Chummy Hugs in Trafalgar

Back in London, I took advantage of a spare afternoon to join a Couchsurfer event in Trafalgar Square, right outside the National Gallery. After a spot of rain, the sun shone to welcome a few merry sign-holders, tourists, natives and wanderers to a "Free Hugs" experience.

The idea is quite simple, really. Who doesn't like a good hug and happy wishes?

One pleased woman exclaimed to a couchsurfer, "You just made my day!"









Top left picture, you'll see Big Ben in the top left corner :)

Below left picture, my favorite sign :)

Couchsurfers representing London, Romania, Italy, Brazil, India, America, and I'll count myself for France, among others of course, brought quick smiles to several hundreds of walkers in one of the main trafficked spots of one of the most cosmo cities in the world.

One couchsurfer held a sign promising "Free Spins", which he certainly gave!

Reactions were not always successful, many a raised eyebrow greeted our signs and open arms, but some hesitant observers finally caved, grinning, to gingerly accept an embrace from a stranger. Others laughed, quickly trotting along without stopping, some whipped out their cameras, and others knudged their friends, trying to pressure them into an encounter.

And many people stopped for some conversation, with stories of their own to share.






Street entertainers added to the crowd, making the ambience thoroughly musical as well as asthetically luring.

On each hour, the couchsurfers froze in unblinking positions for a public spectacle, a flashmob! This brought many people to slow, staring, to take a quick picture and to wonder, "what on earth are these geezers up to?"

I scampered around accepting multiple hugs and laughing as balloons came out of a certain couchsurfer's funbag for hats and swords, enjoying the warm summer rays, and getting to know some lovely people.

4 boys looking for a good time..

Himanshu, a fellow photographer

Joules was one of the most persistent huggers, attempting to connect with nature in a somewhat less-than-subtle manner..

As a few people began to be a bit 'hugged out', we took flight to the St James Park for an English style picnic.

And as any experienced couchsurfer knows, don't expect to know what happens next. The next item on the agenda sent us to see Chinese Lanterns in Camden Town. However, we made a well-deserved stop in the metro tunnel to experiment with a prominent sign.

Which continued onto the tube...

I unfortunately had a bit of a journey home and did not see the Lanterns, but I left London beaming. Once again, a CS success!

Loved meeting you, Himanshu, Sara, Laura, Fernando, Brendan, Mateo, Teresa, Ibrahim, Felipe, Juan, Wendy, and Ciara and others!