Where do you like to read?
People often ask me where my favorite place to read is, and I cannot answer it without getting into more detail.
When I lived in London I rented a room, and that meant I've often read in little cafes as I tried to get away for a change of scenery. I would sit there for hours with a large hot drink, surrounded by the buzz from the crowd, the white noise, and the delicious smell of coffee.
Later on, I decided to move into an old Victorian-style apartment. The charm of the place worked on me despite the high cost of the rent. I then discovered the poor soundproof walls and would hear the neighbor's TV crystal clear, even when I deliberately chose not to have a TV in order to focus more on reading. (I could swear that TV was on 24/7). Thin walls made my life harder. And as you may have guessed, I moved again as soon as I contractually could. It's not like I can’t read if there is noise in the background, but certain books require more attention, and your mind needs a safe calm space in order to recharge after a long day.
I believe carrying a book wherever we go is a great way to encourage some positive life changes. I always have a book on me, and it could be in any format. Kindle ebooks and physical books have their benefits. What do you usually do in those precious minutes as you wait in a queue? Even a few minutes of reading on the train or waiting in a queue can make a huge difference. It always makes me so happy to see people read on public transport. Whilst reading a few pages on the train is a great idea, make sure you look up sometimes and don't miss your stop. Yes, that has happened to me, and whilst it's fun to get engrossed in a new world, you don't want it to happen on your way to work.
I don't have a favorite place to read, but I have many unique memories of the books I read at different stages in my life around the world.
Discovering new cafes and having a book as a company is some of my fondest memories of London life.
May your reading journey evolve with every page you read.
Sincerely,
Diana
