Today 4 years ago I came to London. I remember the day as if it's been yesterday. Saying good-bye at the airport to my family, flying alone for the first time, nervous of what would expect me. Landing at City Airport, being picked up by a driver who brought me to the student accommodation I booked for the first 6 weeks. It was in Euston. I remember I tried going to the pub by myself on that evening - it was a Saturday and I wasn't happy I was just alone in my room.
So I put the jacket on and walked down the road. Found a pub, walked inside and tried my Swiss-style drinking behaviour: a bottle of sparkling water. How naive and innocent, right? On top of that did I burst in on a special meeting, where you were supposed to wear a badge and I soon realised, going alone out on a Saturday was not the best idea. I emptied my bottle, belly full of sparkles and bubbles and ran back to the student accommodation, still proud that I walked into a pub alone, though.
This is how my experience in London started. Quiet days the first two days but life started rolling for me afterwards.
1 month of English class, met people I am still in touch with, made friends for life, started my internship in the hotel, where I grew out of my shy shell and without even knowing, I got the job offered and Summer came. My sister flew over to spend 4 days with me, I met my parents in Edinburgh in August, who were there for a holiday. Seeing each other for the first time since I left in January. What a joy!
Then Christmas came and I flew back home, caught up with friends but was 100% certain that I would return to the UK. I had someone waiting there for me. And since then, life just moved on. The daily routine kicked in.
I was 20 years old when I made the decision to come to London. 4 months, I told all my friends and family. Now 4 years have passed. And no one would have ever expected that we start this new year with another lockdown. The outlook for 2021 is not at all as exciting as 2017 was. But the thing is, we never know what will come. I didn't know 2017 will be the best year of my life. What if 2021 will top that?
I suppose we shall find out, but one thing is for certain: I am ready for the next adventure!
Cheers to that!
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