London memories
I have met so many wonderful people through the internet; some relationships don't move beyond online communications, while others, I have had the great pleasure of hanging out with them in person.
While I was in London last July, I had lunch with my friend Tom, whom I'd been talking with for 5 years. He was just as sweet and thoughtful in person and our afternoon was spent as if we were old friends catching up on the latest news in our lives- which I guess we were. He is a barrister- you know, the ones that wear those adorably goofy white wigs. He also raises money for an organization that runs an after-school boxing program for boys. I love that he is passionate about helping people. Plus, he fences...that is so cool, don't you think?
The next day, I had lunch with another dear friend, Andrei. He's an amazing photographer who has just recently opened a studio...check out his website. Andrei was exactly as I had imagined he'd be...a gentle soul who's love for his art is exhilarating. Even now, each time he writes me on facebook he always asks..."so are you packed to move here yet?" And somehow, that simple sentence inspires me to keep going after my dream/ goal of living in London.
That evening, I met up with someone who is dear to my heart. Fred made our first meeting so special. We met under the clock at Waterloo station, then went for a stroll along the south bank, followed by an evening talking and drinking stella in a little pub next to St. Paul's. Over the years we had talked so often about how great it would be to just be able to sit across from each other and have a drink, that when we were finally in that moment, I stopped to take a picture...we toasted the occasion, lol. Fred and I had talked online and on the phone for about 3 years before we met, and though meeting someone for the first time could feel awkward, it was as if we were just meeting for another Thursday night chat up. What I love about Fred is the fact that even though he comes from a prominent family, he has no airs about him. He is genuine. By day he is a carpenter and by night, he is the most incredibly talented musician.
So what the hell triggered all of these memories to surface? Tonight i was searching through the archives of lastfm.com, and on a whim I typed in the name his band 'A Personal Victory'. They're a newish band from London, so I was surprised and delighted to find their music listed! Then as I listened to a couple of songs, I thought about London, and the rest unraveled from there.
Now, Go have a listen to Fred's music.
