This month on the Travel Linkup, we’re all about the Love. From a deep abiding love for a favourite destination to the ephemeral love for the perfect sunset, make sure you share yours in the linkup below! For me this month, it feels very appropriate to talk about my love for my two cities, Auckland and London. I’m currently basking in Auckland’s summer warmth, but looking ahead to my return to London. Before I left I was torn about my excitement to return – did it mean I was cheating on London?! Now I realise that I’m lucky enough to be able to love two cities and call them home.
Auckland, I love your chilled, relaxed, slower pace. Pedestrians stroll unhurried, waves slowly lap the golden shores, there’s less pressure to be doing something every minute of the day. It’s all sweet as. But London – I thrive on your busy, chaotic, multifaceted nature. I could be out every night of the week (every meal, every minute even), and rock-climbing, gallery-wandering, partying, sunrise-yogaing to my hearts content. Your variety is challenging and inspiring.
I can’t mention my adoration for London without talking about escaping you, odd as that may seem. However, coming from a tiny set of islands way out in the Pacific Ocean, the concept of being only one or two hours from many a European hotspot, bustling city, or quaint village is quite honestly mind-blowing. It’s fair to say I’ve made the most of it so far – see: almost every post on this blog! And Auckland, while you do require at least a 3 hour flight to get international, what you do have on your doorstep is a plethora of fascinating day-trips, from mountains to black-sand beaches to huge farmers’ markets. And I mentioned the beaches, but let’s just mention them again. My Instagram right now boasts shots of your golden sandy shores from Wenderholm to St Heliers – absolutely gorgeous.
One thing common to my two loves is the amount of green space in and around each city. I’ve grown up with Auckland‘s many parks and reserves, and the bush on my back doorstep. It’s a beloved ritual to don walking gear and head into a forest, following winding paths and listening to pure birdsong. But London, you surprised me with your many parks, from wild and rambling Hampstead Heath to the picture-perfect gardens of Kensington and Regent’s Park. I treasure that I can still lose myself in wilderness, even in such a massive city.
Auckland, you are home to my family and oldest friends. I can trace the stories of my childhood in your lines, from the way I used to walk home from school to old university haunts. I may have forgotten a few street names but I can drive to my favourite beach without blinking, and I love that I can do this with my sister or best friend by my side. And London, you have brought me so many new friends, from shared Kiwi connections to the crazy-amazing blogging community to my fabulous flatmates. I cherish all the new memories that I’m making in this wonderful city.
More than anything, I’m so grateful to both my cities, for shaping me into the person I am today and for continuing to challenge and change me. I know that I’m lucky that I get to call you both home.
