Searching in London: What are you searching for?

Hello, I suppose I should start by introducing myself.

I'm Arhondia which is pronounced A R O ND I A with the accent on the I. Everyone I meet has a problem with pronouncing it so don't worry you're not the first.

I'm half Greek-half Irish, in my early thirties and single.

As all Irish people do when things get tough back home, a few months ago (in the middle of Ireland's worst recession since the eighties) I packed my bags and got the fuck out. My friends told me this is proof that I'm more Irish than Greek, although you wouldn't think it if you saw me.

So I found myself in London in the beginning of May, a place I 'd only visited on two previous occasions and it scared the wits out of me both times.

Dublin city centre is pretty much the size of Trafalgar Square and the Covent Garden area put together and no bigger than that.

The first time I crossed Waterloo Bridge to get from the Strand to the National Theatre I thought there should be people on the paths handing out water sponges like they do in the Marathon.

I've since got used to it or maybe my eyes have adjusted and can finally take in the scale.

London is always described as fast paced. A quick city with sharp people. People that are on time, make money and like precision. But in the last five months here I have discovered a city that is intensely beautiful if you have take the time to get to know it and people that are genuine, fun loving and generous. Yes you read correctly don't rub your eyes you are not asleep and dreaming.

London is like a Christmas Advent Calendar full of little magic pockets you have to open to disover the gifts hidden inside.

True blue Londoners like the word "Pretty" and they use it frequently to describe the many parks, canals, little markets, restaurants, theatres, the list is endless as are the many attractions of the city.

The title of the blog is searching in London, so what am I searching for?

I'm searching for what most people are, I think.

I 'm searching for fulfilment, excitement, love and a chance to change my life and make it into the life of my dreams.

How? I'm not sure of how I should go about it but I'm exploring every avenue possible.

So here is what I'm doing to get there :

I'm doing a course in short story writing ,

I've signed up to do Stand Up,

I've recently become a Buddhist (the word "become" might be a bit intense, I join the group twice a month and try to be the best person I can be),

I'm going to a Vipassana retreat for 10 days (it will start just after Christmas and end well after the New Year) where I will hopefully get in touch with my higher self, I'm hoping she will let me in on a few secrets. Vipassana is a meditation practise and the deal is you don't talk for 10 days, you just focus on your breathing and medidate. So during the season to be jolly I'll be not talking at all and enjoying warm water in a flask instead of champagne or mulled wine. Can I do it? It remains to be seen.