Londinium...

Most 'Third Culture Kids' struggle to find a sense of belonging and ownership in their country of residence - they feel like a foreigner, not a local. I have experienced this in every country I have lived in since leaving home twelve years ago - Norway, America, Canada, Thailand, Finland and New Zealand...everywhere but England...well, to rephrase London. Within the UK, I have lived in Derby, Nottingham and Harpenden over the past six years and only truly feel at home in London. When I think of England, I think of the feeling that London gives me.

London has been my gateway to the world since I was a child...it was from Heathrow airport that I boarded my first flight to India back in 1986 and I think the association of travel - new and exciting adventures waiting around the corner - that helps this vast city feel like a home. I never feel trapped or isolated here...it almost encourages travel with its incredible transport network within and beyond the city and the affordable, low cost airlines that take you to every corner of the globe. Anything is possible...no place too remote to reach.

But it isn't merely the ease of travel that makes London the perfect "springboard" for me - a global nomad. The cultural diversity is what makes this place a true gem in my eyes. I see people of numerous nationalities everyday - as I walk to the shops or post office - I hear the tongues of many nations. It is within this kaleidoscope of diversity that I find my sense of belonging. London allows anyone to claim it as their home...I have yet to encounter the hostility or snobbery that I have found in other places.

Londoners get a bad reputation for being unfriendly and maybe it was the one grumpy cabby someone encountered while here for a weekend trip but I continue to find people accommodating and helpful. It is true that we may not know our neighbours by name but I love the fact that privacy is respected here - the anonymity it provides. It is so easy to strike up a conversation at the bus stop or at the pub...yes, it may be something as trivial as "talking about the weather" but it is two human beings reaching out for each other - making the effort.

The fact that so many nationalities and personalities live side by side in this city of 7 and a half million in relative peace is to be celebrated. This large city is formed of hundreds of little communities and pockets that take a lifetime to discover - and those gems are what keep me content here...the possibility of a new discovery waiting to be made around every corner.

Here, people allow me to be exactly as I am.