Are We There Yet?: A Trip to the Motherland

We all come from somewhere, and I don't mean our mothers. I mean a country, a heritage, a culture. We're all built on the past, becoming who we are not only because of how our parents raised us, but also because of our family histories. Often times, that history, tradition and culture are lost in the assimilation that is today's world. It's not a bad thing, just a bit of a shame when you start to think about it. We're all so unique in our cultural backgrounds and make-ups, but we tend to neglect that and only embrace the culture in which we live.

 

Well, if you get the chance to return to your family's "place of origin," don't ever turn it down.

 

My family is originally from England. I grew up in Canada, as a Canadian, but always knew I was a British Canadian thanks to my Mum and Grandmum. They always told me stories about their lives in England and family histories. So, when I got the opportunity to head back to the motherland, I couldn't say no.

 

England now is very different from the England my Mum grew up in, and definitely changed since my grandmother was there. But I like that – it gives me the chance to one day tell my children about "my" England as they've told me about theirs.

 

I landed in London ready to explore this diverse and historical city, and it didn't disappoint.

 

 

London is such a fantastic mix of old-world charm, bright new technology and modern design that it's almost a constant contradiction – and yet that makes it all the better.

 

I spent my time there at the Langham Hotel in the heart of the shopping district on Regent Street, right by Oxford Street. The Langham is a listed historical building and so absolutely stunning to look at, I found myself shaking my head with disbelief that I was staying at such an incredible place each time I returned to my lavish room. Full of romance and elegance, with doorman in top hats and coattails, the Langham is London's old-world charm contained in a small space. And right across the street from this 17th century building? The BBC production building and the massive journalist memorial vase that lights up every night at 10pm in honour of the many journalists abroad who've lost their lives on the job. Modern meets historical: that's London.

 

Journeying on the tube to Gloucester Road for lunch then a double-decker bus to Camden market to explore the various stalls and food huts really showed me the different sides London has, even though I didn't have to go that far. From upper-crust, Bentley-driving, diamond-wearing residents to new-age hippy artists, London is home to them all.

 

 

And it felt like home to me.

 

That's the thing about travelling; I've noticed that I either feel very much at ease and comfortable in a city or like I don't belong at all. I feel at home in London. I feel like I belong, like I should be there all the time. I don't feel intimidated by its size or scared at the complex tube system (because, my God, is it complicated). I feel like I could easily embrace everything London has to offer. Maybe it's because I have a connection or maybe it's just because London is a truly incredible town with something to offer for everyone – I’m not quite sure.

 

What I do know is I can't wait to go back as soon as possible so I can take in even more of the city and the entire country that molded me into the person I am today, and will continue to mold me every time I return. Travel is all about growth: Your growth as a traveller and as a person. So, embrace your family's culture and book a trip that takes you back to the motherland, even if that motherland is only a different province or major city.