The funny thing I feel about London ever since the very first time I visited it... which was a bit before I came to the UK for good... is the feeling of knowing this city like I had been here before, of feeling at home in a way that is not usual for me. I tend to feel anxious in unfamiliar places, I am on my guard, I have to make an effort to get around. But over here I don't feel any of that. Armed with a tube map, I happily make my way. There's a certain ease. I don't know why... It's a bit like when you meet certain people for the first time...and feel comfortable with them from the get-go.

Having said all that, I have to say that Lancaster has made me a bit averse to crowds and the fast life. I like to take it slow and easy now (not that I personally was ever into fast). On the tube it feels like everyone is getting somewhere... has a destination in mind... no one is idling by. People are determined to entertain themselves too. Walking the central streets like your Oxford etc, I got into some of the big stores and felt a disconnect, a lack of interest... not sure if this is the Lancaster influence, academia influence, or just growing older... but shopping doesn't excite me that much now. I used to be an avid shopper in my earlier days. I now wonder what would I do with this stuff? I have a ton of things I barely use…

There is one big change this time compared to all the last times. It's how I am spending my money. This is the first time since I have a job in the UK that I am in London. I am not a ‘student’. I decided I am not going to think twice about spending for food. In Lancaster I have a rather moderate lifestyle. I mostly cook and barely eat outside. So I sort of feel like I deserve it ;) Not just for being thrifty but even otherwise... coming to the other side and plodding on in many ways. If I do not reward me, who will? :)

Happy Easter, fellow travellers!