A Love Letter to London

In my two weeks there, I fell in love deep and hard with London.

With the people, the lifestyle and the architecture. The history, the culture and the (immigrant) food. The vibes, the markets and the bookstores. I always believe a measure of a developed society can be seen from people’s access to books, including libraries and bookstores, and London proves my point.

It was surreal to stand in front of 84 Charing Cross road (albeit staring at McDonald’s), having finished the magnificent book of the same title only days earlier.

Thanks to a tiny budding passion for history and buildings, things hit differently in London for me. But, at the same time, parts of it reminded me of Singapore, Japan and Melbourne – all are my favourite of those cities; I recognized them again in London.

Another favourite thing about London is the double-decker bus. And riding it every day for two weeks was one of the highlights of the London trip. Seeing people and places passing by and getting to observe different pockets of London neighbourhoods was a joy.

London in Another Life

I wondered if I had seen the city many years ago, whether I would have tried my best to move here.

I think I would have.

I’d happily take a loan to study here. I’d spend most of my days in Uni and live in a dorm. I’d spend hours in the library and do my homework in coffee shops. I’d take part-time jobs to fund my excessive travel. I’d start this blog a couple of years early. I’d create lifetime friendships and form my own life.

Eventually, I’d work in Finance, meet Fafa and buy the iconic terrace house – because some things are meant to be no matter your other life circumstances.

But now, with a mortgage and a career on the other side of the globe. Having lived different stories and committed to a lifetime of friendships with different people. With a go-to neighbourhood coffee shop, a bookstore and a book club membership coming with it.

London, oh London…

I am unsure whether I want to trade this life for London life. But, maybe, for a couple of years – as they say, never say never.

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