76. I Saw Idris Elba in London (Really, Actually)

Day 76

Location 16: London

Jan. 15, 2023

Some days on this trip, during a quiet moment, I reflect on how far removed I am from my typical spot back on the east coast of America. It's always interesting seeing something that doesn't quite belong and wondering "how did this get here?". I can't think of a good example of something like that, but you know what I mean.

A leather jacket I found at a London thrift shop.

Later, I walked through the popular Hyde park in London with some friends. We passed beautiful sights, like an extremely British-looking man walking with a peacoat and paddy cap, all while using his umbrella (not raining) as a cane. It was like an American kid dressed up as a British guy for Halloween one year and then continued to grow up, but was under some curse where he was never allowed to change out of his costume.

Another interesting sight was a family made up of a dad, mom, daughter, and rambunctious dog. My friend, Galit, said "oh my god, that's Idris Elba". After taking a glance for myself at the dad, I shook my head and with a chuckle set Galit straight "that is not Idris Elba, you're just saying that because it's a tall black guy."

As a reminder: just before leaving for this trip, I had binged the entire series of The Wire and loved it so much that I subsequently read All the Pieces Matter: The Inside Story of The Wire during my time in Budapest. So I think I'd recognize one of the shows stars: Idris Elba.

It turns out, as we stepped closer to the family with the dog, that it was Idris Elba. He was tall, handsome, and very clearly the celebrity I had just dismissed as a random dude. In an effort to not bother Mr. Elba, we didn't ask for a photo with him, but we did sneak a photo...

...of ourselves, showcasing our excitement after walking a safe, non-embarrasing distance away.