London, You’ve Awakened My Heart

Final Reflections Before Paris

London, you were a vibe.

Now, Paris… bring on the croissants, cabaret, and maybe a little flirtation under the Eiffel Tower. I’m ready. 💋🇫🇷

THIS CITY: Loud. Bold. Unapologetically alive. And I absolutely love it.

Tonight, I returned to my hotel room early to pack for my morning train to Paris. Six nights await me at Castille Paris, and I’m sure I’ll fall head over heels for the City of Light—but before I go, I want to linger a moment here in London. This city has been a revelation.

London didn’t just charm me with her grand architecture and buzzing streets. She stirred something inside me—something I didn’t realize was ready to rise again. I’ve had such a lovely time, but underneath the joy and freedom of solo travel, I’ve realized something quietly profound: I’m ready to begin dating again.

As much as I’ve loved wandering on my own, I found myself wishing there were someone to kiss goodnight… and to wake up beside in the morning. I want a partner who loves to travel and play, someone who’s curious, who dances in the street parades of life, and who holds my hand without hesitation.

Maybe I once believed I’d already met “the one.” But I’ve come to understand something deeply important: if someone doesn’t truly choose you—fully, freely, and without hesitation—then they aren’t meant to be your forever. And that’s okay.

I’m not bitter. I’m grateful for what was and what I’ve learned. And I’m hopeful—because the man I’m meant to share my life with, the one who will make the ordinary feel extraordinary, is still out there. I haven’t met him yet… but I will.

Slowing Down, Looking Around

Today was a slower day, a savoring sort of day. I stumbled upon a lively street parade near Big Ben this morning, and then spent nearly two hours wandering through Westminster Abbey. Its beauty and stillness are breathtaking. Afterward, I treated myself to afternoon tea at the Abbey café—though if I’m being honest, it was a bit much in the carbohydrate and sugar department. The ginger lemon tea, however? Perfection. Two pots worth.

Since they rarely seat solo diners there, I was paired with a sweet couple from Australia. It was actually quite lovely. (If you’re planning to go solo—just know you might get a little bonus company!)

A Perspective Shift in Portrait Mode

This trip has reminded me of how insignificant so many things we stress over truly are. We live in these little bubbles, worrying what others think and trying to impress the same thirty or three hundred people… but this world holds over eight billion of us. (Yes, I fact-checked.)

Before this trip, I was shy about taking selfies in public. Now? I don’t think twice. I want to remember that I was here. The places will exist long after I’m gone, but my face in these moments—that matters to me. And here’s the secret: no one’s really watching. And if they are, they’re probably thinking, Look at her. She’s doing life her way. I hope I’ve inspired someone else to stop worrying and just take the picture. You deserve to take up space in your own memories.

One Final Stroll, One Full Heart

Dinner tonight at Nopi was exceptional—delicious food, vibrant vibe, and wonderful service. Afterward, I walked through SoHo, circled back to Big Ben for one last nighttime peek, crossed the bridge by the London Eye, and made my way back to the hotel via Jubilee Bridge.

It was the perfect way to close this chapter.

What Comes Next

Tomorrow, I ride the Eurostar to Paris—and I can’t wait. But I’m carrying something with me as I leave London: the understanding that even when I’m alone, I’m not lonely. And while the only thing that could have made this trip more magical would’ve been someone to hold hands with, I know my time will come.

Until then, I’m living big. Loving boldly. Laughing loudly. Dancing freely. Because life is short. Tomorrow isn’t promised. But today? Today is ours to live.

With love and a heart full of tea and dreams,

MaryNell (aka Honey🍯 )

If I had a pound for every time London made me smile, I’d be buying a flat in Notting Hill.

Onward, to Paris—because I’m not done falling in love with the world just yet. 💕🌍