I’ve lived in London for nearly 6 months now. It’s starting to feel ‘real’. Some things I have learned:
1. Local natives are rare. I seem to be hanging out with a lot of French kids lately. And Brazilians, Swedes, Dutch, and of course Kiwis.
2. Coffee is not great here, but exceptions can be found. Maps: Allpress, Climpson & Sons, Shoreditch Grind, Brill, Flat White, Monmouth
3. Moving makes all the other smaller decisions about change easier. If it’s not working, start fresh. Job, house, attitude.
4. Always take your A-Z out and about, even to the local pub.
5. Having never encountered it before – IKEA is amazing. You can even drink a beer there, it makes the housewares sparkle.
6. The best way to explore is on foot.
7. Also, there’s no hills, so cycling is far more fun. The downside – no hills means less sticky-outie landmarks, so see point 4.
8. Europe is just a flight or train ride away. Over Easter I’m going to Barcelona with some pals, I can’t wait.
9. Squirrels never fail to amuse.
10. The homesickness does pass. But calling home is still important.
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It’s the same here in Victoria, BC (Canada)…nobody is actually FROM here.
I love reflective posts like these. I can’t believe it’s been 6 months already?!
Ha to the phrase “sticky-outie landmarks.” Same here. The only reliably visible one, no matter what, is the Empire State Building. I use it as my North Star, since I’m rarely above the 30s.