A letter to dear London

Hi dear stranger,

It has been more than two years since my last post. I hope you are still ok and not struggling to find inner peace in  your life.

A lot have happened over the past two years, what can I say I have changed a lot. Oh wait, people don’t change, that I forgot. People don’t change; only circumstances and interests do. So as you’d imagine my circumstances and interests have shifted dramatically, in September 2023 I suddenly decided to move back in my hometown, leaving four years of my life, friends and a degree behind back in London. Everyone still asks me whether if I will go back to London, whether if there is still an open door in that chapter of my life, my answer is straight: No.

There are many reasons and dynamics behind this decision, but I will just make it short for you to not to bore you to death. I just did not want to spend the rest of my life where I constantly feel like I am in an estranged ocean full of sharks and lionfishes. Yes, that is exactly my thoughts about London and the UK in general. People are selfish, living for themselves in a way you can almost see the remarks of hunter-gatherers on them. Where I grow up, especially in my household, were were taught to be generous (not just for tangible things but for spiritual things as well) you can’t find a shoulder to cry on, leave that aside, if you fall to the ground in say, Oxford St(one of the most crowded streets of London) no one would look back and give you a hand! Although people do respect individual and cultural differences they lack arguably the most important thing of all; conscience.. So, London.. I have spent four years of my life in you, in return you gave me nothing but cold weather, short days, conscienceless people and stole a part of goodness in me which I am still trying to recover back in my hometown..

Thank you though, you have been a great teacher!

You have taught me the value of resilience in the face of indifference and the importance of finding a place where one’s values are mirrored by the community. You have shown me the stark reality of human nature when stripped of the warmth of communal support, highlighting the necessity of empathy and connection in our lives.

From you, I learned to appreciate the subtle but profound differences between living and merely surviving. You have taught me to cherish the moments of genuine kindness and to recognize the strength in vulnerability. In your bustling streets and crowded places, I discovered the quiet power of solitude and reflection.

You have also instilled in me a deeper understanding of my own identity and the courage to make bold decisions. Leaving you behind was not an act of defeat but a declaration of my commitment to live authentically. Your lessons, though harsh at times, have equipped me with the clarity and determination to pursue a life aligned with my true self.

Thank you, London. Despite the challenges, you have played a crucial role in my journey. Now, back in my hometown, I carry forward the wisdom gained from my time with you, ready to build a future filled with warmth, community, and genuine connections.