On my way to a salsa party... plus a bonus video 😜

Thursday, 26th of January 2023 [33]

Last weekend my friend and I went for another London salsa adventure. I might have mentioned this in my #Actifit report briefly.

Truth be told, I wanted to take a bit of a break from salsa. A had a few disappointing moments in the recent weeks and I thought a little step back will do me good.

While talking to my friend, Laleh, last Friday though, I had a chance of saying all that I was thinking out laud. I’m so used to keeping all the most challenging parts of my life to myself, that I forgot how refreshing it feels to let it all out to someone who gets me.

Some of my thoughts sounded ridiculous when said out laud. Other thoughts just wanted to be heard out laud and with witness around. Seems like this was the last step needed to move on from the little blocked out corner I found myself in.

‘Well, take as long of a break as you need, but just bear in mind, that I love having you as my London trips buddy and I’ll be happy to have you back whenever you feel like it.’ said Laleh towards the end of out walk.

‘I’m going to Revolution tomorrow and I’ve booked parking in Reading and taking train from there to London. You’re more than welcome to join me’ she added.

I promised to think about it.

When I got up at 07:07am on Saturday morning, going to London was at the back of my head. I really considered going, but after couple hours I realised that a part of me was also really avoiding making a decision.

Consuela spring cleaned the medicine cupboards and almost moved on to another one by the time I realised what tricks my brain was trying to pull on me. I resisted going to #salsa 💃

Having a break cause I maybe overdone dancing, felt tired or had other things to keep me busy was ok. But resistance to doing something I really love, cause something upset me was not cool.

Had I not spotted it on time and continued ‘having a break’ I’d probably develop a little bit of a trauma there. Once spotted, I decided to go towards my resistance and… well, that was the best thing I’ve done for myself for a very long time.

Firstly, I had a chance to catch up with the news from my friend’s life. We had a good hour of walk and chat on Friday, but my situation dominated the conversation. It was great to detach from my problems and listen to other things for a change. Laleh had a bit of a family/work situation going on and I’m sure she felt great getting it off her chest too.

Our 1 hour plus drive to Reading was long enough to cover all this and the rest of the trip to the salsa party was spent admiring beautiful buildings and structures we walked past.

My friend is a designer and a huge geek when it comes to #architecture and building materials. She loves to talk about it too. Especially all the different materials seen on London buildings, which are much more luxurious than those her dad’s company could ever justify using.

Since the property prices are much higher in London and city councils encourage innovative designs, the designers here can really let the imagination go and create some outstanding buildings.

The Paddington train station is a beauty on its own.

It feels like you get back in time when you get of the train at this station.

So much beautiful detail everywhere you look.

Then there is underground, which brings us back to presence.

Here everyone is too busy to look at anyone else. I'm probably the only one taking pictures ;)

And finally Q Elizabeth line. The newest kid on the block, with a futuristic look that Laleh was very excited to see.

Who said traveling in time was not possible? We just jumped from the past to the future!

Can't say I'm impressed with the 'street art' in London though. I've seen some super cool murals on other Hivers pictures. Come on, #London, do better 😜

See that tall building with a clock, behind a row of other buildings? This was our destination last weekend.

Finally, we arrived. If you didn't guess it, you can see it in Laleh's smile. She's excited to dance!

Ok, since you read the whole post (or at least scrolled through it), you can have a sneaky peak at what is happening inside that building (or any other building where there is a salsa party going on). This one below was from 2014 if I remember well... when I was young and fit 🤣😁

Until next time 💙

Camera:	iPhone11
Photographer:	@fantagira
Editing apps:	none