I feel giddy with excitement as I bounce along on my soles
across the pavement. I can certainly blame the ice cold blend of caffeine and
milk for that. It’s just me and a close friend exploring the city that we grew
up in. Weaving our way through the mazes of side streets to get to the iconic
places that tourists use to idolise an exciting life in a British city. I don’t
think I’ll ever grow tired of London but sometimes it’s nice to take a break.
You can easily state that it feels like taking a break from
an old friend. You’ve spent too much time together and it’s a retreat to calm
when you spend time on your own for a while. You still care about each other
and look forward to the days you spend together, but the excitement of sharing
memories tires you out.
I could easily write a novel on the amount of moments that
are imprinted on my mind when something has happened to me and a friend in
Central. Like when I keep stopping runners in their paths, random pirates
scaring us, running at the speed of lightning away from oncoming vans. You just
had to be there.
Every time I go back to London, it’s like a warm familiar
hug. I easily know where I’m going and through that I start to feel safe in my
own city. As an 18 year old, I’m only beginning to grasp the idea of full
expeditions across the city and as I grow older, I think I will always remember
what started all this. The thirst for knowledge in a city the world holds its
grasp on with keen wide eyes like saucers.
The photography trips started it all. Year 12 gave way to
new freedom and it bowed to give me permission to use my creativity to show the
unseen parts of the city. Not only is London close to me, it also help me grow
close to the few friends who I consider trustworthy and will hopefully be known
to me for life.
London, wherever I end up in life, Brighton or LA, you will
always have a place in my thoughts and heart.