Moving out of London...

[naiad]

This September I am moving out of London to study near Winchester in Hampshire. I will study Ornamental Fish Management. I visited the college a few days ago, and it looks very good. They have many kinds of fish, even some I have never seen, and I thought I knew about all of them by now! Also the three biggest carp I have ever seen, in a pool so clear I want to go diving in it.

I used to keep and breed many different kinds of tropical and coldwater fish, but I have never had the space to do this properly. I never knew that there was a course like the one I am going to do. (Thanks to the DB member who told me about it. )

It will be the first time I have ever lived outside London. It has been a very difficult decision, but I have decided to go for it. There are several reasons, other than the course itself and the fish.

The polluted air in central London is seriously affecting my health. I have been on and off antibiotics for over a year now, and still have a chronic chest infection. I am very sensitive to car exhaust fumes and dust in the air, and the constant blocked sinuses and chesty cough are getting me down. When I went to visit the college, I could immediately notice the difference. Fresh air for the first time in years! Even when I go to my weekly freediving session in Richmond, which is on the outskirts of London, I feel so much better. When I am outside London all the problems just disappear without trace.

I will also be spending a lot of time outdoors. This is what I have always wanted to do. There isn't any way that I can do the things I like in central London, and I am getting very bored.

Also, I will be nearer to the coast and maybe I will be able to join some freedivers on a trip to the sea! It's not too far from Dorset, a bit of a train ride, but I hope to go there sometimes. I read good things about Dorset on DB.

I will still go to Richmond pool, and do lots of dry statics.

Just had to share that!

Lucia

[SurfnSpear]

Lucia, you won't regret it...I could not imagine living in the Big Smoke! Countryside and coastline for me...

[foxfish]

That is fantastic Lucia, I wish you the best of luck.

[flyflicker]

There be an awful lot of old boys from Sparsholt here in Darzet (& I wish I was one of them) There are some excellent spearos amongst them and one is going to cook me a most wonderful meal next Saturday night - cheers Fear!!!

[spaghetti]

best wishes for a happy life: the freshest air, the hugest carps and whatever you dream of (but did never dare to ask for... ;-)

[oferdegi]

Sounds wonderful, Lucia, I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Colorful fish & fresh air -who could ask for more?
Good luck!
Ofer

[BatRay]

Sounds like a great move, Lucia. Best of wishes in this move

[land shark]

Fresh air is like freshwater. Those of us that have a lot of it seem to take it for granted. Having grown up in the city I can tell you. you will be better in no time. besides you deserve it. Just Remeber to soak up all you can while your there . To pursue your hobby as a career. wish you all the luck kiddo!

[MBanks]

Good work! You will NOT regret the decision! Fresh air, especially that coming off the sea, is the best air ever. Until two months ago I used to live on an island on the south east coast of england, there is only one road on and off the island, and this is covered at high tide, but when you drive accross The Strood (as it's known) and you can smell the sea air, it seems to settle something inside of me, making everything else dissapear. And now that I'm in London I miss the sea more than anything And I can't wait until I can be living by the sea again.....hopefully sometime soon!

Enjoy a slower pace of life, and more green open spaces I'm jelous!

Martin

[naiad]

Thanks for all the good wishes.

I didn't know that there are lots of spearos from Sparsholt. I hope to go diving to the south coast, as I will have some free time on the course.

And I know that at some point in the course I will hold my breath in that carp pond.

[Oldsarge]

Good move, that gel! I remember thinking while on a visit, "Jeez, London is a smoggy hole!" And that's from a native Los Angeleno, so I know smog.

[Stephan Whelan]

Originally Posted by Oldsarge

"Jeez, London is a smoggy hole!"

<cough> I don't know what you mean...<cough cough> it's perfect <cough> over here <cough splutter cough cough>

[portinfer]

Good choice Lucia I am sure that you will have a great time and swapping chlorine (and who knows what else) for salt water is definitely the way to go - My neighbour has a pond with lots of 'fish' (I am sure Mart knows them all ) but that's as close as I get to fresh water these days - often tempted to practice statics in there
Have a good one and hope the country life suits you - Ed

[Old Man Dave]

Originally Posted by Oldsarge

I remember thinking while on a visit, "Jeez, London is a smoggy hole!" And that's from a native Los Angeleno, so I know smog.

Not to mention the fog and the 3000 homeless that live on the streets of San Francisco. California could be home from home for any Londoner. Suppose the diving might be better "out west" though.

Just jealous .

Dave

[DeepThought]

They teach 'Ornamental Fish Management' nowdays? I thought all you need to know is to keep flushing till the goldfish disappears...
Sounds to me this kind of change can turn to be a very enriching experience and a good career.
Good luck.