The narrator, along with their companion ”Blixten,” finds themselves once again in London, a city they’ve both visited numerous times. While the allure of exploring new destinations remains, they’ve come to appreciate the unique charm of revisiting familiar places, a sentiment echoed by the narrator’s reflection on previous trips. This familiarity allows them to bypass the obligatory tourist attractions and delve into the more nuanced aspects of a city, focusing on experiences that resonate with their personal interests rather than adhering to a rigid sightseeing itinerary. This relaxed approach allows for a deeper appreciation of the city’s atmosphere and a more intimate connection with its unique character. Their repeated visits to London allow them to move beyond the superficial and experience the city on a more personal and meaningful level.
Their recent travels have taken them to several other major European cities, including Paris and Rome. While they found themselves in close proximity to iconic landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe and St. Peter’s Basilica, they opted not to engage with the overwhelming crowds and long queues. Instead, they prioritized experiences that offered a more intimate and less frenetic encounter with the city. This preference for a less conventional approach to sightseeing is exemplified by their visit to the Cimitero acattolico di Roma, the non-Catholic cemetery in Rome, which they recall as a highlight of their trip. This seemingly morbid fascination with cemeteries is a shared interest between the narrator and Blixten, a recurring theme in their travels, and one that sets their explorations apart from the typical tourist experience.
This shared interest in cemeteries has become a hallmark of their travels, evident in their visits to five major cities over the past two years. Each trip includes a pilgrimage to a local cemetery, a practice met with playful teasing from a friend, ”Pyttan,” who labels their interest ”morbid.” While the narrator acknowledges the unconventional nature of their fascination, they defend it as a captivating aspect of exploring a city’s history and culture. Cemeteries, in their eyes, are not merely places of mourning, but rather tranquil spaces offering unique insights into the lives of those who came before, reflecting the city’s historical narrative and offering a peaceful respite from the bustling urban landscape.
The narrator embraces the role of travel planner, meticulously charting their itineraries with maps, guidebooks, and strategically placed post-it notes. This trip to London presented a choice between two distinct cemeteries: Highgate Cemetery, the final resting place of Karl Marx, and Brompton Cemetery, where suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst is buried. Ultimately, they opted for the charming, overgrown Brompton Cemetery, drawn to its serene atmosphere and the promise of a tranquil stroll amongst historic graves. The allure of Brompton is further enhanced by its proximity to Stamford Bridge, the home stadium of the narrator’s beloved Chelsea football club, a detail that adds a personal touch to their cemetery visit.
Their exploration of Brompton Cemetery proved to be a rewarding experience. They enjoyed a peaceful walk amidst ancient gravestones, the sounds of cawing crows punctuating the serene atmosphere, and the playful antics of squirrels adding a touch of whimsy to the scene. The narrator’s appreciation of the cemetery is subtly tinged with the added bonus of its proximity to Stamford Bridge, a connection that Blixten, a Tottenham supporter, does not share. This contrasting football allegiance adds a layer of playful rivalry to their shared experience, further enriching their exploration of London.
While the visit to Brompton Cemetery provided a fulfilling experience, their trip to London coincided with a break in the Premier League season, dashing the narrator’s hopes of attending a Chelsea match. This slight disappointment is acknowledged with a philosophical shrug: “Man kan inte få allt” – one can’t have everything. This concluding sentiment encapsulates their pragmatic approach to travel, accepting the inevitable imperfections while savoring the unique joys and unexpected discoveries that each journey provides. The anecdote closes with a subtle invitation to explore more of the narrator’s travel musings, hinting at further tales of their unconventional explorations and unique perspectives on experiencing the world.
