An Afternoon In Hampstead Heath

from The London Review 2023

Who Are The London Reviewers

By Elizabeth Walters

It was a Saturday morning and I was still struck with the previous night’s events. Dirty hair, remnants of mascara, clothes past my usual wash threshold: I was a walking advertisement for Liquid IV.

Nevertheless, I was determined to bask in my last day in the city. With a large Costa in hand, I embarked on the hour-long journey to Hampstead Heath. The trip called for a transfer to the London Overground, the tube’s lesser-known counterpart. Given our hotel’s central location, I had become accustomed to short commutes; spoiled in 15-minute tube stints.

As I stepped onto the Heath, I felt a sense of liberation from the crying babies of the train. The lush greenery and fresh air were a muchneeded respite from the cramped streets of Zone 1; I felt as if I was finally catching my breath after days of spreadsheet agendas. I wandered aimlessly, taking in the natural beauty around me and putting my SPF to good use.

I stumbled into town and found myself charmed by the rows of brick homes; their neutral frames made up in character through brightcolored doors and luscious porch plants. The streets were dazzled in sidewalk chalk and parked bicycles that reminded me of my cul-de-sac upbringing. There was an overwhelming sense of community; I saw a neighborhood that felt lived in.

Rain overtook my stroll, and II took refuge in a café. I refueled with a bagel (or at least an interpretation of one) and entertained a conversation with a local who was visiting her brother in the hospital. Emily was well-traveled: she was originally born in Nigeria but immigrated to England when she was a kid. She recently lived in the US while working at an ad agency in New

York. Our exchange was relatively surface-level; the five W’s paired with some peculiar advice on gut health, and she was on her way.

I finished my afternoon how I started it: walking with no true end destination. As the sky cleared up, I felt a sense of pure bliss. I was reminded that sometimes, the best experiences happen when we venture out of our comfort zones and embrace the unknown. I was proud of myself for how far I’ve come; I spent the first half of my junior year studying abroad in Berlin where I met a new version of myself. She pushes herself to new adventures; she’s not afraid to go out on her own; she makes small talk with strangers; she’s independent.

Two Truths And A Lie

1. I was named after the late Queen.

2. This was my second time in London.

3. I cried at Heathrow.

Most disappointing part of the trip?

Buckingham Palace

Most American thing you did during the trip? I got iced coffee in 40 degree weather.

How many books did you buy? Three.

Emily is a senior at KU from Olathe, KS. She’s studying theatre and would like to be a lighting designer. She loves reading, writing, petting cats, watching British television, and eating. Her favorite part of visiting London was getting to explore the city, seeing plays/musicals, and spending time with her friends.