A friend asked me this recently when we chatted about places to live and a way to decide where that could be:
How do you want to spend your days and weekends? That’s what I think about a lot. I love my neighbourhood but also my transport connections and how quickly I can get out of London, whether into the countryside or on a direct flight. I felt trapped in Berlin (I’d also begun to feel that way in Sydney after only 6 months.
I was thinking about how my parents would spend their days and weekends and while I’m very different to them, they did instil in me an appreciation for going on long walks in nature, and exploring history and the world around me. My father would spend his weekend building furniture in his wood shop and my mom would do creative projects or bake bread. I carry a lot of their traits (bad and good) . I’m more on that end of the spectrum and end up doing computer or DIY projects and less (like my friends) on the consumer end of being a “foodie” or needing the latest designer thing.
So what I am trying to say is that authenticity and curiosity about the world around me are more than just important – a strong requirement for me to be happy in my life. I did get a lot of that when I lived in London but missed the part where I marvelled at nature. Maybe this speaks to living next to Kew or Richmond Park or Hampstead. But it also speaks to being around people who have this quality of curiosity and questioning.
Summary:
- Be around curious people
- Be in nature
Does this place exist?
Should Anyone Ask 