One year...

A year ago, I started working and living in London. Sometimes I still can't believe it. It has been a year of ups and downs and definitely an adventure. A new home, a new language, a new culture, no friends and no family at first. Starting in the midst of the peak times of Corona and the uncertainty of Brexit didn't make it any better. However, I would say that I managed quite well and have now got used to my new home.

Moving to a metropolis like London in times of Corona was not the best idea when it comes to leisure activities. Many things were closed, museums, sights, pubs, restaurants, and much more. Nevertheless, I looked around and visited things from the outside. I walked a lot and later went by bike. I got to know my neighborhood and the surrounding area better and can now show you the most beautiful views of London in my area.

Christmas was a different story. After it was certain that I couldn't go home, I was invited to Scotland. It looked very good for a long time. Until a week before, when all the rules were canceled and I couldn't go after all. It was a Christmas that I didn't imagine, but it was worth experiencing. Christmas Eve with presents and Christmas dinner over Zoom and the 25th at my boss's house. That was a really nice afternoon and evening. I experienced two traditional English Christmas dinners and got to know part of English Christmas culture. All in all, it was different than expected, but really beautiful.

In spring, life in London started again. Restaurants, pubs and museums reopened. You could stroll through the markets of London and get to know London 'from the inside'.

Diversity is probably the word that best describes London. About 9 million people live here and they come from all over the world. This is reflected in the restaurants and markets, of course. I love to walk around street food markets and try dishes from all over the world. But Fish & Chips and a Sunday Roast are a must when you're in Great Britain.

I can also say that I have seen a bit of Great Britain outside of London. In spring, I visited Cambridge and visited friends there.

Then I took a day trip to Brighton. I definitely have to go there again, as everything was closed back then and I didn't see much, or at least only from the outside.

I stayed in Ayr, Scotland for a few more days. It finally worked out in May and I really enjoyed it. The sea, many castles, and mountains.

In July, I went on a weekend trip. Together with friends, I spent half a day in Leeds and then in York. I particularly liked York. A beautiful small old town with half-timbered houses, a large cathedral, and a filming location for the Harry Potter movies.

I am very grateful for my friends, both from Germany and from London, and of course my family. Thank you for always being there for me and for always being available. Especially in the beginning, when I had a hard time making connections here, you helped me a lot. For example, with the little ball of tasks that I received for my stay abroad, where I am allowed to draw tasks regularly. But I have also spent many evenings playing online games, watching movies, or just chatting with friends or family.

I also don't have to explore London alone anymore. Ainize and Sophie are always up for spontaneous activities or weekend trips. It's good to know that there is always someone here too.

It is definitely a rumor that it always rains in Great Britain. I don't think it rains much more here. At least we have had many weeks of good weather here as well. From colorful autumn leaves to beautiful sunsets to snow, everything was there. But of course, it also rains here, for example, today it rained all day again. Sometimes the whole street can be flooded. But the sun also comes out again and so I could also enjoy beautiful and warm weather here in the summer. I will definitely miss this in the coming months.

And then suddenly it was like: 'You have to move out!'. Termination notice from my landlord. So I had to look for a new room for August. Now I have found a nice room in East Dulwich. I am also very happy here and I feel comfortable. The location is similar to work, but this neighborhood is a bit more lively, which I like. My roommates are nice, but unfortunately it is more of a practical flat share, but I can still find someone to chat with.

The special thing about this flat share are the animal roommates. Eleven in total. Three cats, seven chickens, and recently a dog. Like a little farm in the middle of London.

But above all, I love the view from my room. From my room, I have already watched many beautiful sunsets, and from my bed, I can see the Shard, which is one of the most famous buildings in the London skyline.

Then in mid-August, the time had finally come. After eleven months, I was finally allowed to go home again. Finally, seeing family and friends again after several attempts to come to Germany, or attempts by family and friends to come to Great Britain failed. I had almost a month in Magdeburg and had to realize that I missed some things, especially hobbies, very much. It was very good to recharge my batteries.

Back in London, I finally had the pleasure of seeing a musical. It was so beautiful, a full theater, good music, and a soundtrack that has accompanied me regularly ever since. The next musical visits are already being planned.

But otherwise, I feel that I am more settled here now. I enjoy working in the kindergarten. It is nice to see how the children have developed this year, and it is even more beautiful to be a part of it. I also get along well with my colleagues and it is fun to work together.

My to-do list for London is still long, and even if it were ever completed, there are always new things coming to the city that are worth seeing and discovering.

A big thank you to all of you who read my blog posts and are happy about every report, even if they sometimes come at irregular intervals. Thank you!

I am excited to see what lies ahead and what else I get to experience here in London and Great Britain.