!

    5 Beautiful people- Becaiuse London attracts people from all around the UK and te world it really does hve some very good looking people (only Sydney beats it in places I’ve been to).

    I could go on and on.

    Give it another go and I’ll take you around. Also it might help if you come during our summer- the winter really is miserable.

    1. Now *that* is what I was hoping for. Thanks Iesha. Indeed, I think you have hit the nail on the head – each time I have visited London, I’ve spent almost the entire time inside “Zone 1”. I’m well and truly a “neighbourhood” sort of guy, and it seems I missed the most interesting neighbourhoods of all. Knowing that you are into street photography as well, it’s great to hear comments about how good London is for that sort of thing. Sooner or later, I will be back, and I just might take your offer up.

      Your comment actually has me excited about visiting London again, and I didn’t expect to be saying that!

    2. note 5….damn need to get there a.s.a.p., i don’t like cities with ugly people.
      What is the secret of their beauty? Lots of tea? High brow surgery? Did they kill the ugly people? Sleep during the day in a coffin and go out at night? Mix with other Europeans or just import them?

      UK syndrom : not everybody is as nice or pretty as Lady Di

      1. Lots of imports. Not just Europe but all over the world! Also lots of mixing and creating beautiful babies. I’ve not been anywere with so many interracial couples – don’t realize how unusual it is until you travel else where

  3. I spent a little time there and saw what I wanted to see. I think my next trip, if there is one, would be to use London as a place to land and then head out to the countryside.

    1. That’s not a bad idea, TF. I’ve seen the country-side only in passing (ironically, on my way to Paris), but I am interested in exploring some of the nature that the UK has to offer.

  4. London had changed greatly over the past 10 years.

    Today you can get a proper Tom Yam Soup there, none of that overly spicy meatless Bangkok crud.

    You can also breath in London, as opposed to Bangkok where by you are really just acting as human filter for plants who need clean Co2. Wait, there no plants in Bangkok. I was thinking of London’s great gardens and green belts.

    Yes granted London has seen a huge decrease in public toilets in the last 10 years too. A disgrace to the tax payer. The next time I’m in Bangkok looking for a quite side street to relieve myself in I’ll remember that.

    Now I’m off to eat some naan bread and tandoori in Kathmandu. Something else you can get in for in London with ease compared to Bangkok. I’ll also mention the former Nepalese King and the Queen of England to the table next to me – something one really can’t do in Bangkok.

    I mentioned Bangkok in the negative quite a bit I think!

    1. Oh I see what you did there, Dave ;) Bangkok is one of my favourite cities on Earth, hands-down. I would respond further, but I’m just not going to take the bait today..haha. Also, please, send my regards to the King and Queen, feel free to name drop, we go way back.

  5. When I first arrived in London to live, after 3 months of travelling around Europe, I must admit that I was rather nonplussed by the whole place. I’d seen beautiful, amazing cities, experienced great things, and London seemed rather meh. After a while though, probably a good 6 months, something just clicked, and I really started to “get it”.

    London has so many layers to it just waiting to be discovered and, right until my last full day in the city (well ok not the last full day – that was spent on the couch recovering from a mega going away party) I was discovering new things.

    For a start, it truly is the most multicultural city in the world imho. I absolutely love New York, but even in that city, I’d compare its multiculturalism to that of Australia. There are lots of people from all over the world looking to make the place their home. In London, not only do you have that kind of multiculturalism, but it’s also full of so many people who are just passing through for short term stints – it gives it a different element and makes it feel truly global.

    The food stereotype changed a long time ago. You can find good examples of any cuisine on the planet in London, you just need to know where to look. If you want to eat what “real” people eat from anywhere in the world, you can in London. As for London’s fine dining scene, it is amazing. You can have Michelin starred food somewhere unpretentious like the Ledbury, Korean food in New Malden, home to the largest Korean population in Europe (and an amazing all Asian encompasing superstore of food), Ghanian or Afro Carribean food in Brixton, Bahn Mi in Hackney, Pakistani and Indian in Whitechapel and Tooting, and even in Zone 1, there are a huge number of great mid range places to eat at.

    The arts and culture scenes are amazing. There’s always something to see and do, be it a West End show or an underground performance by some independent troupe in a hidden location. Every other weekend there was an amazing gig to see and, over the 3 years I was there, it seemed that anyone who I could ever have imagined wanting to see live, both modern and from decades gone by, did at least one gig in London.

    The tube, despite what some might say, is amazing and combined with the Overground makes getting out of Zone 1 and exploring a cinch.

    The architecture is amazing – from the beautiful old stuff, to the brutalist monoliths, to the modern beauties. You can spend all day walking around a tiny part of the city and be visually stimulated by so many things both on the main streets and down narrow laneways.

    London’s squares and hidden gardens are amazing. One moment you can be in amongst the hustle and bustle and stress of Oxford Street, the next you are, though physically only a few short metres away, a world apart in a quiet Oasis.

    I could go on about London forever, however all I can say is that when you do go, hit me and some of the other posters on here up for ideas. If you make an effort you’ll see many sides to London that you never knew existed.

    Of course, you still might hate the place ;) As you say, we all have our one place. For me it’s Copenhagen. I still don’t get what all the fuss about that place is – I was completely under whelmed and disappointed.

    1. Hey Paul, good to see you around here. I trust your opinion, you’ve travelled a lot, and seen enough to have a good basis for comparison. Thanks for a very passionate comment. I’m almost convinced. ;)

      This is starting to prove quite the resource for London tips!

      I’m almost ready to say, I’ll give London one more go.

    2. “You can have Michelin starred food somewhere unpretentious like the Ledbury” – unpretentous? My friend and I were choking with laughter at how pretentious it was, though the bill – GBP280 for two – was not quite as amusing.

      I could write reams on why I agree with the columnist that London is not as great as people make out – but to take just one point, “multiculturalism’.

      If you go to other cities which have various immigrant population, the areas where each group have settled become vibrant areas that are mini-examples of neighbourhoods back home. Think of Chinatown in e.g. San Fran.

      In London, you just see a sprinkling of representative shops, usually subdued and shabby. There is very little atmosphere there (maybe its the the weather – or maybe it is the usual English negativity and cyncism infecting everything).

      “The arts and culture scenes are amazing” – oh please. The world may have been conned by the PR from all the ex-Goldsmiths mob, but some of us know that you can walk round any European city and see street art that (Banksy apart) beats anything London can do.

      And of course attending any art/culture event always means having to suffer tedious and pretentious Londoners (who usually aren’t from London at all but have run away from smaller cities and towns to find sanctuary in The Big City).

      And forget having an enjoyable drink or meal here – unless you are served by a foreigner, you are likely to have to endure poor, unprofessional service from someone who will usually be scowling at you when not attempting a smiley face to get a last minute tip.

      I too always ask foreigners why they love London, and yes – 9 times out of 10 it is always because it is so close to Europe.
      However I also think there is another reason why they like London – they feel there is more freedom here and fewer rules (mainly because England is so disorganised). It is also easier to get a first job here, as a proportion of English workers are lazy and unreliable, plus employers are not as interested in qualifications as European employers are.

      So, I think London is seen as a place of opportunity and a place to let your hair down – before returning home.

  6. I love London – but I would say, get off the tourist trail! It can often take over a year feel like you finally ‘understand’ the city, and many people (myself included!) take time to warm up to it. But once you do, boy was it worth the wait! I suggest picking an area and just devoting yourself to it for a couple of months – rather than moving about all the time. And, top tip for any city – walk around (rather than using the tube), and explore backstreets!!

    My favourite thing about London is the culture – you can catch obscure theatre, film and art, at pretty much any time. Also – the food is ace, if you know where to go!

    My favourite ways to spend a weekend – hang out in some independent bookstores (I like Skoob, near Russel square), grab a coffee in Shoreditch (Allpress Espresso, Redchurch Street… trust the kiwis to make an ace coffee!) and spend the evening having dinner with friends in Brixton Village – Osaka’s Japanese noodle pancakes are divine. Or, catch something at the Roundhouse in Camden. Or cocktails at the Arts Club in Soho. Or watch something at one of London’s many independent quirky cinemas!!

    Hope that helps – I’m going to be writing up a lot of London guides in the coming months – including my personal top favourite things to do – so keep any eye on our twitter/website and hopefully I can inspire you to try the city again!!

    1. Amy, that really does help! I’ll keep an eye on your London guides, and will be sure to contact you when ..oops.. I mean *if* I return to London ;)

  7. I’ve always found Paris syndrome to be fascinating. It’s one of those things that when I try to tell people about it they don’t believe me because it just sounds so ridiculous!

    As for London: I’ve been thinking hard as to why I love the place but I must admit I’m struggling a bit…

    I’ve always had a love-hate relationship with the place. I’m your typical everyday Kiwi who moved to London and lived in a flatshare with other antipodeans in the South West. I lived there for four years – having just moved away in December – but I’m going back later this year for the Olympics.

    I guess, for me, London just feels like the center of the universe. It’s so international, Europe is just there (you called it!) and there is the whole “motherland” thing. I love the pubs, the banter with the locals and all the history.

    I don’t miss the Tube though!

    1. Hi Simon…four years is certainly long enough to get to know a city. Actually, one thing I do like about London, is the pubs. A good pub meal, and a sneaky pint, was one of the London highlights for me. The English have been bantering in pubs for centuries, and they have it down to a fine art ;)

    1. Yes! A kindred spirit! The comments were starting to freak me out, I was starting to think maybe London isn’t so bad afterall…

  8. I feel the same way about Rome. The first time I went I was just too overwhelmed with everything and found it hard to enjoy. There was so much tourist food and traps to dig through, although I am ready to give it another chance as well. I think I just need to find a resident to illuminate the hidden Rome I am looking for.

    The Wanderfull Traveler

    1. Never underestimate the value of a local contact. Funny thing is, I had several in London, maybe I just need “better” contacts ;)

  9. After reading through more of your posts and receiving a full indocrtination into the manifesto of the Yomad, I am reminded of another reason why London is great. It’s probably the city that’s most full of Yomads in the world. People from all over the world, of all ages and walks of life, with a multitude of experiences to share and create, inhabiting single cheap rooms in shoddy flats, desperately trying to save as much of what little money they have in order to continue the Yomadic lifestyle. Meeting other Yomads and expanding their minds constantly, and tapping into their varied advice and experiences.

  10. As Samuel Johnson famously wrote, ‘”Why, Sir, you find no man, at all intellectual, who is willing to leave London. No, Sir, when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.” London is, and always will be my home town wherever I roam. London is a world city – magnificent, cultured, cosmopolitan, international, outward-looking, frantic, uncaring and unforgiving, a coffee-on-the-run kind of place. For me, there are only three real cities in this world – London, New York and Paris – in that order.

    1. Hi Jack, thanks for the comment, and excuse the late reply, my over-zealous spam filter is the cause. Although you present a strong case for London, I would have to disagree, I think there are more than three *real* cities in this world. Not to mention, although I may be tired of London, I’m certainly not tired of life ;)

  11. I’m sorry to say, I totally agree with your assessment of London. I’ve been living here for 15 months and despite my efforts (and I really did try), I just can’t enjoy life here. The architecture is ugly. The weather is bleak. The food is atrocious unless you can afford the really high-end stuff, and even then, it’s only mediocre at best. I have to discourage you from venturing out into the neighborhoods, as I happen to live in one of them, and other than the prices, they are not any different from zone 1. My biggest criticism of the place is that it just doesn’t have any real character. It’s not challenging or fun or interesting. It just is. And for me, that is the worst offense of all. It just can’t hold a candle to nearly any other major city I’ve lived in.

    On a more positive note, I highly encourage you to venture out into the countryside of England. I spent one of my favorite European holidays on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, and I just can’t say enough good things about it. Once you get out of London you may actually find that you love England…

  12. Awww I love London!

    Every time I tell someone (especially British folks) how much I want to live in London, they all look at me crazy. “Why would you leave Berlin?” they ask. I love London, though and no one can convince me otherwise! But it’s been a while since I’ve been so not sure I could convince you. And I’m not sure how I’d feel there again, but I know it’s a place I enjoy seeing again and again. Such a big city with so much to offer.

    In fact, I wrote this post on why I love London a few weeks ago: http://travelsofadam.com/2012/03/5-reasons-why-i-love-london/

    1. Cheers Adam – I’m not sure this is about convincing each other, it’s more about accepting that some people like some cities, and some people don’t. But, there is no accounting for good taste, right? ;)

  13. i’ve been to london a few times, and i used to live in dublin for years, and still i’ve never quite warm to london. i’ve been somewhere central, i’ve been out in the posh dulwich, and i’ve been in another neighbourhood as well. just don’t quite feel it.

    on the other hand, my first trip to paris wasn’t great either. i gave it another go and found love for the city. i ended up travelling here every year. finally, i moved last year and i’m still in love with this city. now i just need to figure how to continue living here for a while yet ;)

    1. I’m just a little bit jealous of you, Lil, living in Paris. And, you make an interesting point – it’s often not until we have visited a place several times that we get a true “reading” of whether it suits or not. Thanks for stopping by, hope to see you again around here – I will write an article on Paris, sooner or later ;)

  14. Here’s a tip. If you’re missing Paris, don’t watch Midnight In Paris. I made the mistake last night and have been dreaming about that city all day.

  15. What awesome feedback you’ve gotten! I think most of my main arguments have already been touched upon and more. Sorry but I’m Team London. Lived there for a while and even before that is was always my starting point for European adventures because I absolutely love it. Biggest reason is, like Iesha said, it really is the world in one city. Everytime I go I have a totally different experience because I can. The next time you are there definitely break out of Zone 1 to explore the lesser known hoods and let me know if you want some fun people to hang with, I’ll hook you up :)

    Btw, so interesting about Paris Syndrome – had never heard about that. I’ll be there in just a few weeks so will make sure to give any Japanese person I see a hug so the number of yearly cases isn’t so high for 2012.

    1. haha – we should start a “hug a Japanese person in Paris” movement ;) And, if, sorry, when, I get back to London, I just might hit you up for some tips and contacts. Thanks Larissa!

  16. I’ve never heard of Paris Syndrome before, but what I felt when I went to Paris almost five years ago would probably describe my own experience having the syndrome. Having traveled to some cities in Europe (by far Vienna is my favorite), I had a ‘numb’ moment when I went to Paris. Not that it’s a boring city, in fact it is indeed a great city. Maybe I have to go back to Paris one day and make it my first stop before seeing other places in order to get rid the Paris Syndrome off me. By the way, good luck for your upcoming travel Nate!

    1. A verified case of Paris Syndrome! It’s interesting isn’t it – some people just don’t click with certain cities. However, we can agree on Vienna, it’s a spectacular city. Also, thanks for the wishes of good luck, Bama. Much appreciated.

  17. So it’s really not me.. it’s LONDON. Ha! I knew it. Yea, I’ve been twice and twice I was itching for that Eurostar ticket to Paris. I don’t know what it is with London but kind of glad I chose to study abroad in Paris back in college. ps- I’m all for hugging a Japanese. ;)

  18. I’m a Brit and have never like London but have always adored Paris! I just think there a far more likeable cities around the world.

    One thing I’ve never understood is the sterotype that all all you can get to eat in the UK are pies, sausages and fish & chips. Maybe 20-30 years ago but at least since the mid-90s the variety of cuisine is amazing. I live in a relatively small town in the north of the country and we have an great selection of restaurants with food from around the globe.

  19. I once had a case of USA syndrome. After dreaming since childhood about going the US, I finally did go as an au-pair to Philadelphia.
    The first couple of days I did need serious help coping.

    Just imagine finding out your dream is real. You know, a real dream, where houses are bigger, distance is not same, eating cheese tasting like plastic and slices are individually wrapped (?), the sky and clouds are not as close to earth as in the Netherlands, the cops look way more mean, squirrels in the city, lots of them (!). Alice in Wonderland.
    Exept for giant bunnies, it was like a dream.

    Coming back, I experienced the Amsterdam syndrome, everything is small, fellow dutch are less polite (they like to stare without greeting and don’t say excuse me when bumping into you).

    I do like Paris. Love to listen to the language. Like a song. Just need to learn language better.
    London is all right, but when you cross the North Sea with the ferry, first you see clouds, then it starts to rain and then you see England.
    And then “keep to the left”. But they speak English and make a good cup of tea.

  20. I live in Paris but am heading to London for the first time next week — I’ve read quite a few posts about people either loving or hating London, so I’m really excited to see which camp I fall under. I can totally understand Paris syndrome though, I’ve seen those tourists around Opera….

  21. As someone who lives in France and an ex londoner, I am not to keen on Paris. True it has some lovely buildings and spaces, culture to an extent, museams are good. The problem is it serously stinks of urine. The metro and many open spaces are unbearable in the summer.. The Parsiens are very arogant and rude and suffer from an unjustified superiority complex.
    Paris is expensive and the food is not what it was. My favourite cities are Berlin and Istanbul
    and London knocks the socks of Paris everytime.

  22. As well as The Paris Syndrome you have Urine Sauvage – well know to Parisians and a far bigger and smellier problem. Google and see.

  23. If you don’t like London why go back? I like it cos of all the free museums and art galleries but I wouldn’t want to live there.
    Got to one of the other cities in England (I can recommend Chester) or go to Scotland, Wales or Ireland.

    1. I may end up there again, it’s a bit of a transport hub. But, I think I’ll give the whole island a miss for a while, I’m kinda busy with the rest of the world at the moment ;)

  24. Hey Nate. Thanks for the amzing site, iv been checking out a few recently and yours is by far the most enjoyable. Great pictures and great articles (im not meaning to sound like a kiss arse – arse, im so English…)

    So anyways by the end of 2013 iv decided to quit everything and start some form of nomadic existence. my idea is a mixture of the shows ‘Tribe’ ‘An idiot abroad’ and ‘Around the world with no money’ (i hope you know these shows or this is a really pointless reference) A quick summery is im going to travel from the UK to NZ by ANY means possible. Il work for food and shelter, even dumster dive if necessary and i plan on recording every incredible moment for everyone to enjoy or at least laugh at my incompetance. No time limit, No restrictions. Heres a quote that im sure many of you will find as inspiring as i do…

    ‘I wanted movement and not a calm course of existence. I wanted excitment and danger and the chance to sacrifice myself for my love. I felt within me a super abundance of energy which found no outlet in our quiet life’

    Iv kind of lost where i was going with this so yeah enjoy yourself because you only live once right?

    1. James, you’re the man. Good luck with it all, let me know how it goes. You’ll love NZ, and if you go overland from the UK (where possible) it will be the journey of a lifetime, guaranteed.

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