Day One In London
I decided, somewhere between Dallas and the UK that it would be a good idea to write about my time in London. I considered vlogging, streaming (etc.) - all the side hustles that turn .02% of the population into billionaires and influencers, seemingly overnight. However, I decided against a camera as my documenting medium of choice. I’d spend so much time worrying about appearance and aesthetic (as I am like to do) that I would forget to go out and actually enjoy the culture I came to live in.
So writing it is, or journaling if you will. To start, here’s what I am documenting: I am an American living in London for six months for no rhyme nor reason. I have come here simply because I wanted to. I have no job prospects (though your girl do be manifesting). I know absolutely no one living here. I am staying in an Airbnb with my landlord who is now my only acquaintance in London (we’ll call her C, she’s very lovely). I have no discernable plans for London, just a few general ideas.
I want to visit 111 pubs here (the 111 London Pubs & Bars written about by Laura Richards, to be exact). I want to visit 50 museums while I’m here (they’re free, beautiful, enlightening, I’m broke and did I mention they’re free?). I want to apply to my dream ad agency - Mother, London - while I am here.
I want to overcome my very human anxiety over living in a new place and feeling unsteady. I want to force myself to really experience London, so much so that by the time I leave London I realize I’ve completely neglected several rooms in my Airbnb. I don’t need this trip to set up the rest of my life, that will happen with time, but I want it to be the beginning of something for me. I want to find out the things I love and hate, who I am and want to be, and who I want to be surrounded by.
I’d also love to accidentally run into Phoebe Waller-Bridge and become best friends and have that uniquely dark, whitty and unhinged humor of Fleabag in my life forevermore. It’s a “reach goal”.
I will try to write everyday, but not at the expense of experience. Earlier, when I had no internet immediately upon arrival, everyday journaling felt far more attainable. Really, the journaling is to help keep me from writing to my loved-ones at 3am Pacific when I feel lonely or want to share everything I’ve been seeing. And it’s here to help me talk through my anxiety on the days when the outside world is terrifying and my decision to come here feels like it was a dream for someone else. Whatever day I’m having, at least blogging will keep me honest, and give me something real to look back on.
Anyways, cheers! Until next time,
e