Why I Traded the City for Jam Down

Hiya Peeps

When I originally made the decision to come out here I was drained, drained, drained. I had been into the second year of my part time (MA) at Goldsmiths, working full time and needed a change big time. The monotony was killing me. I had a cute little pad, a job that paid the bills but was soul destroying and I had lost my lustre for the city; and my life

Me in the city this summer on my way to Jigga and Kanyeezy

 So when I got back from my hols last year I decided I was off. As a Literature graduate there is a tendency to read about life rather than to actually live it and I decided to seize the moment. And live elsewhere for a little while. I have been here for around six weeks and it’s been both amazing and challenging.

Me with my li'l cuz playing at my Grandmother's on the veranda

Its maaaaaaaaaaaad the things you miss about your old life when your in the process of trying to create a new one.  What is it you ask, fish and chips? Actually the food here is great. I have really enjoyed eating seasonally; usually when I travel I enjoy the food abroad more and this has been no exception. I regress, the fact is I miss the comforts that we all tell ourselves we need but actually do not. Oh the great British High street, did I mention how much I love going to cutesy lil overpriced bars? Then my wonderful friends and family who I barely saw due to my expensive overpriced flat that needed to be paid for on my suspiciously small wage. Well,  since I have been here they have  heard more regularly than they ever did when I was living near to them. But hearing their voices offers me a form of comfort that Oreo’s do not reach.

Responsible for my cellulite

But the truth is my life here is nicer in so many ways. I can have fresh organic food that doesn’t cost the earth. I’m not permanently cold (nine months out of the year) and last but not least I am getting to know my culture in real way. I know i’m privileged as the responsibilities of daily life stops most of us from taking this kind of extended culture trip. I am lucky enough to do it.