The first time I visited London, I loved it.

Instantly, immediately.

Right from the start.

I loved the streets, the houses, the buses, the parks, and the people.

But none of that was caused by London.

It was me.

For one reason or the other, I had decided to love and deeply appreciate the city even before I went there, and I took that love and excitement with me, and felt it everywhere.

London couldn’t fuck that up.

No matter how hard it rained, no matter how grey the sky was: I enjoyed it like a little kid entering a toy store.

It was as if I secretly covered everything with my thrilling energy.

I created my own version of London, from moment to moment.

And it has been like that between the city and me ever since.

When you have experiences like these and you become truly aware of them, you’re going to get more.

What happened between me and London, this unique relationship of joy and curiosity, was simply the result of love.

I was in love and I took it with me to London.

I was in love, with life.

It wouldn’t surprise me if you recognize this sensation from a romantic encounter in your past or present.

When we fall in love with a person (and it doesn’t lead to complications), it opens up a new, fresh appreciation for life, and it changes the way we experience everything.

We bring our deepest feelings and brightest moods into the world and everything looks and feels different.

I had that with London.

And it has stayed like that ever since, only to become deeper and deeper with every new trip.

Last week I was in Manchester for two days and I had the exact same elating experience.

No matter how long I had to wait at the airport, no matter how hard it rained, no matter what went ‘wrong’: I loved it.

I infected Manchester with my joy and zest for life.

And when people asked me ‘How was it to be there, what did you like the most, and what should I visit if I ever go there?’, I had no practical answer.

Because that’s not how life works.

Manchester doesn’t give you feelings.

London doesn’t spark emotions in you.

It’s the other way around.

Whatever you bring into the world, you’ll see reflected back.

In the rain, in a rusty gate, and in the tired face of a grumpy airport employee.

There’s no Manchester experience, or a London experience, caused by the city, caused by the location.

You feel whatever you bring.

Imagine the journey life can be.

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(Photo by @rolls0ut, for Unsplash)