17.05.17
I don't have much to say really as this doesn't feel foreign, or different. This would be the 6th time I've visited this lovely city.
So let's go back 11 years to July 2006. I was lucky enough to be sent to the International Union of Socialist Youth festival, held in Spain, via London. We arrived straight into a 30 degree heatwave, so first impressions don't get better than that in this traditionally cold city.
Our first night was spent in the then New Zealand High Commissioner to Britain's house. For pizza and wine. The Hon Jonathan Hunt, affectionately coined "the Minister for Wine and Cheese." He scoffs at this - 'I don't even really like cheese' were his words.
A great host, he informed us that his residence had a panic button in the bathroom that would automatically seal if he pressed it (am I allowed to say this?).
Afterwards we went to the West End for drinks. The brother of a member of our delegation was there. He was extremely cute and charming, as was his (unfortunately taken) older brother. One of the first vegans I had ever met. The cheesiest pick up line: 'sorry but you've got some smudged mascara around your eye.' Light finger contact on face followed.
I was to have a crush on this guy for months to come. More lasting though, was falling in love with Ralph Lauren and Escada perfume. I used to wince with longing whenever their scents made their way to my nose, for those brief few days in London's 2006 summer, and the festival in Spain. Now those scents have many more memories attached to them, I think I've gone through about 10 bottles of Ralph Lauren now.
Going back even further, ancestors ago my family was living in Grantham, Lincolnshire, home of the great (great at poll taxes) Margaret Thatcher and the legendary Isaac Newton. Newton married into our bloodline, not my particular bloodline but nonetheless. My sister became a scientist anyway.
I have no exotic blood, it's all British. Home can be anywhere but I can tell you that I knew from the first step on these shores it felt like home to me.
Back to the present, yes. I do feel at home. I was allowed through Heathrow's gates with minimal fuss, and I was reminded how privileged I am to be here, in this world where so many don't have rights or freedom of movement. I'm getting in before Brexit. I'm getting in before the imminent Fall of Capitalism, if that happens. I never predicted Jacinda to win though, so don't look to me for the future.
I'm travelling before I get old and saggy and start popping out mini Albino Kiwis (a very rare breed).
Acton, London, Great Britain. A visa, a CV, a face, a lone traveller. An invitation to a birthday in the weekend and a BBQ in the next couple of weeks. A faithful mindset, almost enough faith to negate the anxiety about surviving in one of the most expensive cities on earth.
I spent the morning with the lovely Emma Mann, a fashion designer and founder of No Fixed Abode. An impressive girl whose designs are so good, Versace have copied them - she is taking them on in court, fair play to her.
I have a UK sim card now and I also have a friend.
All I can say of first impressions now are the lovely, lovely salads - Tesco, Sainsburys, Marks and Spencer - ordinary British comforts but a delight to this vegan Kiwi, at about £1-2 pounds per container.
A welcome respite from curry. [Nek minnut my prediction is I will be giving you updates of a wonderful curry I've made]
I am delighted to be here and report my safe arrival.
I better get to work though - there is much to do.
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