My Great Escape: London Calling
Natalie Kardum
Well, after planning, saving, researching, and many leaps of faith, I have jumped over the pond to find myself in the United Kingdom, in a city called London. Finally.
What I expected upon arrival was a frazzled self, wondering if she had made the right decision, second guessing if she could find a job, and then jabbed in the ribs with a dose of homesickness. None of that happened. After a wonderful holiday in Norway, I arrived at Stanstead Airport with a backpack and a rolling suitcase, figuring out how to get from the airport to London Bridge. All with a sense of… calmness. Calmness is not something that comes to me easily. I’m not sure if it was the fresh air in Norway, or being in holiday-mode, but I landed in my new city ready to take on whatever came my way. First things first: get to the flat, get some sleep, and get a job.
When I announced my move and my desire to work in the UK, I was often asked if I had anything, you know, “lined up” in London. “You already have a job over there?” I was constantly asked. And when I replied, “Well, no, I have nothing set up for me,” I was invariably met with raised eyebrows and a little bit of judgment. I could feel people thinking that I was a nut-bar. Was I? I mean, my grandparents came to Canada without education, money, or even knowledge of English. So why was what I was doing so scary to other people? And why was I even listening to what they thought?
I became less vocal about my move. I dodged any negative response. What I focused on was moving in, and learning about, my new city.
Moving is supposed to be hard. It is supposed to be especially frustrating when one is moving overseas and needs to organize visas, find a flat to stay in, and of course, find a job. You are often supposed to see the dark side before you see the light. I’m afraid that did not happen to me. Upon arrival at the Liverpool underground station with all my baggage, a lovely woman working at information helped me get to where I needed to go. When I found myself somewhat lost at Bank station, a kind gentleman helped me out. When I arrived in East Dulwich and had no idea where my street was located, a nice Brazilian guy walked me part way to my apartment, which I then found without much trouble. My flat is nicer than any place I ever lived in Vancouver. I spent a week job-hunting and museum hopping, and within two weeks, found work. But wait—wasn’t this supposed to be more… stressful? Home sickness? All that??
Nope. Honestly. I felt more stress watching the football match (I’m in the UK; I mustn’t say ‘soccer’ anymore) between Croatia and Turkey than organizing my whole move and arriving. Watching Euro Cup has proved to be more emotional, heart-wrenching and stressful than, well, moving to London. Deciding what team to support has resulted in hours of contemplation and anxiety—do I go for Germany, a country I love to visit and people I so get along with, or Spain, with equally great people and the creators of Sangria? How is it possible that THIS stresses me out more than being here?
For the first time, I am really just going with the flow of things, and accepting not everything has to be a difficult battle. I’m also starting to accept that when you make choices that mean the most to you, things have a way of working out. Sometimes there are minor screw-ups (like spotty internet connections) but there are grander things that make up for it (free admission to art museums and fish and chips).
So the first part of my adventure ends but I am certain another one waits around the corner for me. You see, I have had this huge desire to master a certain language. I have longed for years to live in a provincial French village for a few months, tasting red wines and chattering with locals about the Tour de France and football clubs. And as I sit here with my laptop, I am going through lists of French classes and programs available here in London. Funny how it took a journey all the way to London to help me realize I must master the French language. L’adventure nouveau commence…