September marks a year to the month that I packed my suitcase and moved to UK. A year to the day when I took the Eurostar wondering what London would bring me… so many questions in my head: Am I going to enjoy it? Is it a nice place to live and to work in?  and what about the people there? I remember many of my (french) friends envying me because as they say “London is so COOL” … probably…but actually at that time, I had no clue and was not so sure about it… I mean there is a big gap between enjoying London over a weekend and living in the city for good!

But since I was there, I really wanted to give it a chance so I have jumped into London crazy rhythm: Flat hunting, museums, visits, work, sport, school….etc…. I have to say that time went by very quickly and actually I was pretty lucky (magic London) and succeeded in all the things I wanted to achieve here: I found a tiny but cute place to live in Notting Hill, I have met old friends from Portsmouth that I haven’t been seeing for 15 years or so, I have visited in 1 year more museums, palace, exhibitions etc. that I have done in my whole existence, I know Hyde Park like the back of my hand and it has became my favorite place in London, I have quickly and quite easily found a marketing manager position with a very good salary when a lot of people told me it was impossible because I am a foreigner, I have met an amazing Yoga teacher who brought me spiritual wisdom and peace when I needed it and I am so happy I could commit myself to Yoga every day during a year (which I never thought before I would be capable of), I have also enjoyed so much attending to the English evening classes at the Stanton School because it was a really nice way to practise and improve my language skills but most of all I have met amazing people from all other the world and it felt so nice to have new, fun and nice friends to share this amazing adventure and experience that is London with!!!

What initially struck me as odd and unusual is now part of the everyday and I can’t believe I am already leaving for new overseas adventures…even if it looks exciting, I am definitely going to miss London, scones and you my dear friends!

So after a year spent in London, I can now answer to the question what makes London so unique? without no doubt, it’s you people, the (international) Londoners!