A distant view of the magnificent modern architecture - The Gherkin, from the left bank of the Thames
Tower Bridge, London's most famous bridge spanning the River Thames
The Tower of London, London's oldest landmark
City Hall building near Tower Bridge
Viewing the London Eye from under Big Ben at the Houses of Parliament

Text and images by Chen Chi-Hsiang. London, here I come. Whenever possible, I visit London to absorb its unique atmosphere. It has become one of my active spaces across Taiwan, Paris, and London. As another fashion capital and a major hub for global finance and art, London possesses its own allure.

London and Paris each have their merits. London features a coexistence of old and new buildings, with bold and open urban planning. In contrast, Paris appears somewhat conservative, though not entirely outdated; this is a matter of cultural perspective. Cultural differences are evident, much like the distinction between toast and baguettes, or British soft sandwiches versus French hard ones—the forms and textures differ significantly.

Dr. Johnson stated two centuries ago, "He who is tired of London is tired of life, for in London there is everything that life can afford." Of course, Paris is another matter: an artist's haven, a breeding ground for thinkers, the city of romance, and a paradise for hedonism. Writer Ernest Hemingway wrote, "If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then it stays with you all your life, because Paris is a moveable feast." Thus, I feel fortunate to navigate these two great metropolises.

However, the place that best soothes me is undoubtedly my homeland—Taiwan. There, too, lies everything life can offer, depending on how one absorbs and transforms it. Creativity remains infinite. My hometown, Taiwan, is the feast of my life, awakening my awareness and consciousness anytime and anywhere. No matter where I am, Taiwan is with me. The root of life is deeply ingrained and cannot be eradicated. It may not constitute the entirety of life, but it is its absolute essence.

In spring, I arrived in London, surrounded by energy, vitality, and natural beauty. We see what we wish to see. As Meister Eckhart aptly pointed out, "We look into God's eyes with our own eyes first." This reflects my current state of mind. Travel means leaving home, setting aside work, and letting go of familiarity, liberating oneself from time and space constraints to act more freely and elegantly. Strolling aimlessly has long been part of my daily ritual. I came to London to savor its unique people, things, and events, enjoying the context of this spatial-temporal field in every eternal present. I came out of admiration, pilgrimage, curiosity, and a desire to taste various sandwiches, to recognize English civilization. After all, London offers everything life can provide, does it not?