Showing posts with label London. Show all posts
Showing posts with label London. Show all posts
London has always been sort of an enigma to me. Several months ago, all I knew of this city was its residential cul-de-sacs and suburban roads, leading to family and family friend's houses. Through visiting over the years, I had been so close to the centre - the pulsing heart of the country, - but yet had bypassed its core. That was until January when I packed up my bags and left for the big city.
Since then, I've been thoroughly inducted as a Londoner. Long gone are the fresh doe eyes as I awoke every morning to take the tube to central, surrounded by natives who could barely notice my excitement through their sleepy daydreams. Instead of pausing to gaze in awe on my journey to work, I now briskly rush down its street and into the dark tunnels of the underground tube system. I zoom past other faces of people I've never known before in solidarity, as we all focus on our own destinations. But there are many times, I still find myself deeply fascinated. I pause midway and begin to admire the beauty of this city. On the surface I may be a Londoner, but my heart beats as a tourist, seeing this city for the first time all over again.
Over the past several weeks, I've begun to fall in love with so many little aspects of London. From the quaint little pop-up shops in Underground stations to the bright lights of Piccadilly Square, there is always something to do and something to see here. But in order to get anywhere in this bustling city, you need to take the tube a.k.a the most organised form of chaos you have ever seen!
It can be pretty tricky navigating in a new city, especially one with its own etiquette of public transport. I can still distinctly remember stumbling across Euston station for the first time like a lost puppy, while so many Londoners passed by me faster than the wind could carry them. They, of course, knew exactly where they were going, while I had to call up my Google Map Instructions to figure out where the hell I was. The joys of being a tourist! So from my perspective as a Londoner of two and a half months, here's how to take the tube like a natural.
Hello wonderful people from the other side, how are you all? You may have noticed over the past several weeks that I haven't posted in a while. Life has been pretty busy lately. While most people after New Year's Day were winding down to go back to the everyday post-festive routine, I was packing and planning my move all across the country for a new job. And of all cities to move to in the world, I moved to London. The ultimate destination of all freaking cities, how crazy right? It's definitely been an adjustment period that's for sure! London is like it's own little country, with it's own little system separate from the rest of England and it's been interesting so far to say the least. It's been a few weeks and I still can't believe I'm here!
London is the type of city that really needs no introduction. Its the gem of England, and probably the first city that most tourists think of when they think of Britain. You spend most of your early morning commuting with passing strangers, trying to avoid explicit eye contact. Your tube journeys are filled with bizarre moments and memories of intriguing characters and prologued delays. London is also the type of city that makes you very aware of the value of money. Seriously a tiny sandwich portion for £5, I could probably have made 3 square meals just from that! But past those elements there's something so enchanting about this little city that had an undeniable draw. Putting aside the logical notions of career prospects, there is so much to see and do. So much I even don't know where to start! Its a rich city surrounded by history and developing culture. I'm so excited to be here and can't wait to see what the next several months will bring!
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