Navigating the Contrasts of London: A Giraffe's Sustainable Luxury Adventure

Hi my fellow intrepid followers, I hope this finds you happy and well wherever you are in the world. I’m currently writing this from the departure lounge of one of the world’s busiest and most overpriced airports on Earth. 

I just paid a silly amount of money for the smallest salad I have ever seen in my life. I can’t wait to get home to Botswana and eat all day long for free! I miss my calves too, and I hope my other half has been entertaining them with stories of my travels and keeping them away from those pesky lions. I just spent two fascinating weeks in the heart of Europe, amidst the hustle and bustle of a metropolis brimming with history, culture, and diversity. No, not Berlin. I’ve been on a tiny little island where everyone is obsessed by the weather, tea, and sausages. Yes, my dear friends, I’ve been exploring the enchanting city of London. For me, as Giraffe Globe-trotting Ambassador of LUC8K, (the only giraffe to feature in  Forbes Magazine. I’ll have you know) London is not just another destination; it's a canvas of contrasts waiting to be explored.

 

I’ll tell you all about my London trip, and how I explored the city's hidden beauties while navigating the challenges it faces. Oh, and I met my Royal friends again for a good old English cuppa and a chat. So, grab some nuts, a coffee (or large G&T), sit back, relax and enjoy…As I touched down in London on a heavily polluting jet plane on a long flight from Botswana (I had to buy an entire row of seats just for my big, spotty ass) I made a conscious effort to reduce my carbon footprint, opting to ride on electric buses and bicycles whenever possible.The city's commitment to sustainability is evident everywhere I went, from the bustling markets overflowing with locally sourced produce to the innovative green spaces dotted throughout the urban landscape. All the famous London black cabs are now electric too, but none of them were overly keen to pick up a 20ft tall giraffe for some reason. So, I did quite a bit of walking, and as I trotted through the bustling streets of London, I was immediately struck by the kaleidoscope of colors adorning the city. From the vibrant street art splashed across Shoreditch's walls to the elegant couture displayed in Mayfair's boutique windows, London's fashion scene is a testament to its eclectic spirit. Every corner I turned revealed a new style, a new trend, as diverse as the people who call this city home

But it's not just the fashion that captivated me; it's the people themselves. I’ve never seen such a melting pot of different cultures and age groups all in one place, each bringing their own unique flair and flavor to the streets. From the chic millennials and annoying hipsters sipping expensive artisanal coffee in trendy cafes, to the elderly Indian couple strolling hand in hand through Hyde Park, the city is alive with the rich tapestry of human experience. I found myself drawn to the vibrant energy of Camden Market, where the air is alive with the sounds of laughter, Cockney twangs, strange hippy music, and the streets are lined with stalls selling everything from vintage clothing to exotic spices. I bought a random mixed bag of souvenir gifts for my calves and friends back home - all from organic, eco-friendly and sustainable market stalls. I bought my other half some CBD oil. I have no idea what it is, but the friendly man who sold it to me said it was strong enough to knock out a lion, so it might come in handy the next time me and my hubby go out for a midnight stroll. Talking of strolls, all that walking made me hungry. I’m a bit of a foodie (I don’t just eat leaves you know!) and as I explored the city's culinary delights, I was treated to a feast for the senses. The smell of freshly baked bread wafted through the air as I wandered past artisan bakeries in Notting Hill, while the tantalizing aroma of spices beckoned me into a bustling curry house in Brick Lane. London's food scene is a testament to its cultural diversity, with flavors and cuisines from around the world waiting to be savored on every street corner. I’m still feeling the after-effects of that curry by the way, maybe I shouldn’t have ordered the vegetable vindaloo…

But amidst the hustle and bustle of London life, I couldn’t help but notice the underlying strains of uncertainty and struggle. The ‘cost of living crisis’ looms large, casting a shadow over the city's streets. Hardworking Londoners find themselves grappling with skyrocketing rents and stagnant wages, their dreams of prosperity slipping further out of reach with each passing day. It’s quite sad really to see humans sleeping rough on the streets, as fat cats are getting fatter and richer with each passing day.

And then there are the animals. I decided to pay a visit to London Zoo, eager to connect with my fellow creatures and perhaps find a sense of kinship in their midst. However, as I roamed the enclosures and observed the animals within, my feelings became decidedly mixed. Locked behind bars and glass enclosures, these magnificent beings seem a world away from their natural habitats, their freedom curtailed by the confines of captivity. Maybe some humans feel a bit like this in London? They are well looked after, but I even felt sorry for the lions, so far away from everything they know and love. I know that some humans are kept in cages, behind bars, but they probably deserve it (why isn’t the big orange plump Frump behind bars?? It beggars belief!!) whereas these animals haven’t done anything wrong! 

I actually caused quite a stir that day, because everyone thought I’d escaped from the giraffe enclosure! Luckily, I had my passport and essentials all to hand inside my bespoke LUC8K messenger bag and they let me carry on my journey. I had at least 200 Chinese and American tourists following me around London after this, taking pictures and getting all up in my business with no concern whatsoever for my own personal space. I really did need to escape, so I headed from the zoo to the Royal Circus, because I couldn’t leave London without popping into Buckingham Palace once again. It just wouldn’t be right! Fond memories came flooding back of my last encounter with Princess Kate and Prince William during last year's royal wedding festivities and their graciousness and warmth left a lasting impression on me. Plus, I wanted to hear more about their love for animals like me, and talk about the foundation they set up to help us.

Over the last ten years, the evidence that we face urgent challenges to protect the environment has become indisputable, and it’s clear that the time to act is now. We must work together to overcome climate change, the illegal wildlife trade and unsustainable development and use of resources. The Royal Foundation addresses these pressing environmental and conservation crises by bringing together environmentalists, businesses, global leaders, and NGOs to find innovativesolutions. This is why I love Kate and Wills sooooo much! Like us at LUC8K, they get it. And they know what needs to be done ASAP.

Amidst the grandeur of the palace, we shared tea, biscuits, and polite conversation. Kate giggled a lot as the Corgies were chewing on my legs, and due to my long neck, I found myself looking down upon William’s ever expanding bald patch from above. Kate was captivated by my LUC8K bag and the story behind it. I kinda went into sales pitch mode, but they didn't seem to mind (I hope!) I told her that our products are meticulously designed and handcrafted with the utmost care and attention to detail. All the things Kate loves and is now used to in her amazing Royal life! The leather used in our products is sourced from the finest French bovine, happy cows that roam free in the fields, tanned by a certified tannery with the highest standards of quality and sustainability throughout the production process. She loves the fact that everything we do is lovingly handmade in a French atelier, where skilled French mime artists wearing stripy tops and garlic necklaces pour their passion and expertise into every stitch and finish. She giggled at this. Wills was taking a call from his papa at this point, so he missed it.

But like all good things, my trip had to end. As I sit here in Heathrow airport waiting for my delayed departure back home to the wild, I reflect on my experiences in London. I’m struck by the city's contradictions - the beauty and the struggle, the vibrancy and the captivity. But amidst it all, I found a sense of hope - a belief that even in the face of adversity, the human spirit has the power to endure and overcome. And as I bid farewell to the city that has captured my heart, I carry with me not just my beautiful, bespoke LUC8K messenger bag full of gifts, make-up and wet wipes, but fond memories, and a newfound appreciation for the resilience of the human soul.

As the rain filled clouds gather over the ‘United Kingdom of Crappy Weather’, I take one last look around, knowing that no matter where my adventures may take me next, a piece of my heart will always remain in London. Through COVID and BREXIT, so many things were lost, but this place will never lose its identity nor its soul. 

 

Until next time, be good, and stay LUC8KY