Laura-Jane Adventures

Be a tourist in your own city. Take yourself to try that new bakery. Soak up some alone time.

This past Sunday, I spent the afternoon mooching my way around Dalston on my own some and it was bliss. As I sat having an iced oat latte in the sunshine, I journaled about how this past week has felt like a shift. I handed in my notice to my current job, found out about what my new job will entail, and started to help out with a new run club. Two big areas of my life where things are happening, and it is very exciting.

I adore my alone time. It is something I cherish, particularly over the last few years as I have gained more independence, moved to London, and travelled more on my own. I am a very extroverted person, but lately I have been finding that I need more alone time to reset my energy levels.

So that was why I made it important to take myself out on my own to explore Dalston. I met a friend later in the day for wine, ice cream and dinner. Although having the day to myself before meeting my friend allowed me to reflect, appreciate where I am right now, and build more confidence in being on my own.

What do you do with your alone time, and how does it help you in areas of your life?

I started the day exploring Dalston by fuelling up on a bagel from Papo’s Bagels. I wanted a bagel that wasn’t too filling and super fresh, so I opted for the summer special. It was an open bagel with fresh tomatoes, olive oil and seasoning. The bagel was chewy, and the cream cheese was thick and super smooth. Papo’s Bagels, in my mind, has the title of best bagels in London!

Next stop was The Dusty Knuckle. This is a bakery and café renowned for its sourdough sandwiches and, more importantly, for being a business that supports at-risk youth through mentorship and on-the-job training by offering them employment at the café. When I arrived and saw the sandwiches on trays as they were coming out of the kitchen, I kind of regretted the fact that I’d already eaten a bagel. But as I always say, it is just an excuse to go back! So instead of buying a sandwich, I knew I wouldn’t fully enjoy it in all its glory, I opted for a cookie to go.

I wandered through the streets of Dalston, taking in the busyness and the energy. Questioning if I could see myself living there. I think it is a neighbourhood with two sides – like most London boroughs. You’ve got the wealthier parts and those which have been gentrified, and then the parts struggling to keep up with the new trendy spots that have taken over. It is a bittersweet and conflicting transition to witness. I think that is why it is important to have businesses like The Dusty Knuckle, which are not only thriving, supporting local and bringing in people from outside the area, but they are also giving back to the community as they do so.

So with those thoughts in mind, I wandered some more and then found myself a little sun trap at All Press Espresso. The coffee shop and garden feel like a haven in the middle of a big city. Quite frankly, because it is. I bought myself a coffee, ate my cookie, chatted to a stranger and journaled in the sunshine. Writing about the week that passed and reflecting on the changes I have made this year, and how much I have learnt about myself.

I finished my coffee and walked some more, calling my Mum and my Gran to update them on how things were going. My next and final stop before heading to meet my friend for our reverse dinner (dessert first) was at a Deli and Wine shop called Wilton Way. I swayed as to whether or not I was going to stop here. I fancied a little aperitivo; however, at first, I didn’t feel a warm atmosphere from the staff. Despite that, I circled back and looked at the menu and spotted a £6.95 Aperol Spritz, a price I could not pass up. I ordered one at the deli window, felt the staff warm up, and sat down to read my book and journal some more.

The spritz turned out to be one of the best I have had in a while, and if I closed my eyes, the first few sips transported me to Italy. It made the afternoon even more special and reflective for me: Italy is a place that holds a piece of my heart, and amongst all the change, I have the opportunity to go back there for a few days with family. I am super excited to show my dad around Rome, eat pizza in Napoli, and enjoy slow mornings in Amalfi.

All in all, my little solo afternoon being a tourist in my own city was restorative and inspiring. The alone time rejuvenated me in the right ways and allowed me to think about how grateful I am for how this year has better shaped me as a young woman who is more confident about chasing what fulfils her.

My advice to everyone is to create space and time for yourself! Take yourself for that solo coffee or out to dinner. Don’t wait for someone to be free to try a new place on your list – go alone! Be a tourist in your own city. Reflect on the shifts in your life and use your alone time to get to know yourself better!

Lots of love,

Laura-Jane x