Middleagedmum.com: why I love London

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Growing up in the suburbs of big cities, I was never happier than when I was 'in town'. Hanging out in the local shopping centre, hunting down weird bargains in Chelsea Girl and Miss Selfridge that no normal people wanted to wear, or clubbing with the other strange creatures of the night, who also loved Killing Joke and The Slits and got abused by the Townies for backcombing their hair and wearing clothes from second hand shops.

There was a small shop in one of the back streets in the centre of the Northern town I lived in as a teenager, that sold hippie and punk clothes. The local art students hung out there and my suburban 6th form friends thought it was weird, but I so wanted to enter that strange world of arty alternative folk, who didn't fit in. I desperately felt the need to escape the confines of small mindedness and people who's ambitions were to get a job in the local bank or 'ger engaged'. Living in the suburbs just didn't do it for me, I knew there was a big wide world out there waiting for me.

Moving to London as 22 year old fashion designer, I would get goose bumps wandering around the city on one of my many trips to the belt manufacturers or zip suppliers. I couldn't believe my luck, I was finally where I felt I belonged and I still to this day, 26 years later, get a thrill when I cross the river at sunset, wander round Brick lane on a summer Sunday, or find myself watching a dance performance in a car park in Kings Cross!

But what I really love about London is my local community. Diverse and unconventional, arty and alternative, yet as friendly as any village, but without the boring conversations about what day the bin men come (although we do have them sometimes!). Apologies to those readers who live in villages, I love the countryside, it's just not for me!

I love that I can step out of my door and there are eight Indian restaurants, one Mexican, two Thai, too many Turkish to count, one Japanese, numerous pubs, parks, interesting shops and people from every corner of the world. It stimulates and inspires me on a daily basis. At weekends I never have time to do all the things I write about on this blog, but there are always options; from shopping in Knightsbridge, to dog walking on Hackney Downs. Take that away from me and I am instantly transported back to those teenage years, stuck in the suburbs, thinking it was all going on somewhere else, without me. 

I worry that my kids have it all too soon and see anywhere else (apart from New York) as boring and 'why would you live there'. Perhaps they need to have the desire to escape to succeed. Or maybe they will just have that innate confidence that born and bred Londoners seem to have, because they know, it's quite simply the best city in the world!

Comments

[Lilac]

Hello,
Your blog resonates with me. I live in the 'burbs but love London. I love the buzz, the buildings, the history, the shops, the buses, and streets. A day exploring in one area is my treat, and having that to think about and digest. I also love coming home and savouring the quieter pace, so maybe we all end up where we belong in the end.

[Becky]

Or you might find that your children hanker after country life after the hustle and bustle of their childhood in the city ! You never know !

[Sarah]

I escaped to London as soon as I could in my early 20s but moved to the middle of nowhere after my eldest was born. I was never happy with the decision and 12 years later I still loathe the countryside. I always planned to move back to London as soon as my youngest leaves home (9 years and counting) and I can't wait although I don't want to wish her life away. London is most definitely the best city in the world but the countryside suits for raising children. Knowing my luck they will grow up resenting me for making them live in such a dull place!

[jane]

Yes Becky I have thought that, but no signs so far with the kids.

I think where ever you bring your kids up, they want to try something different for a while .

J x

[Nick]

You could so easily be writing about my life!! I felt and still feel exactly the same!

[jude]

How this resonates with me too! I was born in London, but with all their best intentions at heart was moved out by the parents who thought they were giving me a more rounded upbringing in the countryside (too many animals and farmy smells for my liking). All I wanted from the age of 12 was to be in London, where, according to my Nan, 'things happen to young girls'. I wanted those things! (Although I'm not sure they were the things Nan was referring to.)
Still here with no thoughts of leaving yet....

[amanda]

I can still remember the first time I found out about how fabulous towns could feel. I was about 8 years old and went to stay with my aunt in Bath, right in the centre above her fish and chip shop. I remember looking out at night after I'd gone to bed and realising life still went on after bedtime, and that it looked a lot more fun that fields. It took another 13 years for me to pitch up in London, but from that night onwards I knew towns were where my heart was and London town is the best of all. Ax

[Nicole]

Let's face it, London is a rainy, gray and busy spot. But still, there are a lot of reasons why many people love this place. First, its 24hr convenience. There are tons of establishments which are open 24/7. Second, the cars. Feels like I'm living in the 50's; lots of vintage cars right there. =) And third, the fashion. They are just around the corner, and almost everyone look glamorous in their own way...