Clearly life has been far too exciting to update a blog. But really, it has.
Here’s what has happened in the last year:
1) Me and my love broke up
2) I left Canada forever
3) I left my job
4) I left all of my friends
5) I travelled around Europe and made new friends
6) I got a job and a new place to live
Yes, it came to an end. No, I don’t regret a thing. We taught each other indispensable things about life and love and compromise, and I had the time of my life. I suppose I never thought this would happen, and it was terrifying and alien when it did, but I know it was for the best.
Leaving Canada was comparable in that it had become my home. I had some incredible friends and a comfortable life, and I voluntarily pulled the rug out from beneath my feet and jumped on a plane back to Europe. I felt the need to do it, and I am really glad that I did. I don’t know if I will live there again, as fantastic as it was, it will never be home.
Europe was fantastic. I visited Spain (loved Sevilla), Norway, Sweden, Hungary, Austria and Germany. I probably had the best time in Hungary and Spain. I met some fantastic people in both places, and in Sweden I got to see the Swedes and meet some new Swedes. It was just what I needed. I have realised that I can do whatever I want, I can be whoever I want to be, and I felt like I needed that sense of freedom.
I now live and work in Central London. Trust me, I didn’t see myself back here! It is hectic, it can be dirty and loud and damn expensive. But how great does it feel to be surrounded by my own people again?! We remember the same children’s TV shows, we can wax lyrical about Eastenders storylines, politics and national history!
Also, England is buzzing! Festivals throughout the summer, amazing music, creativity, vegan and vegetarian restaurants on every corner, natural food markets, street performances and of course ridiculous proximity to the rest of Europe. Our weather is mild, we rarely see a cold winter (Canada cold, I mean!- The Brits may disagree with me there) and the countryside is lush and green all year long. I can go to the beach or go hiking in the lake district, or I can hit the highlands of Scotland. I can take a train to France in an hour or fly to most of Europe in an hour to two.
We also get more than 2 weeks vacation.
I miss the mountains, Alexander Keith’s beer, poutine, being able to ski as often as I like, the space and the customer service.
It’s true, London is a hectic mish-mash, but my God is it exciting and interesting. So much history, so much to see, do, smell, taste, drink- until the early hours. And if the city becomes too much, branching out of the city are a wealth of places to explore and get lost, with lakes and peaks, beaches and the ocean. I love it here, and I am so happy to be back.
