Russ

I think to myself sometimes, "what was so wrong with London?"

London's a great place. It's overpriced, overcrowded, overburdened, sometimes unpleasant to be around, it has congestion charges and council tax... but it's alive. London has life unlike any other city I've known. It also has friends. And lots of work. And, strangely, considering how many places I've been over the past couple of years, it still feels like home. Note I'm saying "London", not "Croydon" - Croydon (my birthplace and probably my least favourite place on earth) can still go to hell in a handbasket for all I care. When Britain comes up for its much-needed colonic irrigation, Croydon is where they'd insert the pipe.

If we were to go back, I'd have to use probably about half of the money my mum has very nicely and diligently put aside for us as a mortgage deposit to clear every debt I have in the world and get completely back in the black. Not owe a penny to anybody. Plus, we've got kinda used to having our own two-bedroom house - we would definitely have to downsize again. But I do miss the people, the gigs, the clubs, places like The Gallery and The Bass Centre, even the bloody Underground. And, I miss Sainsbury's!

I know there's a problem when, every time I watch an episode of Spaced, I find myself feeling homesick.