Tuesday, March 09, 2010

1 year 7 days



It has been 1 year and 7 days that I have lived in London.
All good things must come to an end, as they say.

But I don't want it to end.

It has been a whirlwind experience. The first two months saw us in my second home, tropical
goodness, The Philippines. Then it was a 21 hour flight to grey and cold London.
I still remember the flight in and the first week. I remember looking outside the cabin window
and being amazed at the sheer size of London, seeing the city lights illuminating the ground at
5am in the morning, seeing my first double decker bus as we were about the hit the runway
tarmac. Trying to carry our heavy backpacks that contained 1 year of our life. Buying our first
Oyster card and catching the tube to Earls Court, our home for the first couple of weeks.
I remember being jet lagged, dazed, and feeling as though I was in a dream. I remember feeling
so scared and anxious knowing that London would be my new home, and wondering when I
would find work.

And then everything feel into place.

We found a permanent place to live in a great location and eventually found work.
I made great friends. Learned the hard way that a pint of beer is 500ml of alcohol.
Realised how small Sydney is and had crazy 6 degrees of separation from each Sydney sider I
met. Throwing crazy house parties. Hitting the pub almost everyday. Being in awe of street art
and the vast galleries. Learning London slang from work mates. Falling in love with every
vintage store I visit. Having our home as a half way house for various visitors from overseas and from London.
And most of all, having the opportunity to travel to different parts of Europe.

This London life will end soon :(
I feel as though there is more to explore and live.
My only hope is when I do go back to Sydney I experienced enough and regret nothing.


Image Source: Photographs taken by me

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