Manchester from first sight does not seem that big. It only has a couple of high rise buildings, perhaps making it seem smaller than it is? The day I arrived here on the train I freaked out. I rolled into Piccadilly station and I couldn’t see any high rise buildings. I instantly thought #fuck!# what am I doing moving here, is it a small hick town? I’d never been here, but it seemed like a good idea to move here on a whim. Sometimes these random stick a finger in the air ideas just happen. My settling in Manchester (for my travel base) was the result of three random occurrences, making my finger rise high and test the air: my travel agent raving about it, and applying for two jobs (which I didn’t get) before I left New Zealand, which just happened to be in Manchester – a place I never considered going to, let alone living.
So when I arrived on the train I considered jumping straight back on it and going back to London. Upon departing the station it became clear that this red brick city had deceived me at first sight. When you start exploring the pockets such as China town, each suburb and other parts of the city, then you realise how big it is – twice that of Auckland according to Wikipedia! And how varied it is with each pocket having its own culture, colour and enticements. Seven months on I keep finding new places within places which is typical Manchester – a lot is hidden away behind its big industrial leftovers.
I was told that the first six months is always the hardest when settling into a new country. I wouldn’t necessarily say it was hard, but adventurous and it feels like I’ve lived a few years in this short time so much has happened. I still laugh at how the locals moan it rains too much. It is nothing compared to Auckland, but I do notice that there is a notable lack of sunlight! And that the strength of the sun when it is out, is a meager half the strength of Auckland’s blue sky days that penetrate your soul.
I think it’s important when you live somewhere that you find your niche, connect with it, and then you can find your home anywhere. When I lived in suburbs such as St Heliers, and Ellerslie in Auckland, I hated that city. It wasn’t until I lived in Ponsonby the last 3-years that I felt connected to Auckland, even though I lived there since I was 19. It takes a bit of work to find your place, but it’s worth it as there is no point being a coffee lover and drinking Starbucks. You’ll never quite feel satisfied. The Northern Quarter, and the Buddhist Centre have definitely given me that connection – my Manchester Ponsonby. I’m extremely lucky to have found a flat in this great suburb of the city centre.
A night out in China Town was on the cards with a wee celebration.
