likearecordplayer

even if i had all the money in the world, thus affording a stay at some swanky joint, i would still stay at a hostel. especially if you’re travelling alone, they are the best place to meet people from all over, the best place to have the most socially enriching (and drunken) good times. and hey, they are cheap, always a plus.

just got back from most gritty, visceral vacation of my life – went to london by myself for week; a definite place you should cross the pond for.

also, if you’re into meeting new people – especially crazy irish people, australians who are white as day yet convinced the are aboriginal, sex-crazed bartenders and scottish chicks who call you’re mom when you’re not looking – stay at the astor hyde park hostel, it’s a helluva time because, invariably, you have to throw yourself into the new culture. plus, it’s right across the street from hyde park (beautiful and home to the most nonchalant ducks and swans you’ll ever come across) and in an actual residential neighbourhood which gives you the cache of not feeling too incredibly touristy. and hey, you might even get lucky in the stairwell (i did.)

additionally, the london eye is overrated, but the tate modern is one of the most fascinating places you’ll ever set foot in. also, be sure to stand astride time and straddle the hemispheres in greenwich, just to say you did. and, if you’re into getting lost or feeling like alice in wonderland, check out the maze at hampton court palace – you’ll feel worlds away from london but it’s still just in zone 6.

new york city changed my life. sounds dramatic, yes, but for some reason everything is better there: the beer (even colt 45), the pizza (and only $2.50 for a slice as big as your head!), the sidewalks, even the stench of trash piled outside so high you wonder who’s christmas it was today. all better. there’s something magic about that city, everything kind of tumbles together and you see why people don’t mind living in rooms so small they can touch opposite walls with their fingers and toes.