Who doesn't like alliteration? It just makes things so much more fun to say. Love and loss of London, that's what I've decided to title this travel link up post on the theme of "love on the road".
The love of London started in 2004 on my semester abroad. I stood in front of paintings, attended off west end theatre, wandered royal parks, and debated articles from The Guardian, Evening Standard, and The Telegraph. I was exposed to so much culture and life I didn't know existed; opening my eyes to just how sheltered a life I lead B.B.S. (before the Big Smoke). Although I was excited to return home to Canada and my studies, London had left an imprint on my heart, one that left me consumed with all things British.
I couldn't shake this desire to be in England again and in 2007 applied to a graduate program in Leicester on a whim. That whim quickly developed into me moving on to campus in the middle of the midlands experiencing a whole new England I liked just as much and a new group of friends I like a whole lot. Late night writing sessions, pushing essay deadlines, and a mess up at the printers with my thesis, meant I was ready for the familiar and to be surrounded by the comforts of home. I returned and moved in with the boyf and was ready for the next stage of my life to begin.
Funny how things never turn out exactly how you plan. The boy and I broke up and I made the decision to move to London. I knew it was going to be just two years, but two years were better than no years. I was right about that and am suddenly reminded of the poem with the famous adage, "tis better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all". This is now the loss of London. I lived two glorious years in this most amazing city, one that has always felt more like home to me. My eyes had again been opened to how much I let pass me by when I get too comfortable. I felt an independence and a confidence in London that I sometimes feel just out of my reach in Canada. Losing London has been quite difficult. Even though I always had it in the back of my mind that everything was just temporary, it surprised me just how much life I had created in that short amount of time.
Life goes on. You must learn to adapt and prosper in the face of life. London and the people I met in it will always be the loves of my life. My heart has been changed forever.
Fun travels!
There is always a bittersweet tinge to love - doesn't living in London just change you so much?
ReplyDeleteIt really interests me that some of these posts have been about falling in love with London. Interesting to get so many perspectives.
ReplyDeleteLots of love,
Angie
Bless you - London has that hold that you can't shake. I'm leaving next year after 10 years in this incredible city and every time I think about going I well up massively. Thankfully, it is a city that will always be here to welcome you with open arms. Thanks for joining the link up and for a lovely post!
ReplyDeleteVery poignant, and reminds us of the short time we have to enjoy places we live in. As Katherine says below - London will always be here, so maybe you will find yourself back here for longer some time!
ReplyDeleteI thought that was interesting to. London is a lovely little hussy.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Katherine. 10 years! I can't imagine how difficult it would be for you to leave. I would be a snotty nose, puffy eyed, hot mess in your shoes. But you're right, it will welcome us all back with open arms at any time we chose to return. Which is nice to know.
ReplyDeleteI not-so-secretly wish for nothing more. Thanks for the nice words. :)
ReplyDeleteI think Sammy (To the Day Like This) said it best in her post about what they don't tell you about being an expat. Changing you in ways you don't realize until you prepare to leave.
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