I learned pretty quickly that space in London comes at a premium.
It isn't like I hadn't lived in a big city before. Manila, in many ways, is even worse in terms of finding a place to lay your head. It's just that Manila isn't as connected, and isn't as expensive.
House sharing in London is pretty common. In fact, I think it's become the norm. With so many people wanting to head into town to "find fame and fortune", it isn't unusual to see flats packed to the brim- with interesting stories to boot.
I lived in a house with genuinely friendly people. A couple of girls and two guys. Different nationalities. All in all, a good experience. I stayed in a neighborhood where flats were lined up one after the other. In spite of the many living spaces placed close to one another, the place never really felt too cramped. That's what a bit of urban planning can do.
I was lucky enough to have lived somewhere near a Tube station, and the high street. Easy access to everything. It really does make a difference when everything is within walking distance of where you live. That is a luxury that you have to pay through your teeth for in the Philippines.
Speaking of space, London has LOTS of parks. I made it a point to walk and run through quite a number of them. Hyde Park. Alexandra Palace. Victoria Park. Battersea Park. Clapham Common. It was so refreshing to have lived in a city where setting up open public spaces would be prioritized.
During a recent rest day, I couldn't help but look back at old photos from my time in London. I recalled how I'd run through places like the Southbank and Lambeth North, and race through picturesque roads in Brighton and Hove.
To be honest, I have yet to experience a sense of freedom since having returned from the UK in January 2018.
Lately, space for me has been as elusive as in a bottle of bubbly in the desert.
Space is a catalyst for so many good things- creativity, love, passion.
It isn't a shock, then, that I've been reminiscing.
MC
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