My entire childhood and teens years were spent obsessing over England. When something went wrong I just told myself I was in the wrong country...in England everything was perfect for me. I would fit in and everyone would get me instantly.
So I am guessing most of you can already see the problem I was faced with when I finally came to live in London.
Nothing was perfect...big surprise, right? It was busy, harsh, cold, and I felt like something was terribly wrong. This wasn't the London of my dreams, not the London from my books, movies, and television shows. It was a place that people walked fast, didn't have time to talk to you...they didn't even have time to smile.
And all I could think about was the fact that I had four months here by myself...without my family, without my friends from home, without my friends from Rome. I was completely alone and had no where that I felt comfortable and relaxed. I just rushed in and out of tubes all day. I ate as I walked, I walked faster, I smiled less, and felt horrible every night before I went to sleep. I felt like I was missing something...why did I have this great image of London in my head? I couldn't have made it all up! I had been here for a week in High School with my sister and I liked that London. Where had it all gone? Why did the books and movies and tv shows lie? It couldn't just be fiction...
So, everyday I looked and looked. I knew I could let my sadness bring me down and deter me from exploring but I was too stubborn to accept that, I was too stubborn to accept this city that people called London. Even so, I would come back every night feeling unfulfilled. Don't get me wrong, I had moments throughout the day when I felt good. I began to have little moments that I loved London, but I didn't have anyone to share them with. I felt more alone than I ever.
Then, things started happening. Ever so gradually I found the spots where I fit. I found the London I had been searching for. Not only that but I realized I had been living with my best friend since I got here. My roommate Tiffany and I started to book and plan things to do and it all fell into place.
Before I knew it London was the most amazing city I had ever been in. It had surpassed all of my expectations and everyday I do something more spectacular than the day before.
And that is how I fell hopelessly and magnificently in love with London.
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