Whenever I catch up with someone thats in town for a brief moment or arriving for their own London adventure one of the first things I get asked is, "What do you miss most about home?" The list is endless, but here's a count down of the top ten things I miss from home.
10. Access to an Extensive Wardrobe
First world problems I know! But if you know me at all you'll know how much I love clothes. Don't get me wrong I managed to bring a decent amount of clothes with me and I shouldn't really complain, but every now and then I think of 'that top' that would go perfectly with 'these trousers' or 'that dress' that would be great for that party coming up - you get the picture.
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| Cheesy grin when surrounded by clothes |
9. Talking freely
This will make sense to anyone thats lived abroad. Talking freely - AKA being able to say what you're thinking without first putting it into British context. I know what you're all thinking - you should just be yourself! But sometimes (more often than not) I'd rather avoid the scrutiny and mocking of my accent and/or terms used. They all mean well I know, and are clearly just having a laugh but it does act as a constant reminder that I'm not in my native land any more and well to me what sounds funny to them is just normal for me. My most recent mess up - calling a "light bulb" a "light globe" apparently thats not a thing here. Light bulb moment indeed.
8. Driving
This is a simple one really. I really miss having access to a car and being able to drive myself around. I'm not complaining about getting around London, it really is super easy and efficient. But theres something about driving yourself, and being in control. Plus theres nothing more therapeutic than hitting the road, driving fast and cranking some tunes, maybe even singing along a little too loudly? (Nah never).
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| Me and my former Fiesta - Man I miss her! |
7. Space
Again probably sounds weird to some, but London is a super crowded city. Everyone lives on top of one another. As an only child thats grown up having virtually an entire wing of the house to myself (#spoilt) it's been a learning experience living in such close proximity to a variety of housemates, boyfriends, girlfriends and visitors. Its not just housing thats crowded, even the streets are flooded with people at all hours of the day, and well lets not even get started on the tubes.
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| Just me enjoying my space |
6. The Weather
You all saw this one coming! I've been spoilt with beautiful weather virtually all year round in Sydney. We've just come to the end of summer in London and I constantly find myself thinking - Really was that it? A couple of semi-warm days here and there but nothing like the weather we have back home. It's a scary scary thought that I'm complaining about the English weather when I've only experienced what everyone says is the best time of the year. The worst is yet to come....
5. Beaches/Proximity to water
Any one who's ever been lucky enough to experience the beauty that is Australian beaches will be right there with me on this one. I'll admit I'm not a big beach swimmer, but there's something about being close to the big ol' blue that calms me. This is not just limited to the beach but also includes rivers, lakes etc. London does have the almighty Thames river, a popular tourist attraction and I'm lucky enough enough to work right along side it. However I'm telling you now its just not the same, it's extremely dirty - only last night a friend of mine told me how he watched a crate float below the surface. Unfortunately it just doesn't have quite the same effect. You never know whats lurking beneath the muddy surface of the Thames.
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| Enjoying Terrigal Beach a while ago now |
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| My furry friend and I at Cronulla Beach |
Obviously not all foods, I do still eat I promise! But this one does rank pretty high on my list for a reason, there are certain things that are either not quite the same over here or are just not available to buy. Sushi for one, is pretty horrible over here. It's virtually impossible to find somewhere that makes it fresh and while the pre-prepared stuff is everywhere it is completely flavourless and extortionate to buy. I've also mentioned in a previous post that a good steak is also hard to find in London. Also smoothies and Juices? Not so easy to find over here - I'm partial to a smoothie when I'm feeling a little under the weather, but this craving is yet to be fixed since arriving in London. But most of all I miss my Mumma's home cooking, my Pappas too if I'm being really honest. I'm blessed with two parents that both cook extremely well.
3. Sydney
Also surprisingly high on the list. I always knew I loved Sydney, but living away from it has made me appreciate the city so much more. I've already mentioned my love of beaches and water which Sydney has in abundance, however its not just this that makes Sydney as pretty as she is. There are so many pockets that offer different kinds of beauty; where my parents live for example in the bush land offers an entirely different kind-of Australian beauty. Sydney certainly has a lot to offer and some days I can't wait to come back and see it all over again.
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| Circular Quay in all its glory |
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| One of my favourite Sydney spots - The Grounds of Alexandria |
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| Sydney is filled with gorgeous Jacarandas |
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| The bush land across the road from my parents house in the Sutherland Shire |
This was a tough call, and if I'm being honest probably should tie with number 1. You'll notice he's already featured in a few photos so far. Again, those of you who know me well know the immense love I have for my best buddy Benjamin, our handsome Cocker-spaniel - a dog to some but a brother to me. I could go on for hours about why I miss this cute creature - but really I think the photo says it all. He's always there for me and it's hard for me knowing that he probably doesn't understand why I'm not around. I'll be back Benny!! Nothing lights up my face more than seeing a golden cocker-spaniel roaming the streets of London reminding me of my best mate.
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| My best fur-friend - Benny |
You all knew it, how could it be anything else? I'm very very lucky to already have an amazing circle of friends over here in London. But thats not to say I don't miss my friends back home, Facebook has been a life saver in keeping me connected with you all and I hope you've all enjoyed following my journey through London Life X Emma as well.
Most of all I miss the two people in my life whom I wouldn't be here without; Mum and Dad. You're in my thoughts constantly and it thrills me to know that you're both behind me and my adventure 100% whenever it is I choose to come home - I can just hear Mum reading this and saying, "But not forever please Emma."
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| A bunch of people I love!! |
Bring on the Oktoberfest four day weekend!! Big love to you all and hot to catch you all next week xo
