Melanie’s space I discovered the beauty of the Millennium Pier after several nights of walking around London. I made the leap to move from the US to London to attend university. I didn’t know anyone and had only ever been to London once before, so I took comfort in exploring my new home. I walked around for days but would always find myself drawn to this spot. I was able to remain completely anonymous yet I somehow felt that I wasn’t alone, that the city knew me as a friend. I didn’t feel like such an outsider. I’ve now been living in London for four years and I still come back to this spot to reflect. I always find myself drawn to it in times of emotional stress.
I feel comforted by the city lights. I feel that I am part of something greater than myself, knowing that the buildings surrounding me were built before my country was even a thought. I’m inspired by feeling that I am part of something greater in London. I am a part of the city and the city is a part of me. I feel alive and inspired by its energy and resilience. The city picks me up when I fall down. It shares in my triumphs and despairs in my failures. Being in this spot connects me to that greatness, it inspires me to keep moving forward.