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.
Remember the days when you had to ask your parents to buy you something you wanted? Back then, I certainly never had to worry one bit about fishing for change in my back pocket. But alas, with independence and adult life comes the bittersweet responsibility of money. At first, you feel pretty powerful looking at your bank account when you get your first proper paycheck or installment of your student loan. But then comes the bills, one after the other. First rent, food and then utilities - the practical trio as I like to call them. Before you know it, that big lump sum you had at the beginning of the month ... well it's starting to shrink fast.
Every penny seriously counts as an adult. Sometimes the difference between one pound or two in your weekly grocery shopping could help you book a holiday far far away later in the year. The idea of saving may seem pretty daunting, but it's well worth doing in the long term. Future you will be very happy you did so! On that note, here are five tips to help you make the most of your pennies.
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!
It's almost the end of 2015. Lord how did we even get here? It feels like just yesterday I was saying goodbye to 2014, and here we are - on the verge of a new year. The best thing about new beginnings is the excitement that comes with possibility. Who knows what next year will bring?! But my favourite thing to do during the final moments of the year is to reflect on things you've achieved throughout those 12 months. Blogging has been such a huge part of this year (and my life even), and I'm so proud of how far Creative In The Arts has come. I've been blessed to meet so many wonderful like minded people, and have engaging discussions with you all on my posts.
So what's the best way of wishing 2015 goodbye? Looking back on the most outstanding posts that I am proud to have written this year for all of you wonderful readers. So weather you've just stumbled across my blog by chance to today, or seen it grow over the past couple of years - thank you. You've made this all the more worthwhile.
Without further anticipation, here are my favourite posts from 2015. Enjoy and Happy New Year!
Here we are again. I can't believe we're at the end of another year already! Time is just going way too fast I swear. To end the year in style, I decided to put together a list of songs that I fell in love with this year to kick off the annual favourites of the year list. So without further ado, let's get started!
Christmas is my favourite time of year, because it's a beautiful moment where family and friends come together and just be. In our busy lives - dominated by work, school and social media - when do we just sit down and have a conversation with each other? When do we show our appreciation for each other by putting thought into our words to each other, other than our own birthday's?
This time of year is also a wonderful reason to remember how blessed we are. We are lucky that we have a roof over our heads. We are lucky to live in a country that provides free health and how much opporunity currently exists. It's so easy to see the negiative things around us, especially with the events that have happened over the past couple of months. It's wonderful excuse to remember the beauty of the world, and celebrate it on this blessed holiday.
So to all of you, Merry Christmas! I hope you have a wonderful day, filled with joy, laughter and most importantly pudding!
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