londonversary

It's my Londonversary: I moved here on 13 September 2004. At the time, I didn't know how permanent it would be. I knew that I wouldn't need my apartment, my car, or most of my furniture anymore. But at the same time it didn't feel like moving - more like a year abroad. I wasn't ready to bring all my clothes, books and other worldly possessions. If nothing else, I spent my first year in student halls, in a room that closely resembled a Swedish prison cell. I couldn't squeeze in much more than my laptop and iPod, and really, who needs more than that these days?


In September 2005, I went back to California for my sister's wedding. My future in the UK was far from assured. My Master's course had finished, I had no job, and I had only just barely met S. I came back to London homeless, unemployed, but optimistic.


By September 2006, I was married. I had changed my name and address. I lived here.


In September 2008, I naturalised and became a dual citizen.


Six years does not feel that long, and yet I'm a different person now, at least on paper. The time is more noticeable when I look at my friends' kids: children I remember as newborns are now in elementary school. Some of the older ones are now taller than me. Students I taught in California have graduated from college... Students I taught in Japan are married with kids of their own!


So here are a few photos from my first week in London, Sep 2004, taken at Kew Gardens. See if you can tell the difference!