Hey hey hey!
I was given an advice from a super respectable and talented friend to write more on my blog and I definitely feel like I should listen, so here we go -
I first visited this beautiful city in 2007. It was actually my 14th Birthday I got to spend in London, and, oh boy, was it special. I fell in love with its multicultural background, dynamic streets and the polite English people. From that point on, I have always been a little obsessed with this superb city.
Now, after I've actually spent more than a year here and walked it's streets more than just a few times, I wanted to share my true and honest thoughts about it -
1. love: There's always something to explore: There is never a day when you can't think of a place to visit (unless you're feeling lazy or it might be raining). The city has so much to offer. I'm still trying to figure out a way to see it all!
2. hate: transport + distance: yeah, London is a pretty big cookie guys! It takes approximately an hour and a bit for me to get to the office (one way). I often feel like this commute is actually wasting my precious time on this earth as I can't really do anything on those packed trains but wait to get off. Also, it costs a fortune to travel here!! Not impressed..
3. Love: It's gorgeous: I don't really think there's much to add to that - it's just beautiful. Especially the neatest areas, although less neat isn't necessarily ugly either. Try visiting Shoreditch for a bit more artsy areas, or Holland Park for those big rich mansions that are just SO good to look at. Notting Hill is a gorgeous area with its market on the weekends and pale white houses all around. There is so much to see (like I mentioned already!)
4. Hate: Busy streets on weekends: it's just that simple. Busy streets are not fun, especially if you've got somewhere to be!!
5. Love: The weather isn't as bad: I always hear people talking about the horrible weather in the UK and how it's always raining. False statement! The weather is not any different from anywhere else in Europe really - it's sunny and then the next day it rains - it's not a big deal, we can't all expect to have the heat of Barbados 24/7, just deal with it!
6. Hate: expenditures: the combination of the city charm, accessibility and popularity, it is one of the most expensive cities in the world. It is pretty obvious for anyone to see once you exit the house - travel cards, beverages, food and other expenditures - it all makes your money simply melt away!
7. Love: job opportunities: I know it's never easy to find a new job, especially nowadays, but London definitely has a lot to offer. The market is large and what I love about the people is that they are always open minded. I know for sure I would not have the opportunity to work and earn money by being an artist back home (which is super upsetting to realise).
8. Hate: house pricing: You pretty much have to be naturally rich or extremely good at what your doing (or lucky!) to be able to buy a house. To rent an apartment is obviously cheaper but the prices are still stupidly high. Most of the youngsters living in London have to move in together with their friends or share a flat with a few odd strangers. That's the sacrifice I guess..
9. Love: It's just cool to be here: for me living in London seems pretty cool (for now). It's been a dream of mine for so many years that I am still enjoying the life here in spite of the negatives. It's pulsating with diversity, events, fashion shows, cool people and locations!
10. Love: travel opportunities: there are five major airports in and around London meaning it is considerably easier to travel. Lets not take money in consideration this one time and you could possibly travel anywhere! To me it means I can go home pretty often and even have the luxury of picking a favourite airport to travel from. yes!
I hope that was somewhat interesting and/or useful. Thank you for visiting my blog and see you next time!
Alise xxx
Posts
What's your opinion?