London Tale
It took me a few years before being able to come back. London, my sweet yet dizzy city I owe you a whole lot.
The neverendless nights and hardworking days left me depleted. Surely I must have been responsible but London is irresistible, you kind of want it all. I ended up lost and wrecked without really knowing why. Retrospectively I can say that this life changing experience made me a better, wiser and stronger person; I pushed my own limits and found the love of my life.
Back in 2014, out of the blue I accepted a job in London. Little did I know what would happened to me next. I had no expectations whatsoever as I knew I was punching, I thought I would not last through the probation period and then be sent back home in France. However for some mysterious reasons I managed to do well and kept the job for 3 years. Deep down I knew I was not in the right place, I was a misfit but with a smart approach and a bold mindset I saw an opportunity and decided to challenge myself. I was young and easily impressed by people wearing suits. I was wrong and I would soon enough discover why.
London will always have my heart, it felt like home, although my life at the time was revolving around my job I still found some quietness within the chaos. It made me appreciate how beautiful, charming and multifaceted the city was. I lived in so many places, met so many people and everything felt excitingly different.
I loved how open minded people were, how the culture changed drastically from one area to another and how the vastness of the city made it the best playground ever for adventure seekers. London is fun and has a lot to offer but only if you are willing to pay the price. I did play by the rules (work hard play harder) and almost lost my soul there in this never ending circle of temptations.
However I believe that finding my one and only there helped me a lot in understanding the true character of this complex city. My love grew fonder for this hectic place that once lost me. All my insecurities and bad experiences faded away as I realized that one poor decision altered considerably my judgment. So I gave London a second chance and I could not be happier. I have a part of me there now, and I can’t help but think that one day I might go back for good.
In the meantime, here’s my take on London. The way I see it now: a mellow, addictive and untamed place that will let you in awe. The autumn colors makes it even more unreal.
Covent Garden best kept secret
Hampstead
St James Park
I fell in love again, this time for good. I slowed down the pace and for once enjoyed the ride. London can be overwhelming at times but it is your own duty to reduce the speed.
Either you come here for a day, a week, a year or a lifetime here’s a list of all my ultimate favorite spots.
FAVORITE AREAS
- Richmond Park
- Hampstead Heath ( most beautiful park overlooking the city) a breath of fresh air when you need to press the reset button
- Islington/ Haggerston connected by Regent’s Canal A nice stroll by the canal and plenty of cute little spots to drink / eat.
- Columbia Road Flower market
FAVORITE FOOD
Breakie:
- Breakfast Club / Bread and Butter / Barge House / Hawksmoor / The Canvas cafe (Brick Lane)
Lunch & Dinner time:
- Burger & Lobster / Dishoom/ Flesh and Buns / Le sacré Coeur / Pizza East / Shoryu / Smoking Goat / Balthazar / Spitalfield & Borough markets / Tramshed / Hakkasan
Drink
- Nightjar / Aqua Shard / Blind Pig / Happiness Forgets / Cahoots / Sushi Samba
Love,
A