Some say
London is one of the loneliest places on earth. And yet one of the most famous
quotes about London, by Samuel Johnson in 1777 reads "Why, Sir, you find no man, at all intellectual, who
is willing to leave London. No, Sir, when a man is tired of London, he is tired
of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.".
Can these concepts coexist? Does this quote only apply to Samuel Johnson, a man who hated to spend time alone? When I am feeling tired of London, am I feeling tired of life? Living in London is sometimes the best thing in the world and sometimes it just plain sucks. London is different things to different people, so I thought I’d write about my London.
One thing is for sure, it’s ever-changing. In 18 months I have lived in 3 places and had 17 housemates. Friends have come and friends have gone.
When I came here, obviously I had very few friends and I didn’t intend on seeking out Australians as potential pals. But somehow that’s just what seems to happen. The friends I have made have mostly been in my situation, looking for friends, so it makes sense that a lot of them happen to be Australian. You also find yourself instantly drawn towards people who you have even the smallest connection with. “Hey, we have the same friend back home, wanna be friends?”
I often have people tell me that they’re loving keeping up with my adventures and they’re living their lives vicariously through me. Naturally this is a very flattering thing to hear. But it’s funny how what we choose to communicate on Facebook can actually give people a distorted view about our lives. It’s very likely that most people think that my experience has been a breeze, life is always great, I’m always travelling and having the best time. Sometimes I think this makes people wonder whether I even miss home and the people there, and so why bother keeping in touch if she’s obviously living the dream and not caring about home. That’s possibly a harsh call but nevertheless a thought I have had from time to time. Truth is, sometimes it’s REALLY hard and I hate it and I want nothing more than to be home. And just like at home, I get stuck in traffic jams, get sick, have bad days at work, get sick of the weather and have to pay bills. Sometimes I go a whole weekend without seeing or speaking to anyone, and in more recent times being sick has been the norm.
When did I stop feeling like a tourist and become a Londoner? Which mindset do I prefer? I don’t know the answer to either question. Maybe you’re a Londonder when you start referring to tube lines by their name rather than their colour. Maybe it’s the point where you really start to get to know bus routes or you could recall exactly how to get from A to B without looking at a tube map. It could possibly be when you start to avoid tourist trap areas like Piccadilly Circus. From the very start though, I have tried to retain some of that tourist mindset, so that I am always making the most of however long I have here.
I love so many things about living in London - the travel opportunities on my doorstep, shopping, working, sightseeing, theatre, football, and the friends that I have made here. So what is London missing that could possibly make me bored with life? Quite simply, people. The right people. Sometimes I just want my Mum, or a specific friend for a specific circumstance. And unless they all move here, then I will go through periods of being ‘bored with life’.
So what is London? I’m pretty sure that it’s impossible that one phrase can sum up London for every person. To sum it up for me, it’s ever-challenging, ever-changing, ever-exciting, sometimes lonely and sometimes the friendliest of places. And I love it.
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Can these concepts coexist? Does this quote only apply to Samuel Johnson, a man who hated to spend time alone? When I am feeling tired of London, am I feeling tired of life? Living in London is sometimes the best thing in the world and sometimes it just plain sucks. London is different things to different people, so I thought I’d write about my London.
One thing is for sure, it’s ever-changing. In 18 months I have lived in 3 places and had 17 housemates. Friends have come and friends have gone.
When I came here, obviously I had very few friends and I didn’t intend on seeking out Australians as potential pals. But somehow that’s just what seems to happen. The friends I have made have mostly been in my situation, looking for friends, so it makes sense that a lot of them happen to be Australian. You also find yourself instantly drawn towards people who you have even the smallest connection with. “Hey, we have the same friend back home, wanna be friends?”
I often have people tell me that they’re loving keeping up with my adventures and they’re living their lives vicariously through me. Naturally this is a very flattering thing to hear. But it’s funny how what we choose to communicate on Facebook can actually give people a distorted view about our lives. It’s very likely that most people think that my experience has been a breeze, life is always great, I’m always travelling and having the best time. Sometimes I think this makes people wonder whether I even miss home and the people there, and so why bother keeping in touch if she’s obviously living the dream and not caring about home. That’s possibly a harsh call but nevertheless a thought I have had from time to time. Truth is, sometimes it’s REALLY hard and I hate it and I want nothing more than to be home. And just like at home, I get stuck in traffic jams, get sick, have bad days at work, get sick of the weather and have to pay bills. Sometimes I go a whole weekend without seeing or speaking to anyone, and in more recent times being sick has been the norm.
When did I stop feeling like a tourist and become a Londoner? Which mindset do I prefer? I don’t know the answer to either question. Maybe you’re a Londonder when you start referring to tube lines by their name rather than their colour. Maybe it’s the point where you really start to get to know bus routes or you could recall exactly how to get from A to B without looking at a tube map. It could possibly be when you start to avoid tourist trap areas like Piccadilly Circus. From the very start though, I have tried to retain some of that tourist mindset, so that I am always making the most of however long I have here.
I love so many things about living in London - the travel opportunities on my doorstep, shopping, working, sightseeing, theatre, football, and the friends that I have made here. So what is London missing that could possibly make me bored with life? Quite simply, people. The right people. Sometimes I just want my Mum, or a specific friend for a specific circumstance. And unless they all move here, then I will go through periods of being ‘bored with life’.
So what is London? I’m pretty sure that it’s impossible that one phrase can sum up London for every person. To sum it up for me, it’s ever-challenging, ever-changing, ever-exciting, sometimes lonely and sometimes the friendliest of places. And I love it.
Ah Tan! This made me smile, think of our trip to see you last June and miss you so much! Skype date soon? Love you!
ReplyDeleteSuch a great time :) I'm logged on whenever I'm free so give me a buzz any time xoxo
DeleteTanni, I love your blogs. Such reflection goes into them. It is great that you have embraced this opportunity and enjoyed so much. London certainly has so much to offer particularly in History, proximity to other places, beauty, diversity, great transport network,CFC and more, but sometimes my arms ache and my heart aches for the lack of ability to envelope you in the love of our family and the joy of having you close. And i'm not the only one.xxx Mum.
ReplyDeleteThanks ma :) xoxoxo
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