My London Life
It surprised me, how quickly I found that London was the perfect place for me to live. It wasn’t the location that made it right, it was the people I came to know along the way. Even when the work got hard, even when I was traveling in Europe, I looked forward to the familiar faces I had become accustomed to seeing.
In the canteen, I would search the crowds for my friends. I wanted to hear about their day, share stories, enjoy the laugh of good company. Many gatherings consisted of outings in the park, just reading or talking with one another as we basked in the sun (or as a typical London day went—under cloudy skies). I chuckled at myself, as I would read, turning the pages and thinking of how simple life was when there was nowhere to be and no expectation to our days. It was a true luxury those final weeks in the UK.
I fondly remember sitting on kitchen counters, chatting while a kettle was on as we awaited for our teas. My friends and I would drink libations and keep ourselves cozy with soothing music and lively gossip. Some days were more studious and involved attempting to stay focused while we worked in the library. Other projects were more entertaining and involved helping me film. I still smile now as I remember the fun I had speaking into the camera, motioning at various things in my attempt to look as “un-staged” as possible. The outtakes were probably the most fun part of the film, consisting of my inability to maintain composure and lack of awareness that the camera was on. It was a joy to bond with people through the rawness of my work and to be in my creative element.
Equally, I enjoyed encouraging my friends to succeed in their pursuits. One good friend of mine is a musician; and in my time in London, I was able to attend both her gigs. She would play songs for me ahead of time and I would note the lyrical and musical choices. At one point, we worked on a song together. I still wonder why I had even considered co-writing a song when I barely allowed myself to sing in public. I guess that is what friends are for, helping us grow by pushing us out of our comfort zone. Another friend of mine helped me to enjoy the night life. I still prefer evenings in tucked into my warm blankets, as I snuggle down for a good book in bed. But on this London trip, I was convinced to let my feet loose and put my dancing shoes to use. This is not to boast that I have become a great dancer, nothing has changed there. However, my attitude to living more carefree and not overthinking as much has certainly improved. By the last evenings in London, I was full of energy to see the sights of the city and there was a spring in my gait. My spontaneity to just do something without too much forethought still impresses me, as I consider how I have reverted to old ways since coming back to the US.
In a way, I had never felt more restful than those months in England. I miss those movie nights, card playing games, city sightseeing with all the lovely people I met. Just when I had found a routine living there, my life shifted again. Repacking everything was more difficult than I had imagined. Mostly due to the fact I had bought so many souvenirs that my suitcases couldn’t fit it all. And also, because in truth I was wishing I didn’t have to leave. But I’ll always have those dinner memories; where a shabby place was made special by those that made me feel at home. London, you will always be special in my heart and I hope not too long after this, I’m living there again.