a night on the dancefloor

clocked in 20,000+ steps

Last month, I finally committed to going to London. I had booked the flights and accommodations and told my friends that I was coming. But when the trip grew closer and closer, I didn’t want to go. I felt like I was being dragged to go on MY trip. What a privilege to say that. I felt nervous to go on a trip for the first time in a long time. During my lunch breaks, I would do my best to map out some things I could do for fun to help lighten my mood. After all, I was going to London and the UK for the first time!

I knew it wasn’t the flight, and it wasn’t the city; it was me. I had been having an existential crisis about my next steps, and faced a rush of anxiety as the school year ended. As I looked at different job options, paths, ideas, personal wants, and needs, everything became muddled. So as the trip loomed, I wasn’t looking forward to it. Even with all this uncertainty, I couldn’t miss my trip, and I pre-booked everything.

I woke up at 5 AM on Friday to get on my flight, and immediately went on a touristy stroll around the Westminster area. Sauntered off to a few monuments like the Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Parliament, and the London Eye, all at once. As an American, it’s easy to shit on the Brits, but it was gorgeous except for the Thames, which was predictably nasty.

Then I walked along the Thames and down to the Tate Britain. At everyone’s request, I ended up going with Tate Britain, not the Tate Modern. After a look at some paintings, I made my way to my hostel near Kensington Park.

During my walk, I unexpectedly found out about Tiffany Day’s DJ set, RSVP’d, and got in. So when it was time to prepare for the show, I was exhausted and didn’t want to go. But I hadn’t been to a fun show in a long time. I quickly unpacked and ate some food, then I quietly mustered up the energy to make my way to the venue.

While waiting in line, it was predictably awkward. Everyone seemed nervous as I scanned around. There were some very cool outfits, though, lots of fun bag charms like Chiikawas and Monchichi’s splashing around. Some people’s hair was in cool braided styles, laced with hair dye, or had very cute hair accessories.

When we got into the venue, it was surprisingly small and simple, just a large dancefloor and a bar area off to the side. At first, it felt empty, but soon after everyone got semi-situated on the floor, it felt seamless. Everyone was really excited to see what the DJs were going to play, how the beat drops would sound, and of course, the headliner as well. As each set continued, the sets got better, with more cheers and sing-alongs. The crowd got more hyped, and we were paying attention. People were dancing, and lots of people were off their phones. Over time, I noticed the room got more and more crowded, and the jumping was more in sync. It felt real. I know it was real, but it felt like a proper dance floor. I left after almost 4 hours there, and when I left, I felt really happy.

As I walked out the door, I felt relaxed. I could see lots of smiles and happy groups spill out of the venue. On the way back to the hostel, my body felt sore, and my feet ached a bit, but it felt a little bit like floating. A very wonderful, happy sensation. It felt like everything was going to be fine, and it was a great start to my time in London.

Not all my nights are like this, but I am glad my first night in London was.

Best,
Lisa

some fun london shots!