One of the thinking tools I often use with my class as a "hook in" or starter for a new topic is the Alphabet Key. It's where you try to list something about the topic for each letter of the alphabet.
Lately I have been feeling SUPER grateful for the opportunity to live in such a dynamic, electrifying city. On the flip-side of that though, I have also started to miss the simplicity of a relaxed lifestyle in New Zealand and all of the comforts of home that are special to Aotearoa.
This brings me to the purpose of this series of blog posts; as a way to help me appreciate both places for what they bring to my life, and to ensure I enjoy my last six months in London to the absolute fullest (before home calls us back in February), I'm going to share all the reasons why my "homes" make my heart beat stronger and fill me with vitality. So, here we go, my A-Z of London - as I see this place!
A - Angel
I love my local hotspot! From the pumping nightlife, to the delicious food and stylish shops, Angel has it all going on - even my school is there! The best part is, Angel is just a ten minute bus ride or 20 minute walk from our home.
B - Burgers, Beers and Bikes!
Need I say more?!? Now, obviously for safety reasons, the latter two don't go together too well, but nonetheless, this letter probably summarises my favourite things about this city! Exploring London's diverse suburbs, parks and hot spots on a bike just can't be beaten, especially when you're doing it alongside your bestie. Andrew is a huge craft beer fan, and while I'm not as enthusiastic as him about trying a new IPA or Porter, I still enjoy trying different beers that are on offer in a market saturated with choice!! The third B - burgers - needs no explanation... Let's just say, they do 'em well 'ere.
C - Clothes
London's shopping is out of this world. So much choice, anything goes, as long as it either totally sets you apart or allows you to follow the crowd - sometimes both! Seeing all the fashionistas out and about is inspiring, in a fashion sense, and I love people watching and seeing all the stylish inner city people whenever I'm in the heart of it all.
D - Dogs
Now, for the record, I am TOTALLY a cat person (in case Cyborg is reading this - yes, cats are that smart..) but the dogs in London are epic! So many amazing breeds (even if they are totally and sadly inbred...) and every second person has a dog, even if they live right in the city. The large number of parks in London probably makes it possible for most of these people to have a dog and not feel too guilty about keeping it cooped up in a flat or apartment. My favourite dogs to spot are sausage dogs! I swear their legs are shorter here than the ones back home and their little bellies nearly touch the ground! Disclaimer: it is totally acceptable for a grown man to walk a teeny-tiny dog down the street dressed in doggy clothes (the dog that is..)!!
E - Energy
The energy of a big city just can't be beaten. No matter where you are at what time, there is always something going on. The main reason we moved over here was to allow us to travel, which we have been lucky enough to do quite a bit of. But in actual fact, we have loved all of the amazing events and goings on in London-town so much that at times it has been hard to leave it behind to spend a weekend in a foreign city where we don't know all the great places to go or what areas to explore. I think if I had longer in London I could go months just exploring this amazing city without ever feeling the need to get out and leave = there's just so much going on! (A huge contrast to our home town we hope to move back to!)
F - Foxes
I don't care how many local people tell me they are a pest - seeing a fox still excites me every time, like a little kid! They are the coolest animals! We have a little guy who lives in our garden in the middle of the complex and I will often catch him making a mad dash across the grass to his hidey-hole. I always think of Fantastic Mr Fox and wonder what Mrs Fox is whipping up for dinner down in the den, her apron round her waist! But seriously, coolest animal! Maybe I like them more knowing they are here, far away from our precious native birds in NZ, where I don't think I would be such a fan of the little dudes.
To be continued.....
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