Between ramping up in my new role at work and scrambling to get my life together, a sense of serenity finally dawned on me. This is the 9th month of uprooting my (mine and that of 2 marmalade cats) entire life to realise my teenage dream of living in Europe. See, that word has always meant more than a continent to me, as if it had cast a spell on me 10 years ago in a little town called Antibes in Cote d’Azur. Europe had me mesmerised till this day.
Since graduation I’ve always found excuses to be here once or twice a year. Be it visiting friends, travelling solo, attending courses or business trips, but my travel lust was simply insatiable. That’s when I knew to truly cure my wanderlust, I need to truly live here for a substantial period of time. Fast forward to last November, I finally did it despite all the bumps along the way. The only thing that was beyond even my wildest dream, was that I get to do it with the loves of my life ❤ Primo & Luka.
For the first few weeks, my only goal was to find a place we can call home despite the deranged rental market in London. Our first residence is a Georgian block conversion in a great neighbourhood, with high ceilings adorned with huge sash windows overlooking greenery (Primo’s favourite spot to watch his friends (horses) march by) and a 1.2m fireplace that unfortunately turned Luka into a black peaty cat the first month.
Of course, I am only able to afford it because it has old plumbing, weak water pressure, poor insulation and a trippy fuse box…which is in essence, what living here is all about! If I enter a modern condo with my eyes closed, I could be in absolutely any city in the world; but to open my eyes to ceiling coving and cornice, squeaky herringbone flooring, I knew I am somewhere in Europe. Every average house I pass by on my way to work seems to be over a century old, yet they still looked as if they were in their prime years.
November is hardly a good month to see London for the first time because she is moody and cold and gloomy. I struggle to get up in the morning most days because the sun never seems to rise entirely… as if it was forced and does so halfheartedly then rushes to get out at sunsets. It was a month filled with work events. My first business trip to Amsterdam, with the Eurostar cancelling on me at the last minute. I’ve come to know it as “your typical day” on this continent.
This is also the month of overachievement for we rented the very first flat we viewed after dozens of calls and viewings. It was not only under budget, but also under 20 minutes commute to work.
December is when London comes alive in all its festivities and bright decorations for the event of the year, Christmas! Having spent the past few years in a city that does NOT celebrate Christmas at all, it is a real treat to finally have a freezing cold Christmas.
To top that off, it snowed twice! Legit snow that piled up here in London, which according to locals, it so rarely happens. My cats saw snow for the first time and were so intrigued that they just stared at the window all puzzled, trying to catch a snowflake. The only month that was actually worth it to endure the cold.
It was also a month of exploring with my brothers who visited halfway across the world from Sydney! We visited Vienna & the magical villages of Cotswold; went to Winter Wonderland, saw Back to the Future the musical and countdown at Primrose Hill. They were also heaven sent IKEA builders for my flat came unfurnished. By January, we were finally able to call this home.
January was when the cold persisted, but without any more of the Christmas garnishes on the streets. Getting up in the morning became easier with simply purchasing a heated blanket. It also draws both my meows to cuddle with me in bed as a side benefit.
We visited Brussels and Bruges then it was time for my brothers to go home. I also get to catch Life of Pi just before it ended and watched the Sleeping Beauty ballet (with a twist). Going to theatre performances that doesn’t break the bank is also a luxury of living in London. Shortly after, it was my turn to be with family for Chinese New Year. Sneaking in a sizzling hot Bangkok trip reminded us of how wonderful life was pre-covid, and now we are finally past it.
*Finally recalling these few months half a year later, I’m astounded by how time flies, then again, happy moments indeed feel so much more fleeting. Not a day goes by where I don’t pinch myself as I am really living the dream now. It feels amazing to have the space and liberty to thrive and learn to take care of myself and the meows one task at a time. The simple pleasure of grocery shopping, completing chores and exploring new areas is abundant and from day 1, London made me felt included. It’s not that Taipei wasn’t just as amazing, but after 6 years it felt too familiar and comfortable. Now that I know myself better which is part of growing up, I knew shaking things up once in awhile is what keeps me spirits up. Stay tuned! To see how I’d feel 6 years from now about London : )
With love,
Rach
Miss Tofu 