Indeed how fast time flies, 2 years and a month has gone by since setting foot in London. It did not feel too long ago, packing up moving and landing a stay in Putney Bridge for a month. Rentals were sky rocketing or going like hot cake, not a familiar market for me to deal with. Energy prices and food were also going up by the weeks and months. Though, I will say it was one of the best summers ever so far in 2 years but I don’t think I could deal with the same heat now that I have acclimatised to the temperatures.
Putney Bridge is lovely, West of London and a convenient spot. It is expensive I must say that, bunked in a studio for a month while searching a home at Kingston. Commuting to work by tube was a change, it took under an hour on a single journey and I made do with that. Comparatively public transport was efficient and well connected which made it easy to choose not to drive.
The last two years was full of uncertainty, yet by the grace of God we survived. Looking back it was exciting in a weird way. There was always something new, unexpected and a challenge. I have since witness 4 prime ministers and a change of the thrones in these two years. This includes, one of the shortest tenures for a Prime Minister in the entire history of UK and another one of the first Asian heritage Prime Ministers in role leading the country. Locals will dispute the choice of words “leading the country” and to some extend, I can agree why. In the same 2 years, I have experienced one of the highest tax rate in 40 years (not fun, huge challenge to cost of living) and the infamous “mini budget” which blew up into one of the biggest headlines not seen anywhere else. Interesting years, isn’t it.
Some brighter news. I am glad to have had my wife join me and bringing our little one into the world. I had a very supportive family back home and friends in the UK. I could not have asked for more from either. If I would take a step back to reflect my decisions now knowing the journey, would I have moved 2 years ago? Yes, I think the uncertainty and challenges has helped me learn a lot about myself under the pressures and it has shaped me in someway today. Which I may not have done so, with the comfort of home. Though it tears my emotions to leave friends back home to move here but I am thankful for technology.