My Flat in London

Many have asked about my living arrangement in London.

I am living in a building named London Chambers which is a converted bank. My place is a one bedroom "flat" in what I am told is the "meatpacking district" in "Central London." While it's about half the size of my two bedroom, two bathroom duplex apartment which I occupy alone in Brooklyn, I have come to realize that I do not need alot nor all that I have to be happy and content (sidebar: I am realizing that I live in total unnecessary excess and I am doing some self analysis on exactly what THAT is about).

My neighborhood reminds me alot of the meatpacking district in NYC located around 23rd street between 10th and 11th avenue. Truthfully, I do not know whether they still pack meat in the NYC meatpacking district. Yesterday, I woke up at 3:30am to what sounded like drag racing outside of my window. I got up, looked outside of my bedroom window (you know black folks always gotta see what is going on) and I saw about 20 large trucks driving into the neighborhood . . . low and behold they literally were unpacking meat. I certainly was not happy about all of the noise because it was 3:30am in the morning and every night since my arrival to the UK, I had been having a difficult time sleeping in a bedroom/apartment that is not my own.

Similar to the meatpacking district in NYC, my neighborhood has numerous restaurants, bars, cute litte cafes and clubs. I am told that it is the "happening place to be" and some of the best restaurants, especially steakhouses, are located in area. I am always down for a good meal so I am looking forward to trying out many of the restaurants over the next three months.

My apartment is "cute." It isn't home but I am truly grateful to have a roof over my head. Even though it's not particularly fancy it is very expensive due to the neighborhood and its location. Space does not come for cheap in London so my firm is paying for the "neighborhood" verses the space.

The apartment is fully furnished. It has the basic necessities including a "roof", small kitchen, dining room, bathroom and bedroom. It also has several extras such as a DVD player, VHS player, stereo, phone, washer/dryer, weekly maid service (yeah!), optional laundry service and a personal grocery shopper. The elevator is rather small-- as I said, space in London does not come for cheap. It likely fits only two people, size ten and under. It is the old fashion type where you can see yourself going up the various floors through the window in the elevator.

The management company provided a nice welcome/starter kit which included salad, eggs, milk, orange juice, red wine, white wine, pasta, tomato sauce, various teas, fruit and a few other items. It was thoughtful touch. Of course, on my third day here, I burned the "electric" tea pot because I set it on the stove. The bottom of the pot totally melted and almost caught on fire. If you know me-- that shouldn't be a surprise. I really need to figure out how to replace it inconspicuously because I am sure they will try to charge me about 200 pounds (aka $400.00).

The most wonderful thing about the location of my apartment is the fact that I can walk to work every morning. I have always worked in Manhattan and lived in Brooklyn (where I live now) or Harlem (where I grew up) so I have always had to take the train or bus to work. I can't tell you how lovely it is to have the privilege of walking to work. It's about a 15 to 20 minute walk to the law firm which is located in the financial district. The weather currently feels like fall in October. It's cold enough to cause a little pep in your step in the mornings but not cold enough to wear a winter coat-- a scarf (which seems to be a must in London) and a light coat is fine.

Every morning, my walk to work is very relaxing and calming. It presents an opportunity to clear my head and prepare for the day ahead-- emotionally, physically and spiritually. It is an opportunity "to walk" into all the things that God has prepared for me in that particular day.

I am sincerely thankful that God has put a roof (and that my firm is footing the bill) over my head during my stay in London. I am starting to feel that even though I am in another country and my loved ones feel so far away. . . I am certainly going to be okay. . . in fact more than okay.

While my apartment is not similar to my apartment in Brooklyn, I am honestly grateful that God had chosen this place for me (it took a few days to get to this point but I am there). Everyday I feel a little be more relaxed in my apartment, I sleep a little bit more comfortably in the bed, the fear and trepidation of being in a different country is *slowly* disappearing and it's being replaced by the excitement about all that there is to explore in my neighborhood and throughout London and some parts of Europe (mini vacations to Greece, Italy and Spain (it cost about $120 (or less)) to get to each of these countries from London) are in the workings). I am also excited and thankful for the chance to be one with myself and the opportunity to gain a greater understanding, knowledge and depth as to who I am, what I am all about and where God is leading me to go.

Thank you Jesus.

Above are pictures of my kitchen, living room and view from my apartment.