Having moved from Toronto to South Woodford last year, law student Nashwah Turshin has found her new London home to be surprising and welcoming in equal measure
Throughout my life, I have always lived within cityscapes. My concept of a tranquil neighbourhood included the sounds of chaotic traffic and mumbled conversations right outside my window. If there was an absence of glass buildings in the background, I would consider it strange. The hustle and bustle of Toronto had always been my safe haven. For me, the notion of living outside an urban landscape was unimaginable.
When my home city is compared to my new one, I often hear: “London is the better Toronto,” followed by the similarities between the two. So, it was no surprise that I was under the assumption that all of London was essentially a giant Canary Wharf. You can imagine my surprise when I discovered it’s not.
I’m not going to lie; it’s been a tough adjustment. I was no longer falling asleep to the white noises of traffic sounds and murmured conversations outside my window. I was no longer waking up to the sunrise glittering over glass buildings. I no longer had a strip of coffee shops within five minutes from my home that were open until the early hours of the morning (as a university student, you can imagine the need for those). However, growth will never come without change, and one’s environment is often the most significant change. For any Gilmore Girls fans, I found comfort in knowing I was finally living out my Stars Hollow fantasy.
In the past five months since my move, I’ve forged a routine that I religiously stick to. Rather than opting for the bus to the station, I relish the 15-minute stroll, taking in the lush greenery and the fresh, dewy morning air that was new to me. The mornings in South Woodford are so serene and are a great way to clear my morning grogginess and jump-start my day. George Lane holds a special place in my heart and I take frequent walks there. On the weekends, my roommate and I will walk around, making a mandatory stop at Bobo & Wild – the friendliest staff and the most welcoming ambience – for giggles and catch-up over coffee.
Wherever I go, there is nothing but friendly faces and polite greetings. Watching the day-to-day lives of the abundance of families makes me think how this will be me one day, whether in South Woodford or elsewhere. I never thought I’d fit so well into the quiet, suburban life as I do now.
Living in South Woodford has led me to conclude that life has a curious way of leading us to unexpected places, and we come to learn, grow and find unknown parts of ourselves in these foreign environments. My move has been so transformative, allowing me to embrace change. While I do occasionally mourn my old life, I find so much comfort knowing gentle South Woodford welcomed me with open arms.
Article submissions from residents and visitors are welcome. Visit swvg.co.uk
