6:30 a.m. — I've just arrived at London Heathrow after flying from Boston. The weather here is surprisingly sunny and warm - a welcome change from the mist and wind I left behind. I've never experienced such fast immigration and baggage "reclaim." I literally never stopped walking since exiting the plane and the espresso at the airport bar is really good. Apparently, all those jokes about British food don't apply to coffee.

7:30 a.m. — The taxi driver was happy to bring me to Mayfair, where I am staying. He talked about finances on the phone the entire drive. A quick Google search said to tip London taxi drivers but not more than 10 percent. I arrive a bit dizzy from looking at my screen. Note to self: Reading about tipping etiquette while in motion is not my superpower.

8:30 a.m.— It's too early to get into my room, so I sit in the bar area, order breakfast and type on my laptop. The famous London Marathon is about to start, and my hotel is near the finish line. A woman wearing a starting number rushes through the hotel. She looks nervous and excited.

A narrated essay from The Pressures of Privilege.
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