I
can’t help but think of cities in terms of lovers. Or past relationships.
Edinburgh,
where I attended university for four years, was my first true relationship. My
first true love. We knew each other intimately. Gave ourselves to each other
completely with a trust and naivety that only the young and that first true
passion can offer. Through four year we nurtured each other and watched each
other change until, we grew apart. And I left.
I
visit from time to time. We stayed friends. The last time I was there, I looked
up at St Giles Cathedral and thought – I still love you, but not in that way.
I’m happy you’re happy. I’m glad I can still be here. No, it was not with real
true love that I looked upon the Auld Reekie but a fondness that develops
between two people who have shared things and known each other a long time.
At
the moment I currently live in Malmö, Sweden. It was tentative at first but
then it swept me off my feet. A total breath of fresh air. So different, so
refreshing, so calm and cleansing. It was really what I needed just when I needed
it. I felt like it gave me time to be myself, to really be me. It calmed me, it
truly did. And yet, yet…I’m not sure we are right for each other in the long
term. It doesn’t make me laugh the way other cities do. It seems, very mature
and stable. Never wants to go out on a Saturday night. I am not ready for that.
What
of Leeds? I was in Leeds for year before coming to Sweden and I have to return
there in January to finish my MA. Well, to be quite frank, I feel like Leeds is
a drunken one night stand that keeps happening. Brash and loud, it’s a bit immature
(as Malmö is mature). Whilst it’s fun, it is also exhausting in that, I don’t
think life should be quite like this either.
And
other cities? Copenhagen – a flirtation that someday may have the capacity to
become real. Berlin, the most interesting person I’ve ever met but who always
asks my name every time we meet? Paris
and I, quite controversially, cannot even stand to be in the same room as one
another. I snogged Perth once. New York, a great friend but nothing more. In
fact, plenty of cities are just good friends. Some only acquaintances. And
then, a whole heap that I have not yet had the pleasure to meet.
The Line Up
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| St Giles, Edinburgh |
 |
| Malmö |
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| Hyde Park Corner, Leeds |