I love living in a big city, because there's so many things to do (museums, art gallery, café shops, bookstores, second hand book stores EVERYWHERE) and I also love how you can meet so many people and make connections with people with different pov, culture, background, you can go to so many different festivals (food, music, etc.) from all around the world without traveling :) I hope Toronto gets better for you and you find your place in it x
@@nellsea8086 Board games cafés are an amazing way - they often have open games evenings where you play with people you don't know. Also clubs like tango societies and other quieter dance-type groups where you can actually talk. Another free one is community litter-picks. The people at those are so nice :)
@@nellsea8086 there might also be bookclubs or activities with your local libraries, neighrborhood events, volunteering :) i try to not think too much about it and just participate to things its akward the first minutes but put yourself out there and youll find people !! good luck !
What helped me moving to a big city was finding a local Cafe that I loved to bring a book to and read. And finding a park to frequent! Making little places in the big city "yours" makes it feel more like home. I hope it gets better for you in the city. I felt alot of the same feelings when i moved to a big city and it definitely gets easier, but make sure to feel your feels when they show up! 😊
I am quite an introvert and I am also not a person who thinks going out drinking is a good time 😊 That being said I love big cities! I like feeling small and anonymous. People watching and finding hidden green nooks is my favorite...also finding large old buildings like public libraries or churches to cozy up and read in. Also riding public transport...a little odd but you get to see so many different people from every walk of life ❤ I hope you find your peace in Toronto ❤
It's been an awful day here in South Korea. Mass death that should not have happened. My mood was low but watching your video takes my mind off the negativity. Thank you always Emma for what you do
As someone who loves living in a city (admittedly a small city), I love the easy access it gives me to great theatre, great music, great cafes, great bookshops, great food and also easy to catch public transport to somewhere either in the countryside or another city. On a selfish note, I can also walk to work 😂
yes!!! really been trying to take advantage of theatre and music shows recently - and the public transport is wonderful!! love that you can walk to work!!
Yeah this! I don't really drink, don't do nightlife, but there are so many museums, libraries and cafés around that I can visit without having to plan my whole day around it. I can also agree with the selfishness, I have to walk around 20-25 minutes to university. I was also born and raised in the city and I find comfort in the noise and people around me, I can hardly ever sleep without any city noise lol. I think just finding a few "comfort places" can help (like places you just feel very happy in & where you can always go to to feel calm & collected)
what i love about big cities as someone who doesn't drink or party: so many museums, music events, theatre plays, cultural festivals, restaurants of every food you can imagine, movie theatres with special features, wide availability of courses and classes for every interest you can imagine, faster and cheaper shipping of packages, always a good stock of products in store, good public transport that makes it easy to get to all the events, no additional plane or bus costs when there's a big event going on only in the city, the ease of finding other people that share your interests based on sheer population alone, etc. i do think a key to enjoying it is going out to explore and make friends
highly recommend following local government accounts online, specifically cultural institutions, that's how i figure out what free events are going on in the area. some free events i've gone to this year: author signings, mexican cultural festival, illustration festival, anime festivals, screening of ghibli movies, etc
Thank you for being open about your life amd mental health struggles. I’ve always been affected by books in such a way that I can’t get through the darker ones without them completely affecting my moods and day to day life. I’ve often wondered how other ppl manage to read difficult things without being very directly affected by them. It’s a relief to hear I’m not alone in this and to hear you be be open about your personal struggles. Really enjoyed this vlog and looking forward to your book recommendations ✨
I would recommend just trying to get out and about as much as you can!! I know it's hard, I get anxiety going out by myself, but when I do it gets easier and easier. I don't know anything about toronto but being that it is a big city I'm sure it has many things you would enjoy! Book shops, cafes, good food, museums, all sorts of cute and unique shops that are just fun to look at, art, cool buildings etc. these are my fave things about cities. Also I feel like in bigger cities everyone is just doing their own thing and not paying attention to you so that helps me when I get social anxiety when going out. ❤
What I love about a big city is definitely the fact that everything is easily available. Everything is very difficult to have access to from where I live (i e., A small town). Like, there's not even a single bookstore in my town, no library, no cafes, and obviously no nightclubs and stuff but that's not my scene either. I don't even have access to a good burger when I'm craving it😭.
hey Emma, I just want to say I moved to a new place 8 months ago and it was super hard and continues to be hard, so I totally hear you and know what you're going through. it'll take a long time, but you will adjust! once you have a bunch of happy memories and you get to know your new home, I'm sure you'll be able to grow attached to it. there are lots of things to love about city living, as I'm sure many have already commented, but the biggest advice I have for you is if you don't like your neighborhood, you don't have to be restricted to that. get out and explore! public transportation is wonderful! you can find so many beautiful hidden places if you take a step outside your known area. eventually maybe those places will come to feel like yours, and you wont feel so left out of the city party :) much love, and I hope that helps
Nothing is sacred to a cat. But they bring so much joy! The part where you play hide and seek with Calcifer is so wholesome. I will re-watch it every time I have a bad day
my favourite things about living in the city are the ability to be as anonymous or connected as i want to be at any given time. i can go to a part of the city i've never been and sit in a cafe and people watch and not talk to anybody. or i can find classes, groups and passionate people for every interest under the sun. i love the possibilities to see theatre, art, live music, eat different foods and meet different people. that said, moving to the city feels overwhelming and it takes a while to feel at home. it's very easy to feel lost and insignificant. what helped me was developing routines - finding a favourite cafe, book store, park bench; taking walks around my neighbourhood to become familiar with the places and all the familiar strangers i see day to day (baristas, shop clerks, that old lady feeding the birds at the park every morning etc). i hope you can feel more at home in toronto eventually!
I go to a uni in a big city and that’s what I’ve always wanted. I love going to a lot of different libraries, some of them modern, others not so much. I love that there’s a lot of bookshops and cute shops and small businesses with jewellery and other stuff. There’re also of course a lot of museums and theatres. Not to mention wonderful cinemas which show all kinds of niche movies. I also like going clubbing once in a while. For me it’s a great way to meet and look at cool people, if you go to a place with a right vibe of course. That’s what I love about “big city life” :)
Sending lots of huggies your way. ♥️🍁 Something I love to do in the city is people watching. So finding a nice and cozy place to sit and work or read, like a café, and then just stare at people and try to guess what they’re like and where they’re going from what what they’re doing and maybe saying. When you’re in a good mood, you just feel like being friends with all of them, and when you’re in a bad one, you can just, I don’t know, judge what they’re wearing or something. 😅
I love the architecture. Especially bridges, interstates, intricate building, chapels. It is like poetry for me, to see something much more beautiful than the average build
Been watching for a long time but I wanted to comment and tell you how much I love your content! Feels like your channel is a perennial safe house I can turn to to relax❤ Currently re-watching your Tolstoy vlogs 🥰
This is a bit of an essay, so many many apologies in advance! Despite in many ways being a lot like you, I couldn’t cope not living in London (UK, not Canada!), because I just wouldn’t know what to do living in a small town like the one I grew up in (which was just dull lol) and the one I went to uni in, which is beautiful but very very very small. I’m hugely introverted, have severe social anxiety, and I am yet to find people with whom I really fit in - I certainly never did at school or uni. I dislike the whole hustle culture of big cities, but I need access to art, which is where I suppose I find life. London is an incredible cultural centre, and the bookstores/museums/galleries/cinemas and most importantly the theatres are where I spend my life pretty much. I couldn’t live somewhere where I couldn’t go to the theatre frequently, or spend my free time wandering around a quiet gallery, or didn’t have easy access to an arthouse cinema. I’m sure those kinds of places exist in Toronto, so maybe try looking them up? In particular I’d recommend figuring out their downtimes, when they’re unlikely to be busy. A gallery or cinema which is virtually empty becomes a release from the business of the city. Really really importantly don’t compare yourself to “other younger people” living where you are. For most people my age (23) London is great because of the nightlife and social possibilities, but for me that just does nothing. What I have found is that if I go to the same cinema or gallery or bookstores I tend to run into the same people, who often are a bit (or a lot!) older than me - and that’s ok. The idea that you need to fit into your age group is bollocks, if you find that you go to a gallery and end up having a non-stressful, interesting conversation with someone 30 years older than you then that’s amazing! A lot of the people I’ve found it more comfortable to communicate with are a decade older than me, which is actually lovely, because at school and uni you naturally end up being mostly corralled into your year groups, and that’s actually pretty limiting in terms of your exposure to the world. Aside from anything else the more art forms with which you engage, the more complex ideas you’ll be exposed to (I remember you mentioning you were finding your uni work a bit dull/easy), and you may find that getting lost in good films or theatre will let you get away from your environment, even if it’s just for a little while. Plus the wider an understanding of art more broadly you develop, the more ways you’ll find to think about literature, which may be some good mental stimulation for you. Oh, also: headphones!!! A good quality pair of noise cancelling headphones is a must, you can just put on some white noise, or music you find calming and relaxing, and it makes it much easier to walk around and do stuff like grocery shopping without having to face the constant noise of the city
I'm a massive introvert but I love the big city. I find that it pushes me out of my shell and there is always something new. Holiday celebrations, parades, cafes, museums, art galleries, bookstores, etc. It's the perfect place to just go for a walk and discover something new. And I always found the people in the city to be friendlier and easier to talk to. I hope you can find your place in the big city xx
Hi Emma, Sorry to hear that it's been so hard adjusting to the big city life in Toronto. I feel like it must have been quite a dramatic shift in the pace of life from where you used to live. I found it really hard to adjust to New Zealand when I moved abroad, and I didn't feel settled for like a year. Everything was so different here in comparison to the USA. The people talked differently, the stores all closed super early, and the scenery was like nothing I had ever seen. I think that one of the things that helped me the most was finding a place that reminded me of home. Near where I live there is a small forest with some walking trails and a bunch of redwoods. When I first moved here I would go for a run in that forest on the weekend as it was a way for me to "go home" without going home. It was really grounding and It helped so much with the homesickness. I would use running as an escape from whatever was going on during the day (I always knew no matter how bad I was feeling I had a run to look forward to at the end of the day where I could just switch off). Eventually, I was running a couple of times a week and that helped me familiarise myself with the city. Once I started to learn the streets and how everything was laid out it started to feel a lot more like home. Running was such a valuable tool for me. I'm kind of worried about when I move back home in a couple of months and how readjusting to the pace of life in the USA will be like. I think I'll take up running more again (as it helped me so much the last time). Maybe there are some places that could serve as a little slice of home in Toronto? One of the amazing things I find about cities is how there is to explore and see. Toronto must have so pretty cool parks, maybe a cool botanical garden (I realise that it's almost winter so it might not be the greenest place) or a plant shop?? I'm sure that you'll find some cool spots! Again sorry to hear that it's been so rough the last couple of months. I think that you are doing the best you can! Sounds like you are working hard to set up routines (which I hear is one of the most important parts of moving to a new place)! You are also there with your partner, which means that you get to face this new place with another person. You're doing great! I think that the vlogs and videos that you have been putting out lately have been really good (the book of the month sketches always make me laugh), I just watched the Iceland one and it made me want to move to a sheep farm a thousand miles away as well. Thank you so much for all you do! You got me back into reading, and your videos helped me through a really rough and stressful year. I hope things get better soon!
I moved to Stockholm 2003 when I was 22 and I KNEW that place wasn't for me (born in a small village in the countryside). I ended up spending 2 yrs in Stockholm that broke down my mental health so bad I had to move in with my parents in the countryside and stay with them for another 2 years to just build my self up in nature again. Follow your heart Emma it knows were you belong 💖I learned Im a solitary nature person and nothing will change that, its my happy place :D
I love the rainy gloomy days, because I feel the need to slow down and be cozy with a book. And since I’m a workaholic it’s hard to make myself stop doing things. I also think of the rain cleansing the world as well
as someone who has been living in downtown toronto for 2 years (and living alone!) my favourite things are just the culture and the vibrancy of the city. i have access to any type of food i could want to try, there's so many fun and quirky independent shops and bookstores. i'm not a nightlife person at all but i've loved finding my favourite coffee shops and restaurants. and also the museums and art galleries!! so many amazing exhibits but also the events they run are always fun! a huge part of why i love living in a city is that it's walkable and there's good public transportation (especially important because i don't drive!) you'll find your groove, it may take a few months but it can help if you make a local friend that has similar interests!
You will find your own relationship with the city that works for you:take the good from it and chuck the rest!The Monk was a rollercoaster and Interview With A Vampire is very enjoyable.I would love to hear your in depth thoughts on both works.But if you ever get the chance check out Let The Right One In by John Ajvide Lindqvist so that you can watch the Swedish movie based on this book and be blown away!❤️
Honestly I live in Toronto and the night life is absolutely not my thing either! I think there's a lot of expectation that that's what you should love about the city, but truly for me, it's the coffee shops, the parks, and the books stores! I've lived in TO for almost a decade and have literally never been to a bar. We go to movies and try new (not expensive) restaurants haha. Also boardgame cafes are fun too! Hoping the city gets better for you ❤️❤️
Tips for highly sensitive people in big cities. 1. Walk in bad weather when the streets are quieter and you feel more of nature. 2. Ironically, the early morning rush hour can also be a great time to walk in the 'off-piste' places such as parks and squares. 3. Walk to quiet high-end stores and browse a la 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' 4. Go to an open board games session to meet new people. 5. Go along to litter-picks and climate demos to meet nice fellow nature lovers 6. Find nooks of peace in libraries, cafés and art museums. If you go at certain times you can pretend you own million dollar works of art. 7. Remember that the countryside is full of desperate extroverts that will not give you a moment's peace. In a big city you can be as introverted as you like - no one will know or judge you. 8. Take yourself into the countryside at the weekends for day-long walks. Stay overnight when you get the chance. 9. Edited to add - noise-cancelling ear buds are your friend :)
My favorite thing about living in cities is hard to explain but I’ll give it a go! I feel like I’m never alone, I guess. Like I know when I go to sleep at night the world outside is awake and alive and that has always brought me so much comfort vs. a dark night with no one around in the countryside. I feel everyone, I feel the happiness and comfort of company, even though I like being alone lol. Just knowing the world is full and busy and not desolate and lonely brings me peace. Also having a bunch of stuff open 24/7 is very convenient. I like knowing that if need to go out and grab medicine or snacks or something I can, and will see other cars on the road and other people in the stores.
I couldn't have watched this video at a better time. I've just come back from spending a long weekend in London with my best friends for Halloween and a week before that I came home from visiting another friend in Malaysia for two weeks. My mood is SO low at the moment and I'm trying to use the weekend to reset. Hearing that you feel the same has definitely given me some comfort, so thank you for sharing your thoughts :)
Regarding city life- I can relate. I lived in a big city (St. Louis) for almost a decade after growing up in the country. The moment I was financially able, I moved back to a rural area. I need the quiet, the nature, and the slow pace. Living in the city was not good for my mental health. I'm in a much better place now- geographically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
as down as you may be at times,your content never fails to lift me up,and I'm sure others feel that way too.I love how frequent you've been posting,and the tidbits of calcifer are sooo cute.Take care of yourself and enjoy the rest of the autumnal season.Cant wait to see your thoughts on interview with the vampire!.❤️
As someone who moved country, finding happy places and communities of people really helped me! For me these were folk music and social dance in pubs. As these kinds of groups are aimed at you meeting new people, it is easy to approach someone there and have a chat, although if you see a knitting or book group in a library they would work equally well I think! P.S. I am trying really hard to learn Chinese right now and "Falling into your Smile" is one of the better shows! I would also suggest "You Are My Glory", for a cheesy but adult RomCom! I definitely use these shows as comfort food as well!
I liked and miss city life, partly because I didn’t have to fit in. I felt anonymous when in galleries and libraries. I loved being in my apartment looking out at all the people. I did live in a small city and it didn’t seem as noisy as the rural area I live in now. Calcifer is so darn adorable. Glad you have each other.
I live in the city and I hate it and like it! I'm an introvert and don't have a social life vibe and I'm a homebody. I moved to the city from a rural area for work and that's really why I've been in the city for over 30 years. But what I do enjoy doing when I'm feeling the blues or down in the dumps is to go to a local park and sit with a book or lunch and just feel the vibes in the trees and the noise around me, I also like to go and sit at outside cafes and people watch, take in the surroundings etc .. I usually find after a couple of hours I'm ready to go back home or I feel refreshed enough to work etc . . . I think you need to get out of your apartment, take your laptop, book and headphones and go and sit in the park or on the beach, go to a cafe and enjoy the vibes of the cafe and its clientele. Just take time to wander a bit and take in the outside aura. I really think you'll feel better!
I have been born and brought up in the world's 2nd most populated city(or maybe 3rd, I am not sure😅), and seriously for the first 19 years of my life, I absolutely hated it. I don't have a garden, there is always traffic noise, every place is always somewhat crowded, like what is there to love? But this year I have really started loving it here, this change was mostly due to some things that I altered in my life. I now get up at 5.45 AM to go for walks and to enjoy all the parks in the city, it's so quiet and calm. I have planted many varieties of plants on my balcony, so now although the traffic noise is still there, there is also the chirping of birds and the sound of water from the tabletop fountain. I have also started frequently visiting nearby cafes, bookstores and nurseries, it made me familiar with both the place and also the people working there, this way I feel comfortable in these places even when there is a crowd. So ig maybe you should list all the reasons why you dislike the city and then specifically target those problems by slightly altering your own lifestyle. Lol sorry for this huge ass rant😅
I also really struggled when I first moved to a big city (London in my native England) - I didn't enjoy the business and felt like I missed the country, I struggled to afford hanging out in the places where I could meet people, and I didn't feel a connection with new friends or work colleagues I did meet. I'm also bookish but like to meet people and have interesting conversations, and I felt like it was hard to meet people with similar interests and characters (I'm sure they were out there too - but probably struggling equally to connect to others!) Eventually I ended up moving to a much smaller city in a foreign country (Bucharest in Romania), which I enjoyed a lot more - partly because all the newness and the foreign language was an adventure, learning a new language was a series of funny blunders, and by living with other immigrants, I suddenly had a lot of the basic feelings that I struggled with before in common with everyone else (we were all on the outside, looking in; we were all from different places, and so didn't "fit in"; but we learned a lot from each other, and had the humour of our differences in common as a regular source of hilarity). I think if I had to live in a big city like London again, I would connect with immigrant communities first - it takes a lot to move to a new country, and so often these are really engaging, interesting and interested people, often themselves feeling the weird mix between confidence and shyness which I can vibe with most of the time (and which I get the senes you share too!) This can also be a fun way to learn or practice a new language. Facebook groups were a good resource too, for finding book clubs and writing groups. Groups about nature are often good too if you miss rural surroundings (I certainly did) - whether it's walking or hiking groups, or even something like cycling or kayaking, people will sometimes ride share to drive out of the city for these activities and you can have some fun conversations in the car. Good luck Emma! Starting a life in a city can be really, really tough, but you're certainly not alone, and if you can find others that feel the same it can be a huge comfort.
Yay, a fifty minute book video from Emma! Thanks for inspiring me to get back into reading purposely and trying new things! Lots of great experiences this year from that alone. Glad you're settling back into routine--have a great weekend! 🙂
@@emmiereads So far, I think my favorite read has been The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden. But props to you for recommending Solitude! High on the list as well!
The key to living (and surviving/enjoying) life in a large city is to carve out a space just for you. To find things to disappear into so you can feel “alone” in the midst of millions of people. To know you have the option but not the obligation of being social in an interactive way. I think observing people and feeling their energy can make you feel you’re not on the same page but it can also allow you to step back and be in your own head and be at peace. To know they’re there and you’re here and whatever you do with your time and energy is just yours. I say all of this as a lifelong lover of New York city a place I’ve lived for the past 13 years but I grew up in a very small town which I hated. I do think that in the end, you can’t force yourself to be somewhere that you’re not happy and that you don’t feel at peace in. Making a place tolerable is a short term solution and it’s OK if you’re at peace with squirrels and waterfalls and not museums and libraries. I think just finding solace in your inner life and then the bits and pieces of the place you call home for now is important and enough. 🖤
I'm an introvert, I don't like parties and I enjoy spending my evenings at home. In spite of this, I really enjoyed living in a big city back when I was doing my bachelor's degree full-time and I had to move. Honestly, the number one thing you need is a pair of nice headphones 😂 My favorite thing was running errands while listening to music or audiobooks. Everything was so busy around me and I was kind of part of it, but then kind of not, because the headphones would let me experience something else if that makes sense. Also, if you hate the noise, you can try noise cancelling headphones. What I liked about living in a big city the most though were nice city parks, stores within a walking distance, and the anonymity. Also, if you needed to see a specialist, you could just get one where you live instead of driving 2 hours for a 15-minute appointment like I have to do now 🤭 Also: libraries! I'm sure Toronto has a lot of big libraries or cosy cafés where you can read books and drink some tea. Wish you all the best!
Hey, Emma! I have never been to Toronto so I can't speak about that city specifically. But I am someone who loves the city. I love that I can walk around and always find new things: small cafés, old bookstores, a hidden theater. I also don't like the night life, if I do anyhthing at night is go to see a movie. But the city does give me a peace of mind that que countryside just can't. I never feel alone, I feel like the city is a living organism, and every human a cell. I love the city lights at night and the soft noise of the cars passing. I love how the birds - pidgeons, sparrows, seaguls - just aren't afraid of people anymore and join us at parks and the outside of cafés. Maybe you can try to find these kind of little beautiful things in Toronto. And places that you like hanging around like cafés, parks and libraries. Create a routine, like walking every morning in your block. There might be more for you to appreciate that you've realized. Hope to have helped!
Also on the greatest things about big cities is the huge cultural offer! So many theater plays, expos, concerts, book clubs, book presentations, impros, museums… Plus super cute cafés and book shops🫶🏻🫶🏻🍁🍁 (i live in madrid)
FYI, this is a long one with a few ideas for you. I'm a rural person. Although I love many of the things mentioned in the comments about cities, I prefer living in the forest. I remember you saying maybe you'd be living in Toronto at least one year. Maybe have several small adventures out of the city planned throughout the year so that you always have something to look forward to? I'm not sure if you or your partner have a drivers license, but maybe rent a car and leave? I recently flew to Toronto for the first time. We skipped the city tour and went directly out to the Kawartha district where my daughter lives. Gorgeous forest, rivers, waterfalls, and lakes. Very light, fresh, clean air. Many deep forest breaths taken! From the expressway we could see a line of yellow smog by the lakeshore of Toronto. It did not encourage me to visit the city! On the way to Kawartha is Peterborough, about 80,000. River runs through it, cute downtown with some restaurants to choose from. Maybe find an airbnb out there. Or a lodge with a shuttle service from public transport? Hiking is great now. But soon x-country skiing, snowshoeing, or downhill skiing could be fun to try. Or simply a cottage or lodge in the forest with a wood fireplace. All this within two hours of your apartment! I'm not sure how far out trains run, but that would be cool if they ran to Peterborough. Also my daughter says, east of Toronto on the lakeshore it is wonderful. And there is a beautiful vineyard/wine area and maybe a lil further north an orchard area. Although I know you are finding the best Toronto has to offer, but it doesn't seem like a long-term stop for you. So maybe mini escapes (and continued major adventure vacays!) would give you hope. I could see you living in a smaller town near a beautiful campus and the countryside both. As a student and maybe as a professor someday.!! And fitting in, well there is a change that it is rare for any of us to feel as we fit in! I do seek out and appreciate that your YT channel is not distracted by alcohol. Be happy and healthy that you don't drink. And follow your heart, not a fitting-in heart. Best wishes! Take great care.
I live close to San Francisco and I don't know that I would say I love big cities. I wouldn't love living in SF proper. But I love living close to it, there's just so much happening. There's so many great food places, so many bookshops and events and cool art. It's easier to find something to get involved in. I live close to a lake and I love seeing other people spending time by it. But we're also lucky in that there's so many great regional and state parks around here, it's easy to find hikes where you just don't see anyone for hours, and that's important to me.
My sister recommended your channel to me because I’ve been getting into books just recently. I really love the vibe/aesthetic you have on this channel, brings me comfort
I’m from Mexico City that has around 20 million people and have lived in Seoul for a while and I really love both cities. I think that what I love te most about living in a big city is that it feels like living in a lot of different places at once. Mexico City and Seoul neighbourhood’s have very distinctive vibes and therefore depending on where I decide to spend my day I will have very different experiences. Also I love that when it comes to cultural activities there are always a lot of things to do and most of them are free so that also a big plus. And when it come to books, I love book fairs and in my city there are at least 4-5 big ones each year so I really love that. (: But after have said that I can understand why people from smaller cities can feel overwhelmed when moving to a big one because the life pace changes so much
Don't feel pressured to participate in big city night life, I get tired by 7pm every day and then stay in aha. I like putting on old library sounds or crackling fire ambience to unwind. During the daytime though, I love romanticising a big city. Cafes where you get to know the workers/owner, local bookstores, local libraries etc 💖
I hated the big city when I first moved to one. I had always lived in the middle of nowhere growing up, my only neighbours being trees and plants and animals and I loved it. I missed the quiet and the calm and the slow living of it all and always looked for an excuse to visit home but eventually the big city grew on me. It will grow on you too and it might not happen in a day or even a month or a year but it will happen. I suggest you try and find a few places and visit them frequently like a cafe or a bookstore or a convenience store and try to familiarize yourself with the surroundings. Or you could just stay at home if you are a homebody like me and create a routine. Many a time, when we move, the weird feeling comes from being displaced and feeling disoriented and not recognizing ourselves in a new surrounding. So you have try and recognize yourself again in these new surroundings and you have to give yourself time. Add tiny things to your routine that you haven't done before, like drinking coffee while staring at the sea, or something along those lines. Once you have your routine, explore new places and feelings. Gradually, this city will be yours. (This does not mean you wont love small towns and the lull of nature anymore but it will another facet to your life) This was a ramble but I had to share this because I GET IT and you will feel better xx
I can relate. I sorta live in a quiet neighborhood here and I'm so grateful for that. While I do like the convenience of everything in the city, I am not into the nightlife. Being around large crowds of people mentally drains me. I'm so much more comfortable staying in and cuddling up with a good book. Hope things get better for you. Sending you love 💛💛💛
It's so good seeing you happy from your vacation. I know that it's quite difficult to readjust to being back home, but at least you have a lot of great memories to look back on :)
emmie, it is normal to feel down. remember to stay true to yourself, make decisions that feel right to you, do things that make you feel good. if you feel like having a break, take the break. prioriotyze your health and happiness, spend time with books, your kitten, move your body and breathe in, then breathe out. i don't know you personally but i do care about you, becouse i am watching you for a long time now. just now that i, as well as other people who watch, we are here for you. i am sending you all of my energr to you.
I have said it once and I will say it again, opening up about your mental health makes your videos way much more comfy and relaxing, and honest, we will always love whatever you'll give us from contact, there are people all around the world who can't wait for you to upload a new video.
i really like the cozy chaotic vibes of the city?? i too am someone who likes to stay in, but in the city i like the idea that during nighttime it’s calmly chaotic while i’m cozy inside my room (you might not get this and im sorry but this is how i feel about it)
I work from home as well and can definitely sometimes feel isolated even with my 3 fur babies keeping me company. If you have some spare time, maybe finding a local book club or community group? I find also having a consistent group of friends in a fitness setting (for example a spin studio) helped keep me motivated/feeling less alone. So a midday spin class especially since you’re in the city! Otherwise I can recommend finding a few hours to volunteer with a local literacy program May fulfil you :) Finally, take your work out to cafes etc! Plan study dates or working dates with new friends through smtg like Bumble BFF
I'm sorry you're feeling the post-travel blues! I had them this spring after my first overseas travel (Edinburgh and London). I don't know if you're still feeling down, but a book that helped me was actually Heidi. I think reading about someone's longing to go back actually being relieved helped me process that emotion! You could also try reading books set on the downtown of big cities to help you romanticize where you live. And if you don't mind shows with subtitles, Skam (Norway) helped me so much with romanticizing the city ha ha! Also Skam Germany (aka Druck) and Skam Italia are my favorites of the adaptions into other countries and have similar city-vibes. And any K-Drama set in Seoul or a bigger city.
Dear Emma , I don’t like big cities either. I’m from Crete and five years ago I moved to Athens. It’s not as big as Toronto of course but it’s still a big city. It never gets better I think, for me because I miss my family and because of work I can’t go there whenever I want. Find thinks you love to do in Toronto like going to museums or to plays and most importantly find people you love spending time with. ❤
I think it just takes time to warm up to new places. I’d give it six months minimum before you can really start to look at a new city as “home.” Yes the noise/hustle and bustle downtown isn’t great but it’s a trade-off for the easy access to the water, nice parks, cool shops and restaurants, convenient transit, and unique experiences. There are tons of things you can experience in Toronto that you can’t do anywhere else in the country. I would just try to embrace the new, and start exploring the tons of really amazing neighbourhoods like the Annex, Little Italy, Roncesvalles, Dundas West, even Greektown is just a subway ride away. As someone who lives in a downtown condo, I definitely recommend you don’t go days without leaving your apartment because that is a recipe for feeling boxed in and overwhelmed (I don’t take my own advice on this all the time). Remember that downtown is a completely different world than the rest of the city. Learning more about the different areas of the city and orienting yourself within it will help you feel more at home. And you DO fit in-one thing I love about toronto is that everyone fits in here!! The King West area is notorious for being overrun with people coming from out of town to go clubbing. I wouldn’t say your average Torontonian goes out every night. I also love thrifting (both clothes and books) so I would recommend that you check out the many vintage shops that Toronto has to offer! Sorry for so much unsolicited advice, I just really hope life in Toronto improves for you! I felt the way you feel when I first moved here, it just takes time to adjust and find your spot.
I’m a couple of weeks late but I love being in the city (Cardiff❤️) so much because I am SO close to bookshops, every clothing store I could ever dream of, so many choices of coffee shops, so many choices of food, all within walking distance (still can’t drive lol), plus there’s so just so many people, I love to people watch, even the absolutely batshit crazy people in this city😅As someone who’s lived in both small towns and big cities, you have to romanticise being in the city, the diverse range of people and shops and parks and whatever else, especially at night you can really convince yourself you’re the main character in a big city😎
Hey Emma! I just wanted to jump in and tell you you're not alone. I moved to Florence to study in April and although I see the appeal people seem to find here, I don't feel at home. I come from a small town near the mountains and I never thought I'd say that, but I miss nature so much, I miss fresh air, and seeing the seasons change and evolve, and going on peaceful walks, I miss seeing the stars at night... I don' t regret coming here, but I surely can't wait to go back as soon as I'm done. I'm not a party girl either, which makes the social life sooo much harder. I feel like we are going through the same thing so I wanted to send you a big hug xx thank you for sharing and for your amazing videos that keep me company, especially when I'm feeling lonely. Looots of love to you and Calcifer from Florence. 🍂🧡
I’m with you Emmie. I hate living in busy towns/cities. It’s the noise, the constant buzz in the background. It fills my head and feels like there is no rest or peace, no chance to walk away from it for a break or a recharge, even at home. Give me an isolated home in the countryside/forest/coastal/mountains with just nature, a ticking clock and a library. Ugh, just as I started daydreaming about the quiet, my neighbours just started arguing….again 🙄😩
I don’t know if this will be counterproductive but you should pick up The Lonely City by Olivia Laing. She talks about the solitude that comes with living in a big city amongst other interesting things.
I moved from Toronto to a small town in BC a year and a bit ago and it was a rough adjustment. I think moving is just hard. Change is hard. I find the downtown area of TO to be overwhelming, too. I really preferred the Annex or Parkdale/Roncesvalles areas to explore. A little more lowkey / small biz and less high-rises. I appreciate your vlogs! Makes me want to get back into it.
when i moved to toronto i moved to the east end of the city, i find it’s a lot more quiet. there’s also one of my favourite bookstores called queen books! if you haven’t been over to the east end i highly recommend!!
oh god emma i can relate to that feeling of not feeling good in a city sooo bad. i spent the last 2 weeks of my summer working with some animals in a french farm-like château and right after coming back to my city i went back to uni and moved for the first time ever to a student apartment in the middle of the city!! me! who's always been a small town girl!! every single morning and evening i have to walk to and from uni to the apartment and oh god how much do i despise walking though all the pubs and though all the crowded streets! on a complete different note since you also asked about happy news, i had a good chat with a uni professor about the possibility of doing a phd with him as my tutor in the future and it went well!!! i need to read the monk! it's also been on my tbr for ages and it sounds so dark, gothic and perfect for the season!
I just see cities as the biggest, most beautiful creation of humanity. However, I grew up in a village. I’m used to living in quietness and in nature and I’m just in love with it. As sad as it is, I do believe that the opportunities (mostly career and entertainment related) you get in small towns or villages are just not enough when compared to the city life. Museums, galleries, concerts ahh. HOWEVER, don’t feel the pressure that you need to do more in a city. If you don’t want to go out, just don’t go out. Do whatever you love in the comfort of your own home or the place you like. I know quite a few introverted people who do just fine in the city by doing things that THEY love. The absence of nature is quite a big issue, but I just find cities equally as beautiful. It does help to see them just as they are, and not try to constantly compare your life in your small town with the one you are living now. Just think about it as a unique period of time in your life, an experience that shapes you day by day. ❤️
oh emma! I'm so sorry to hear you haven't been feeling the best and please never feel like it's not alright to speak about when you're feeling low! (if you feel like doing it of course) I come from a relatively big city too and i'm once again living in it and there was a period in my life when i absolutely hated it and couldn't wait to leave but i've found way more appreciation for it in time! One of the things i like about it is all the different events or activities i can do that i am personally interested in for example i love cinema and films and every november there is a film festival and during those ten days it's like i become a different person and just try to go as much as possible so maybe if you find activities and events that come from some of your hobbies like making it a point to find good vegan places or cute bookstores or something like that would help you find your place in it!
Suggestion (take or leave it as you wish) could you find a book club at the public library or similar, or a vegan meetup to find some like minded people? I am guessing the people who would attend a vegan meetup would have some good ideas about how to adapt to the city.
I moved to LA from a small town in upstate NY in February & although I was soooo excited, it was a really hard change, even though I love visiting & staying in cities (I grew up outside Philly so I thought I was set for a big city lol) I don’t do a lot of the going out stuff, but I did love finding things that the city is known for & occasionally going out to those places to just enjoy the beauty of it all. I’m someone who loves famous places for the history of them so seeing those was really cool. Basically just going out & exploring by myself is something I really love doing (when my mental health allows). I hate how expensive everything is but also trying new food places, even ordering in is exciting. I don’t think I went to a single restaurant except when a couple local friends suggested a place lol. It’s hard feeling like everyone has their stuff together & you’re just sitting there like, “uhhh..” Hopefully it gets better ❤ Thank you for your vulnerability. Knowing you’re not alone makes things easier. Please continue to take care of yourself & take breaks whenever necessary ❤
Toronto is very overwhelming. If you get the chance try checking out different neighborhoods in the west or east end. I find when you get out of the downtown core it feels more relaxed. I loved your Iceland video! It was beautiful
I've gained an interest in reading classics thanks to your channel. I've read The Phantom of the Opera, and I am working my way through The Count of Monte Cristo at the moment!
Your channel is one of the things that got me back into reading and I really love these vlogs ❤❤ hope you’re taking care of yourself and feel free to take a break from filming when you need it 😊 also as someone living and working in a big(ish) city, one of the things I love is watching tourists take pictures (we have really beautiful architecture) and thinking to myself that I get to live here every day. As well as the great variety of people living here, which makes me feel more comfortable being completely myself too. I hope you can find some joy in the little things of city life, but also allow yourself to dislike it at times and hopefully find the time to retreat to nature as well. ❤
Thanks for sharing a bit of your life. I love the feeling of life, warmth and you remind me so much of my first girl friend back in the dark ages. The love of books is just the frosting of the cake.
❤❤ love your videos, thank you for all the work and love you put into it. Hearing you share about living in the city, I feel saddned that you are trying so hard to enjoy the city and trying to make it your home. I think plants and trees have specific needs and you cant plant them anywhere, and I think its the same with us. I hope you will find the place where you can grow your roots and love where you live. 🌿🌿 I love Anne Rice, Interview with a vampire was one of the books that started getting me into reading. I read it so many years ago, I was in Highschool. Enjoy it and looking forward to your review.
It would break my heart if you'd ever decided to ax your channel. Whenever I have a day when I'm not feeling quite well, I'll just watch one of your cozy vlogs to make myself feel better. As for the big cities... I lived in Canada for a couple of month a few years back and come back to Vancouver once a year for 2-3 weeks. I love this city but at the end of my vacation I always feel like it's suffocating me and am glad to get back to my small town and my sheep and my cows and the quiet. I hope you'll feel better soon. ❤
i recently moved from a pretty small town to a bigger one and even though ive been waiting for years to just get out, ive been feeling very lonely and i guess that's just part of settling in? but whenever i go out and explore (havent done much of that sadly) i feel like it was the right decision to come here. i hope it gets better for u and u can find your own pace i know it's not easy
I'm living in Dresden (Germany). It's definitly a big city, but kind of relaxed in comparision to Berlin, London or other veeery big cities. 😅 It feels not too crowded and there is quite a lot of nature (river, parks etc.) and amazing architecture 🥰 I hope you find your own special spot(s) in Toronto, where you feel at home.
So excited to watch 🍂🍁 I wanted to let you know, Emma, if you weren’t aware, they seem to be doing an adaptation of “One Hundred Years of Solitude” on Netflix!! Not sure if it’s going to be a show or movie, but Netflix uploaded a teaser trailer 👳🏻 Quirrell from HP style "thought you ought to know” *faints* 🤣🥰
ahhhh I KNOW RIGHT?! I'm so looking forward to it - little scared, little nervous for it but so excited to see how it turns out :')
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12 years ago i made the trip feom the city where i have lived all my life, to a rural spot away from the city. It was the worse year of my life, i never have a home there... Even living with my mom and dad. So i belive that as long as you have a home wherever you go, you will be fine. I know is weird to say, but, it's so important that the place you lived, those four walls, should be undoubtedly your safe space, this you construct little by little, so please be kind with your self. Little steps can take you a long way. Greetings from Mexico
Hey Emma, me and boyfriend recently moved about 20 minutes out of a very busy, college city this past August, and we both thrive much better. While I dont miss living in town, to keep my sanity and artistic interests piqued, I found about 2 to 3 different consignment stores and bookstores and some trails throughout town, and when I feel like being a social butterfly, I go there. Now, they feel like a little pieces of me live there. And even cities have quiet little places you can make your own. I really hope this helps, and maybe try seeing Toronto (any city) as a place with millions of mini adventures to set quest on. Im sure people who prefers similar things like us find toronto enjoyable for their own reasons. Much love 💙 P.s. it tickled me to see you playing hide and seek. I'm glad I'm not the only adult that runs around my house with my cats like that lol.
I'm sorry you've been having a rough time with living in the city, and everything you've said is so valid. But I've been living downtown for school for almost two months now, and I love it, and I can share some reasons why. :) I'm from the west coast (of America) and Savannah, Georgia, (my new city) is on the east coast, so I love seeing all the old architecture. I like new architecture, too, I like the aesthetic of skyscrapers and even alleyways, but there's nothing quite like half the buildings I'm surrounded by (or more) being older than my home state. Savannah has so much history. I love looking around and seeing people, in so many different walks of life, in so many different clothing styles and aesthetics, and just getting a glimpse into their day. I like overhearing random bits of conversation that make me laugh out loud. I love noticing little things, like funny advertisements, and decor in front of houses, and things people have dropped, and all the different shops and museums and history I'm surrounded by. I like having the freedom of being alone for the first time in my life, of deciding on a whim to pop into a random shop I'm walking by. I like that there are random little shops to pop into. I like that so many things are walkable, because I don't have a car. My situation's a bit different than yours-I'm here for college so I do have a community, I'm new to being an adult and I'm still a little intoxicated by it, Savannah is much smaller than Toronto and has a lot of history. But I don't party either (and a lot of people here at school do), and I'm still spending a lot of time alone. The things I like most are watching people, looking at different building types and decorations, and popping into small shops that I walk by.
Also, as an artist, I find so much inspiration/beauty in the busyness of the city around me. If you have Disney Plus, there's this one, fifteen minute episode of a series called Inside Pixar (Season 1, episode 2, "Inspired: Deanna Marsigliese, the Art of the Pivot") in which Deanna Marsigliese talks a bit about her process for finding inspiration and how she tries to notice everything around her. I know you're not an artist, Emma, but I absolutely love this episode (I've rewatched it far too many times) and I think it might be interesting to you anyway.
I love living in a big city, because there's so many things to do (museums, art gallery, café shops, bookstores, second hand book stores EVERYWHERE) and I also love how you can meet so many people and make connections with people with different pov, culture, background, you can go to so many different festivals (food, music, etc.) from all around the world without traveling :) I hope Toronto gets better for you and you find your place in it x
literally this, living right outside a big city and i miss living IN IT so much
How and where do you meet people? I find it hard to connect to people
@@nellsea8086 Board games cafés are an amazing way - they often have open games evenings where you play with people you don't know. Also clubs like tango societies and other quieter dance-type groups where you can actually talk. Another free one is community litter-picks. The people at those are so nice :)
@@lornam3637 nice thanks!
@@nellsea8086 there might also be bookclubs or activities with your local libraries, neighrborhood events, volunteering :) i try to not think too much about it and just participate to things its akward the first minutes but put yourself out there and youll find people !! good luck !
What helped me moving to a big city was finding a local Cafe that I loved to bring a book to and read. And finding a park to frequent! Making little places in the big city "yours" makes it feel more like home. I hope it gets better for you in the city. I felt alot of the same feelings when i moved to a big city and it definitely gets easier, but make sure to feel your feels when they show up! 😊
watching calcifer growing up every time i watch another video is like watching a baby grow up over the years ❤❤
I know:') he's getting so big!
the sheer sense of comfort I feel once watching a new video from Emma >>>
this makes me so happy, so glad
I am quite an introvert and I am also not a person who thinks going out drinking is a good time 😊 That being said I love big cities! I like feeling small and anonymous. People watching and finding hidden green nooks is my favorite...also finding large old buildings like public libraries or churches to cozy up and read in. Also riding public transport...a little odd but you get to see so many different people from every walk of life ❤ I hope you find your peace in Toronto ❤
Emma’s hide and go seek game with Calcifer is the cutest thing you’ll see today. Period. 😊😂
It's been an awful day here in South Korea. Mass death that should not have happened. My mood was low but watching your video takes my mind off the negativity. Thank you always Emma for what you do
As someone who loves living in a city (admittedly a small city), I love the easy access it gives me to great theatre, great music, great cafes, great bookshops, great food and also easy to catch public transport to somewhere either in the countryside or another city. On a selfish note, I can also walk to work 😂
yes!!! really been trying to take advantage of theatre and music shows recently - and the public transport is wonderful!! love that you can walk to work!!
Yeah this! I don't really drink, don't do nightlife, but there are so many museums, libraries and cafés around that I can visit without having to plan my whole day around it. I can also agree with the selfishness, I have to walk around 20-25 minutes to university. I was also born and raised in the city and I find comfort in the noise and people around me, I can hardly ever sleep without any city noise lol. I think just finding a few "comfort places" can help (like places you just feel very happy in & where you can always go to to feel calm & collected)
what i love about big cities as someone who doesn't drink or party: so many museums, music events, theatre plays, cultural festivals, restaurants of every food you can imagine, movie theatres with special features, wide availability of courses and classes for every interest you can imagine, faster and cheaper shipping of packages, always a good stock of products in store, good public transport that makes it easy to get to all the events, no additional plane or bus costs when there's a big event going on only in the city, the ease of finding other people that share your interests based on sheer population alone, etc. i do think a key to enjoying it is going out to explore and make friends
highly recommend following local government accounts online, specifically cultural institutions, that's how i figure out what free events are going on in the area. some free events i've gone to this year: author signings, mexican cultural festival, illustration festival, anime festivals, screening of ghibli movies, etc
Thank you for being open about your life amd mental health struggles. I’ve always been affected by books in such a way that I can’t get through the darker ones without them completely affecting my moods and day to day life. I’ve often wondered how other ppl manage to read difficult things without being very directly affected by them. It’s a relief to hear I’m not alone in this and to hear you be be open about your personal struggles. Really enjoyed this vlog and looking forward to your book recommendations ✨
I would recommend just trying to get out and about as much as you can!! I know it's hard, I get anxiety going out by myself, but when I do it gets easier and easier. I don't know anything about toronto but being that it is a big city I'm sure it has many things you would enjoy! Book shops, cafes, good food, museums, all sorts of cute and unique shops that are just fun to look at, art, cool buildings etc. these are my fave things about cities. Also I feel like in bigger cities everyone is just doing their own thing and not paying attention to you so that helps me when I get social anxiety when going out. ❤
What I love about a big city is definitely the fact that everything is easily available. Everything is very difficult to have access to from where I live (i e., A small town). Like, there's not even a single bookstore in my town, no library, no cafes, and obviously no nightclubs and stuff but that's not my scene either. I don't even have access to a good burger when I'm craving it😭.
You and Calcifer playing hide and seek is the cutest thing ever 😂
hey Emma, I just want to say I moved to a new place 8 months ago and it was super hard and continues to be hard, so I totally hear you and know what you're going through. it'll take a long time, but you will adjust! once you have a bunch of happy memories and you get to know your new home, I'm sure you'll be able to grow attached to it. there are lots of things to love about city living, as I'm sure many have already commented, but the biggest advice I have for you is if you don't like your neighborhood, you don't have to be restricted to that. get out and explore! public transportation is wonderful! you can find so many beautiful hidden places if you take a step outside your known area. eventually maybe those places will come to feel like yours, and you wont feel so left out of the city party :) much love, and I hope that helps
Time to switch on the fairy lights, light a candle and cozy up in the blanket and watch Emma talk about all things books and more 🥰
Nothing is sacred to a cat. But they bring so much joy! The part where you play hide and seek with Calcifer is so wholesome. I will re-watch it every time I have a bad day
my favourite things about living in the city are the ability to be as anonymous or connected as i want to be at any given time. i can go to a part of the city i've never been and sit in a cafe and people watch and not talk to anybody. or i can find classes, groups and passionate people for every interest under the sun. i love the possibilities to see theatre, art, live music, eat different foods and meet different people. that said, moving to the city feels overwhelming and it takes a while to feel at home. it's very easy to feel lost and insignificant. what helped me was developing routines - finding a favourite cafe, book store, park bench; taking walks around my neighbourhood to become familiar with the places and all the familiar strangers i see day to day (baristas, shop clerks, that old lady feeding the birds at the park every morning etc). i hope you can feel more at home in toronto eventually!
I go to a uni in a big city and that’s what I’ve always wanted. I love going to a lot of different libraries, some of them modern, others not so much. I love that there’s a lot of bookshops and cute shops and small businesses with jewellery and other stuff. There’re also of course a lot of museums and theatres. Not to mention wonderful cinemas which show all kinds of niche movies. I also like going clubbing once in a while. For me it’s a great way to meet and look at cool people, if you go to a place with a right vibe of course. That’s what I love about “big city life” :)
Sending lots of huggies your way. ♥️🍁 Something I love to do in the city is people watching. So finding a nice and cozy place to sit and work or read, like a café, and then just stare at people and try to guess what they’re like and where they’re going from what what they’re doing and maybe saying. When you’re in a good mood, you just feel like being friends with all of them, and when you’re in a bad one, you can just, I don’t know, judge what they’re wearing or something. 😅
I love the architecture. Especially bridges, interstates, intricate building, chapels. It is like poetry for me, to see something much more beautiful than the average build
Been watching for a long time but I wanted to comment and tell you how much I love your content! Feels like your channel is a perennial safe house I can turn to to relax❤ Currently re-watching your Tolstoy vlogs 🥰
that means the world to me, thank you lovely
This is a bit of an essay, so many many apologies in advance!
Despite in many ways being a lot like you, I couldn’t cope not living in London (UK, not Canada!), because I just wouldn’t know what to do living in a small town like the one I grew up in (which was just dull lol) and the one I went to uni in, which is beautiful but very very very small. I’m hugely introverted, have severe social anxiety, and I am yet to find people with whom I really fit in - I certainly never did at school or uni. I dislike the whole hustle culture of big cities, but I need access to art, which is where I suppose I find life. London is an incredible cultural centre, and the bookstores/museums/galleries/cinemas and most importantly the theatres are where I spend my life pretty much. I couldn’t live somewhere where I couldn’t go to the theatre frequently, or spend my free time wandering around a quiet gallery, or didn’t have easy access to an arthouse cinema. I’m sure those kinds of places exist in Toronto, so maybe try looking them up? In particular I’d recommend figuring out their downtimes, when they’re unlikely to be busy. A gallery or cinema which is virtually empty becomes a release from the business of the city. Really really importantly don’t compare yourself to “other younger people” living where you are. For most people my age (23) London is great because of the nightlife and social possibilities, but for me that just does nothing. What I have found is that if I go to the same cinema or gallery or bookstores I tend to run into the same people, who often are a bit (or a lot!) older than me - and that’s ok. The idea that you need to fit into your age group is bollocks, if you find that you go to a gallery and end up having a non-stressful, interesting conversation with someone 30 years older than you then that’s amazing! A lot of the people I’ve found it more comfortable to communicate with are a decade older than me, which is actually lovely, because at school and uni you naturally end up being mostly corralled into your year groups, and that’s actually pretty limiting in terms of your exposure to the world. Aside from anything else the more art forms with which you engage, the more complex ideas you’ll be exposed to (I remember you mentioning you were finding your uni work a bit dull/easy), and you may find that getting lost in good films or theatre will let you get away from your environment, even if it’s just for a little while. Plus the wider an understanding of art more broadly you develop, the more ways you’ll find to think about literature, which may be some good mental stimulation for you.
Oh, also: headphones!!! A good quality pair of noise cancelling headphones is a must, you can just put on some white noise, or music you find calming and relaxing, and it makes it much easier to walk around and do stuff like grocery shopping without having to face the constant noise of the city
I'm a massive introvert but I love the big city. I find that it pushes me out of my shell and there is always something new. Holiday celebrations, parades, cafes, museums, art galleries, bookstores, etc. It's the perfect place to just go for a walk and discover something new. And I always found the people in the city to be friendlier and easier to talk to. I hope you can find your place in the big city xx
Hi Emma,
Sorry to hear that it's been so hard adjusting to the big city life in Toronto. I feel like it must have been quite a dramatic shift in the pace of life from where you used to live. I found it really hard to adjust to New Zealand when I moved abroad, and I didn't feel settled for like a year. Everything was so different here in comparison to the USA. The people talked differently, the stores all closed super early, and the scenery was like nothing I had ever seen. I think that one of the things that helped me the most was finding a place that reminded me of home. Near where I live there is a small forest with some walking trails and a bunch of redwoods. When I first moved here I would go for a run in that forest on the weekend as it was a way for me to "go home" without going home. It was really grounding and It helped so much with the homesickness. I would use running as an escape from whatever was going on during the day (I always knew no matter how bad I was feeling I had a run to look forward to at the end of the day where I could just switch off). Eventually, I was running a couple of times a week and that helped me familiarise myself with the city. Once I started to learn the streets and how everything was laid out it started to feel a lot more like home. Running was such a valuable tool for me. I'm kind of worried about when I move back home in a couple of months and how readjusting to the pace of life in the USA will be like. I think I'll take up running more again (as it helped me so much the last time).
Maybe there are some places that could serve as a little slice of home in Toronto? One of the amazing things I find about cities is how there is to explore and see. Toronto must have so pretty cool parks, maybe a cool botanical garden (I realise that it's almost winter so it might not be the greenest place) or a plant shop?? I'm sure that you'll find some cool spots!
Again sorry to hear that it's been so rough the last couple of months. I think that you are doing the best you can! Sounds like you are working hard to set up routines (which I hear is one of the most important parts of moving to a new place)! You are also there with your partner, which means that you get to face this new place with another person. You're doing great! I think that the vlogs and videos that you have been putting out lately have been really good (the book of the month sketches always make me laugh), I just watched the Iceland one and it made me want to move to a sheep farm a thousand miles away as well.
Thank you so much for all you do! You got me back into reading, and your videos helped me through a really rough and stressful year. I hope things get better soon!
I moved to Stockholm 2003 when I was 22 and I KNEW that place wasn't for me (born in a small village in the countryside). I ended up spending 2 yrs in Stockholm that broke down my mental health so bad I had to move in with my parents in the countryside and stay with them for another 2 years to just build my self up in nature again. Follow your heart Emma it knows were you belong 💖I learned Im a solitary nature person and nothing will change that, its my happy place :D
I love the rainy gloomy days, because I feel the need to slow down and be cozy with a book. And since I’m a workaholic it’s hard to make myself stop doing things. I also think of the rain cleansing the world as well
as someone who has been living in downtown toronto for 2 years (and living alone!) my favourite things are just the culture and the vibrancy of the city. i have access to any type of food i could want to try, there's so many fun and quirky independent shops and bookstores. i'm not a nightlife person at all but i've loved finding my favourite coffee shops and restaurants. and also the museums and art galleries!! so many amazing exhibits but also the events they run are always fun! a huge part of why i love living in a city is that it's walkable and there's good public transportation (especially important because i don't drive!) you'll find your groove, it may take a few months but it can help if you make a local friend that has similar interests!
You will find your own relationship with the city that works for you:take the good from it and chuck the rest!The Monk was a rollercoaster and Interview With A Vampire is very enjoyable.I would love to hear your in depth thoughts on both works.But if you ever get the chance check out Let The Right One In by John Ajvide Lindqvist so that you can watch the Swedish movie based on this book and be blown away!❤️
Honestly I live in Toronto and the night life is absolutely not my thing either! I think there's a lot of expectation that that's what you should love about the city, but truly for me, it's the coffee shops, the parks, and the books stores! I've lived in TO for almost a decade and have literally never been to a bar. We go to movies and try new (not expensive) restaurants haha. Also boardgame cafes are fun too!
Hoping the city gets better for you ❤️❤️
Tips for highly sensitive people in big cities.
1. Walk in bad weather when the streets are quieter and you feel more of nature.
2. Ironically, the early morning rush hour can also be a great time to walk in the 'off-piste' places such as parks and squares.
3. Walk to quiet high-end stores and browse a la 'Breakfast at Tiffany's'
4. Go to an open board games session to meet new people.
5. Go along to litter-picks and climate demos to meet nice fellow nature lovers
6. Find nooks of peace in libraries, cafés and art museums. If you go at certain times you can pretend you own million dollar works of art.
7. Remember that the countryside is full of desperate extroverts that will not give you a moment's peace. In a big city you can be as introverted as you like - no one will know or judge you.
8. Take yourself into the countryside at the weekends for day-long walks. Stay overnight when you get the chance.
9. Edited to add - noise-cancelling ear buds are your friend :)
My favorite thing about living in cities is hard to explain but I’ll give it a go! I feel like I’m never alone, I guess. Like I know when I go to sleep at night the world outside is awake and alive and that has always brought me so much comfort vs. a dark night with no one around in the countryside. I feel everyone, I feel the happiness and comfort of company, even though I like being alone lol. Just knowing the world is full and busy and not desolate and lonely brings me peace. Also having a bunch of stuff open 24/7 is very convenient. I like knowing that if need to go out and grab medicine or snacks or something I can, and will see other cars on the road and other people in the stores.
I couldn't have watched this video at a better time. I've just come back from spending a long weekend in London with my best friends for Halloween and a week before that I came home from visiting another friend in Malaysia for two weeks. My mood is SO low at the moment and I'm trying to use the weekend to reset. Hearing that you feel the same has definitely given me some comfort, so thank you for sharing your thoughts :)
Regarding city life- I can relate.
I lived in a big city (St. Louis) for almost a decade after growing up in the country. The moment I was financially able, I moved back to a rural area. I need the quiet, the nature, and the slow pace. Living in the city was not good for my mental health. I'm in a much better place now- geographically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
as down as you may be at times,your content never fails to lift me up,and I'm sure others feel that way too.I love how frequent you've been posting,and the tidbits of calcifer are sooo cute.Take care of yourself and enjoy the rest of the autumnal season.Cant wait to see your thoughts on interview with the vampire!.❤️
As someone who moved country, finding happy places and communities of people really helped me! For me these were folk music and social dance in pubs. As these kinds of groups are aimed at you meeting new people, it is easy to approach someone there and have a chat, although if you see a knitting or book group in a library they would work equally well I think!
P.S. I am trying really hard to learn Chinese right now and "Falling into your Smile" is one of the better shows! I would also suggest "You Are My Glory", for a cheesy but adult RomCom! I definitely use these shows as comfort food as well!
I started to watch "word of honor" and I'm obsessed
I liked and miss city life, partly because I didn’t have to fit in. I felt anonymous when in galleries and libraries. I loved being in my apartment looking out at all the people. I did live in a small city and it didn’t seem as noisy as the rural area I live in now.
Calcifer is so darn adorable. Glad you have each other.
I live in the city and I hate it and like it! I'm an introvert and don't have a social life vibe and I'm a homebody. I moved to the city from a rural area for work and that's really why I've been in the city for over 30 years. But what I do enjoy doing when I'm feeling the blues or down in the dumps is to go to a local park and sit with a book or lunch and just feel the vibes in the trees and the noise around me, I also like to go and sit at outside cafes and people watch, take in the surroundings etc .. I usually find after a couple of hours I'm ready to go back home or I feel refreshed enough to work etc . . . I think you need to get out of your apartment, take your laptop, book and headphones and go and sit in the park or on the beach, go to a cafe and enjoy the vibes of the cafe and its clientele. Just take time to wander a bit and take in the outside aura. I really think you'll feel better!
I have been born and brought up in the world's 2nd most populated city(or maybe 3rd, I am not sure😅), and seriously for the first 19 years of my life, I absolutely hated it. I don't have a garden, there is always traffic noise, every place is always somewhat crowded, like what is there to love? But this year I have really started loving it here, this change was mostly due to some things that I altered in my life. I now get up at 5.45 AM to go for walks and to enjoy all the parks in the city, it's so quiet and calm. I have planted many varieties of plants on my balcony, so now although the traffic noise is still there, there is also the chirping of birds and the sound of water from the tabletop fountain. I have also started frequently visiting nearby cafes, bookstores and nurseries, it made me familiar with both the place and also the people working there, this way I feel comfortable in these places even when there is a crowd. So ig maybe you should list all the reasons why you dislike the city and then specifically target those problems by slightly altering your own lifestyle. Lol sorry for this huge ass rant😅
I also really struggled when I first moved to a big city (London in my native England) - I didn't enjoy the business and felt like I missed the country, I struggled to afford hanging out in the places where I could meet people, and I didn't feel a connection with new friends or work colleagues I did meet. I'm also bookish but like to meet people and have interesting conversations, and I felt like it was hard to meet people with similar interests and characters (I'm sure they were out there too - but probably struggling equally to connect to others!)
Eventually I ended up moving to a much smaller city in a foreign country (Bucharest in Romania), which I enjoyed a lot more - partly because all the newness and the foreign language was an adventure, learning a new language was a series of funny blunders, and by living with other immigrants, I suddenly had a lot of the basic feelings that I struggled with before in common with everyone else (we were all on the outside, looking in; we were all from different places, and so didn't "fit in"; but we learned a lot from each other, and had the humour of our differences in common as a regular source of hilarity).
I think if I had to live in a big city like London again, I would connect with immigrant communities first - it takes a lot to move to a new country, and so often these are really engaging, interesting and interested people, often themselves feeling the weird mix between confidence and shyness which I can vibe with most of the time (and which I get the senes you share too!) This can also be a fun way to learn or practice a new language. Facebook groups were a good resource too, for finding book clubs and writing groups. Groups about nature are often good too if you miss rural surroundings (I certainly did) - whether it's walking or hiking groups, or even something like cycling or kayaking, people will sometimes ride share to drive out of the city for these activities and you can have some fun conversations in the car.
Good luck Emma! Starting a life in a city can be really, really tough, but you're certainly not alone, and if you can find others that feel the same it can be a huge comfort.
Yay, a fifty minute book video from Emma! Thanks for inspiring me to get back into reading purposely and trying new things! Lots of great experiences this year from that alone. Glad you're settling back into routine--have a great weekend! 🙂
that's so awesome to hear, what's been your fave read of the year so far?? and the best weekend wishes to you as well!
@@emmiereads So far, I think my favorite read has been The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden. But props to you for recommending Solitude! High on the list as well!
The key to living (and surviving/enjoying) life in a large city is to carve out a space just for you. To find things to disappear into so you can feel “alone” in the midst of millions of people. To know you have the option but not the obligation of being social in an interactive way.
I think observing people and feeling their energy can make you feel you’re not on the same page but it can also allow you to step back and be in your own head and be at peace. To know they’re there and you’re here and whatever you do with your time and energy is just yours.
I say all of this as a lifelong lover of New York city a place I’ve lived for the past 13 years but I grew up in a very small town which I hated. I do think that in the end, you can’t force yourself to be somewhere that you’re not happy and that you don’t feel at peace in. Making a place tolerable is a short term solution and it’s OK if you’re at peace with squirrels and waterfalls and not museums and libraries. I think just finding solace in your inner life and then the bits and pieces of the place you call home for now is important and enough. 🖤
I'm an introvert, I don't like parties and I enjoy spending my evenings at home. In spite of this, I really enjoyed living in a big city back when I was doing my bachelor's degree full-time and I had to move. Honestly, the number one thing you need is a pair of nice headphones 😂 My favorite thing was running errands while listening to music or audiobooks. Everything was so busy around me and I was kind of part of it, but then kind of not, because the headphones would let me experience something else if that makes sense. Also, if you hate the noise, you can try noise cancelling headphones.
What I liked about living in a big city the most though were nice city parks, stores within a walking distance, and the anonymity. Also, if you needed to see a specialist, you could just get one where you live instead of driving 2 hours for a 15-minute appointment like I have to do now 🤭
Also: libraries! I'm sure Toronto has a lot of big libraries or cosy cafés where you can read books and drink some tea.
Wish you all the best!
i just discovered your channel yesterday and your probably my favorite youtuber now ! your videos are so comforting and make me so happy
Hey, Emma! I have never been to Toronto so I can't speak about that city specifically. But I am someone who loves the city. I love that I can walk around and always find new things: small cafés, old bookstores, a hidden theater. I also don't like the night life, if I do anyhthing at night is go to see a movie. But the city does give me a peace of mind that que countryside just can't. I never feel alone, I feel like the city is a living organism, and every human a cell. I love the city lights at night and the soft noise of the cars passing. I love how the birds - pidgeons, sparrows, seaguls - just aren't afraid of people anymore and join us at parks and the outside of cafés.
Maybe you can try to find these kind of little beautiful things in Toronto. And places that you like hanging around like cafés, parks and libraries. Create a routine, like walking every morning in your block. There might be more for you to appreciate that you've realized. Hope to have helped!
Also on the greatest things about big cities is the huge cultural offer! So many theater plays, expos, concerts, book clubs, book presentations, impros, museums… Plus super cute cafés and book shops🫶🏻🫶🏻🍁🍁 (i live in madrid)
FYI, this is a long one with a few ideas for you. I'm a rural person. Although I love many of the things mentioned in the comments about cities, I prefer living in the forest. I remember you saying maybe you'd be living in Toronto at least one year. Maybe have several small adventures out of the city planned throughout the year so that you always have something to look forward to? I'm not sure if you or your partner have a drivers license, but maybe rent a car and leave? I recently flew to Toronto for the first time. We skipped the city tour and went directly out to the Kawartha district where my daughter lives. Gorgeous forest, rivers, waterfalls, and lakes. Very light, fresh, clean air. Many deep forest breaths taken! From the expressway we could see a line of yellow smog by the lakeshore of Toronto. It did not encourage me to visit the city! On the way to Kawartha is Peterborough, about 80,000. River runs through it, cute downtown with some restaurants to choose from. Maybe find an airbnb out there. Or a lodge with a shuttle service from public transport? Hiking is great now. But soon x-country skiing, snowshoeing, or downhill skiing could be fun to try. Or simply a cottage or lodge in the forest with a wood fireplace. All this within two hours of your apartment! I'm not sure how far out trains run, but that would be cool if they ran to Peterborough. Also my daughter says, east of Toronto on the lakeshore it is wonderful. And there is a beautiful vineyard/wine area and maybe a lil further north an orchard area. Although I know you are finding the best Toronto has to offer, but it doesn't seem like a long-term stop for you. So maybe mini escapes (and continued major adventure vacays!) would give you hope. I could see you living in a smaller town near a beautiful campus and the countryside both. As a student and maybe as a professor someday.!! And fitting in, well there is a change that it is rare for any of us to feel as we fit in! I do seek out and appreciate that your YT channel is not distracted by alcohol. Be happy and healthy that you don't drink. And follow your heart, not a fitting-in heart. Best wishes! Take great care.
I live close to San Francisco and I don't know that I would say I love big cities. I wouldn't love living in SF proper. But I love living close to it, there's just so much happening. There's so many great food places, so many bookshops and events and cool art. It's easier to find something to get involved in. I live close to a lake and I love seeing other people spending time by it. But we're also lucky in that there's so many great regional and state parks around here, it's easy to find hikes where you just don't see anyone for hours, and that's important to me.
My sister recommended your channel to me because I’ve been getting into books just recently. I really love the vibe/aesthetic you have on this channel, brings me comfort
I’m from Mexico City that has around 20 million people and have lived in Seoul for a while and I really love both cities. I think that what I love te most about living in a big city is that it feels like living in a lot of different places at once. Mexico City and Seoul neighbourhood’s have very distinctive vibes and therefore depending on where I decide to spend my day I will have very different experiences. Also I love that when it comes to cultural activities there are always a lot of things to do and most of them are free so that also a big plus. And when it come to books, I love book fairs and in my city there are at least 4-5 big ones each year so I really love that. (:
But after have said that I can understand why people from smaller cities can feel overwhelmed when moving to a big one because the life pace changes so much
Don't feel pressured to participate in big city night life, I get tired by 7pm every day and then stay in aha. I like putting on old library sounds or crackling fire ambience to unwind. During the daytime though, I love romanticising a big city. Cafes where you get to know the workers/owner, local bookstores, local libraries etc 💖
i’ve been really stressed recently so this is exactly what i need! i’m going to bullet journal while watching- the cozyiest vibes
I hated the big city when I first moved to one. I had always lived in the middle of nowhere growing up, my only neighbours being trees and plants and animals and I loved it.
I missed the quiet and the calm and the slow living of it all and always looked for an excuse to visit home but eventually the big city grew on me. It will grow on you too and it might not happen in a day or even a month or a year but it will happen.
I suggest you try and find a few places and visit them frequently like a cafe or a bookstore or a convenience store and try to familiarize yourself with the surroundings. Or you could just stay at home if you are a homebody like me and create a routine.
Many a time, when we move, the weird feeling comes from being displaced and feeling disoriented and not recognizing ourselves in a new surrounding. So you have try and recognize yourself again in these new surroundings and you have to give yourself time. Add tiny things to your routine that you haven't done before, like drinking coffee while staring at the sea, or something along those lines.
Once you have your routine, explore new places and feelings. Gradually, this city will be yours. (This does not mean you wont love small towns and the lull of nature anymore but it will another facet to your life)
This was a ramble but I had to share this because I GET IT and you will feel better xx
Your vlogs feel like hanging out with a good friend! I'm always glad to have a video of yours waiting for me when I feel unnecessarily down.
I can relate. I sorta live in a quiet neighborhood here and I'm so grateful for that. While I do like the convenience of everything in the city, I am not into the nightlife. Being around large crowds of people mentally drains me. I'm so much more comfortable staying in and cuddling up with a good book. Hope things get better for you. Sending you love 💛💛💛
It's so good seeing you happy from your vacation. I know that it's quite difficult to readjust to being back home, but at least you have a lot of great memories to look back on :)
emmie, it is normal to feel down. remember to stay true to yourself, make decisions that feel right to you, do things that make you feel good. if you feel like having a break, take the break. prioriotyze your health and happiness, spend time with books, your kitten, move your body and breathe in, then breathe out. i don't know you personally but i do care about you, becouse i am watching you for a long time now. just now that i, as well as other people who watch, we are here for you. i am sending you all of my energr to you.
I have said it once and I will say it again, opening up about your mental health makes your videos way much more comfy and relaxing, and honest, we will always love whatever you'll give us from contact, there are people all around the world who can't wait for you to upload a new video.
i really like the cozy chaotic vibes of the city?? i too am someone who likes to stay in, but in the city i like the idea that during nighttime it’s calmly chaotic while i’m cozy inside my room (you might not get this and im sorry but this is how i feel about it)
I work from home as well and can definitely sometimes feel isolated even with my 3 fur babies keeping me company. If you have some spare time, maybe finding a local book club or community group? I find also having a consistent group of friends in a fitness setting (for example a spin studio) helped keep me motivated/feeling less alone. So a midday spin class especially since you’re in the city!
Otherwise I can recommend finding a few hours to volunteer with a local literacy program May fulfil you :)
Finally, take your work out to cafes etc! Plan study dates or working dates with new friends through smtg like Bumble BFF
I'm sorry you're feeling the post-travel blues! I had them this spring after my first overseas travel (Edinburgh and London). I don't know if you're still feeling down, but a book that helped me was actually Heidi. I think reading about someone's longing to go back actually being relieved helped me process that emotion! You could also try reading books set on the downtown of big cities to help you romanticize where you live. And if you don't mind shows with subtitles, Skam (Norway) helped me so much with romanticizing the city ha ha! Also Skam Germany (aka Druck) and Skam Italia are my favorites of the adaptions into other countries and have similar city-vibes. And any K-Drama set in Seoul or a bigger city.
It’s good to see Emmie in good spirits. May she continue to receive blessings in her life.
Sophia you're too kind, all the love and the same to you
Dear Emma , I don’t like big cities either. I’m from Crete and five years ago I moved to Athens. It’s not as big as Toronto of course but it’s still a big city. It never gets better I think, for me because I miss my family and because of work I can’t go there whenever I want. Find thinks you love to do in Toronto like going to museums or to plays and most importantly find people you love spending time with. ❤
The fact that you love Wither makes me so happy! No one I know has read it, and its one of my favorite YA!
I think it just takes time to warm up to new places. I’d give it six months minimum before you can really start to look at a new city as “home.” Yes the noise/hustle and bustle downtown isn’t great but it’s a trade-off for the easy access to the water, nice parks, cool shops and restaurants, convenient transit, and unique experiences. There are tons of things you can experience in Toronto that you can’t do anywhere else in the country. I would just try to embrace the new, and start exploring the tons of really amazing neighbourhoods like the Annex, Little Italy, Roncesvalles, Dundas West, even Greektown is just a subway ride away.
As someone who lives in a downtown condo, I definitely recommend you don’t go days without leaving your apartment because that is a recipe for feeling boxed in and overwhelmed (I don’t take my own advice on this all the time).
Remember that downtown is a completely different world than the rest of the city. Learning more about the different areas of the city and orienting yourself within it will help you feel more at home. And you DO fit in-one thing I love about toronto is that everyone fits in here!! The King West area is notorious for being overrun with people coming from out of town to go clubbing. I wouldn’t say your average Torontonian goes out every night.
I also love thrifting (both clothes and books) so I would recommend that you check out the many vintage shops that Toronto has to offer!
Sorry for so much unsolicited advice, I just really hope life in Toronto improves for you! I felt the way you feel when I first moved here, it just takes time to adjust and find your spot.
I’m a couple of weeks late but I love being in the city (Cardiff❤️) so much because I am SO close to bookshops, every clothing store I could ever dream of, so many choices of coffee shops, so many choices of food, all within walking distance (still can’t drive lol), plus there’s so just so many people, I love to people watch, even the absolutely batshit crazy people in this city😅As someone who’s lived in both small towns and big cities, you have to romanticise being in the city, the diverse range of people and shops and parks and whatever else, especially at night you can really convince yourself you’re the main character in a big city😎
also you’ve been posting so much recently I love it !!
Hey Emma! I just wanted to jump in and tell you you're not alone. I moved to Florence to study in April and although I see the appeal people seem to find here, I don't feel at home. I come from a small town near the mountains and I never thought I'd say that, but I miss nature so much, I miss fresh air, and seeing the seasons change and evolve, and going on peaceful walks, I miss seeing the stars at night... I don' t regret coming here, but I surely can't wait to go back as soon as I'm done. I'm not a party girl either, which makes the social life sooo much harder. I feel like we are going through the same thing so I wanted to send you a big hug xx thank you for sharing and for your amazing videos that keep me company, especially when I'm feeling lonely. Looots of love to you and Calcifer from Florence. 🍂🧡
I’m with you Emmie. I hate living in busy towns/cities. It’s the noise, the constant buzz in the background. It fills my head and feels like there is no rest or peace, no chance to walk away from it for a break or a recharge, even at home.
Give me an isolated home in the countryside/forest/coastal/mountains with just nature, a ticking clock and a library.
Ugh, just as I started daydreaming about the quiet, my neighbours just started arguing….again 🙄😩
I don’t know if this will be counterproductive but you should pick up The Lonely City by Olivia Laing. She talks about the solitude that comes with living in a big city amongst other interesting things.
I moved from Toronto to a small town in BC a year and a bit ago and it was a rough adjustment. I think moving is just hard. Change is hard.
I find the downtown area of TO to be overwhelming, too. I really preferred the Annex or Parkdale/Roncesvalles areas to explore. A little more lowkey / small biz and less high-rises. I appreciate your vlogs! Makes me want to get back into it.
when i moved to toronto i moved to the east end of the city, i find it’s a lot more quiet. there’s also one of my favourite bookstores called queen books! if you haven’t been over to the east end i highly recommend!!
Ooh I haven’t heard of queen books yet, will definitely check that one out!!! Thank you so much for the rec❤
you don’t understand my love for these vlogs
:')
@@emmiereads
oh god emma i can relate to that feeling of not feeling good in a city sooo bad. i spent the last 2 weeks of my summer working with some animals in a french farm-like château and right after coming back to my city i went back to uni and moved for the first time ever to a student apartment in the middle of the city!! me! who's always been a small town girl!! every single morning and evening i have to walk to and from uni to the apartment and oh god how much do i despise walking though all the pubs and though all the crowded streets!
on a complete different note since you also asked about happy news, i had a good chat with a uni professor about the possibility of doing a phd with him as my tutor in the future and it went well!!!
i need to read the monk! it's also been on my tbr for ages and it sounds so dark, gothic and perfect for the season!
I just see cities as the biggest, most beautiful creation of humanity. However, I grew up in a village. I’m used to living in quietness and in nature and I’m just in love with it. As sad as it is, I do believe that the opportunities (mostly career and entertainment related) you get in small towns or villages are just not enough when compared to the city life. Museums, galleries, concerts ahh. HOWEVER, don’t feel the pressure that you need to do more in a city. If you don’t want to go out, just don’t go out. Do whatever you love in the comfort of your own home or the place you like. I know quite a few introverted people who do just fine in the city by doing things that THEY love. The absence of nature is quite a big issue, but I just find cities equally as beautiful. It does help to see them just as they are, and not try to constantly compare your life in your small town with the one you are living now. Just think about it as a unique period of time in your life, an experience that shapes you day by day. ❤️
oh emma! I'm so sorry to hear you haven't been feeling the best and please never feel like it's not alright to speak about when you're feeling low! (if you feel like doing it of course) I come from a relatively big city too and i'm once again living in it and there was a period in my life when i absolutely hated it and couldn't wait to leave but i've found way more appreciation for it in time! One of the things i like about it is all the different events or activities i can do that i am personally interested in for example i love cinema and films and every november there is a film festival and during those ten days it's like i become a different person and just try to go as much as possible so maybe if you find activities and events that come from some of your hobbies like making it a point to find good vegan places or cute bookstores or something like that would help you find your place in it!
Your videos are pure comfort ❣️
What I like the most about living in a big city is going to the theatre. I don't like night life either, but being able to go to the theatre is great.
ah yes I definitely need to search up what plays or musicals and on so I can do that too!
Suggestion (take or leave it as you wish) could you find a book club at the public library or similar, or a vegan meetup to find some like minded people? I am guessing the people who would attend a vegan meetup would have some good ideas about how to adapt to the city.
Emma! Would love to see a video where you recommend essays to read - is that something you would like? Hopefully it’s not too niche
ooh yes that's such a good idea!!
@@emmiereads jeejj! Wouldn’t know where to start so your insight would be so helpful!
I like nature as well and i find all the parks and nature areas around town.
Hide and seek with calcifer = pure serotonin
I moved to LA from a small town in upstate NY in February & although I was soooo excited, it was a really hard change, even though I love visiting & staying in cities (I grew up outside Philly so I thought I was set for a big city lol) I don’t do a lot of the going out stuff, but I did love finding things that the city is known for & occasionally going out to those places to just enjoy the beauty of it all. I’m someone who loves famous places for the history of them so seeing those was really cool. Basically just going out & exploring by myself is something I really love doing (when my mental health allows). I hate how expensive everything is but also trying new food places, even ordering in is exciting. I don’t think I went to a single restaurant except when a couple local friends suggested a place lol. It’s hard feeling like everyone has their stuff together & you’re just sitting there like, “uhhh..” Hopefully it gets better ❤ Thank you for your vulnerability. Knowing you’re not alone makes things easier. Please continue to take care of yourself & take breaks whenever necessary ❤
Toronto is very overwhelming. If you get the chance try checking out different neighborhoods in the west or east end. I find when you get out of the downtown core it feels more relaxed. I loved your Iceland video! It was beautiful
I've gained an interest in reading classics thanks to your channel. I've read The Phantom of the Opera, and I am working my way through The Count of Monte Cristo at the moment!
Love long videos❤ Glad that ur feeling better, us vids always get me on the coziest mood🥰🥰🥰
Your channel is one of the things that got me back into reading and I really love these vlogs ❤❤ hope you’re taking care of yourself and feel free to take a break from filming when you need it 😊 also as someone living and working in a big(ish) city, one of the things I love is watching tourists take pictures (we have really beautiful architecture) and thinking to myself that I get to live here every day. As well as the great variety of people living here, which makes me feel more comfortable being completely myself too. I hope you can find some joy in the little things of city life, but also allow yourself to dislike it at times and hopefully find the time to retreat to nature as well. ❤
Thanks for sharing a bit of your life. I love the feeling of life, warmth and you remind me so much of my first girl friend back in the dark ages. The love of books is just the frosting of the cake.
watching you play with calcifer put the biggest smile on my face! when he was meowing for you i squealed 😭
❤❤ love your videos, thank you for all the work and love you put into it. Hearing you share about living in the city, I feel saddned that you are trying so hard to enjoy the city and trying to make it your home. I think plants and trees have specific needs and you cant plant them anywhere, and I think its the same with us. I hope you will find the place where you can grow your roots and love where you live. 🌿🌿
I love Anne Rice, Interview with a vampire was one of the books that started getting me into reading. I read it so many years ago, I was in Highschool.
Enjoy it and looking forward to your review.
It would break my heart if you'd ever decided to ax your channel. Whenever I have a day when I'm not feeling quite well, I'll just watch one of your cozy vlogs to make myself feel better.
As for the big cities... I lived in Canada for a couple of month a few years back and come back to Vancouver once a year for 2-3 weeks. I love this city but at the end of my vacation I always feel like it's suffocating me and am glad to get back to my small town and my sheep and my cows and the quiet. I hope you'll feel better soon. ❤
Falling into your smile is such a fun show!
i recently moved from a pretty small town to a bigger one and even though ive been waiting for years to just get out, ive been feeling very lonely and i guess that's just part of settling in? but whenever i go out and explore (havent done much of that sadly) i feel like it was the right decision to come here. i hope it gets better for u and u can find your own pace i know it's not easy
I'm living in Dresden (Germany). It's definitly a big city, but kind of relaxed in comparision to Berlin, London or other veeery big cities. 😅
It feels not too crowded and there is quite a lot of nature (river, parks etc.) and amazing architecture 🥰
I hope you find your own special spot(s) in Toronto, where you feel at home.
So excited to watch 🍂🍁 I wanted to let you know, Emma, if you weren’t aware, they seem to be doing an adaptation of “One Hundred Years of Solitude” on Netflix!! Not sure if it’s going to be a show or movie, but Netflix uploaded a teaser trailer 👳🏻 Quirrell from HP style "thought you ought to know” *faints* 🤣🥰
ahhhh I KNOW RIGHT?! I'm so looking forward to it - little scared, little nervous for it but so excited to see how it turns out :')
12 years ago i made the trip feom the city where i have lived all my life, to a rural spot away from the city. It was the worse year of my life, i never have a home there... Even living with my mom and dad. So i belive that as long as you have a home wherever you go, you will be fine. I know is weird to say, but, it's so important that the place you lived, those four walls, should be undoubtedly your safe space, this you construct little by little, so please be kind with your self. Little steps can take you a long way. Greetings from Mexico
omg did i just see marina by zafon on that bookshelf?? fav book eveer
I feel like such an old soul everytime I see calcifer and squeal "He's getting so big ❤."
Hey Emma, me and boyfriend recently moved about 20 minutes out of a very busy, college city this past August, and we both thrive much better. While I dont miss living in town, to keep my sanity and artistic interests piqued, I found about 2 to 3 different consignment stores and bookstores and some trails throughout town, and when I feel like being a social butterfly, I go there. Now, they feel like a little pieces of me live there. And even cities have quiet little places you can make your own. I really hope this helps, and maybe try seeing Toronto (any city) as a place with millions of mini adventures to set quest on. Im sure people who prefers similar things like us find toronto enjoyable for their own reasons. Much love 💙
P.s. it tickled me to see you playing hide and seek. I'm glad I'm not the only adult that runs around my house with my cats like that lol.
I'm sorry you've been having a rough time with living in the city, and everything you've said is so valid. But I've been living downtown for school for almost two months now, and I love it, and I can share some reasons why. :)
I'm from the west coast (of America) and Savannah, Georgia, (my new city) is on the east coast, so I love seeing all the old architecture. I like new architecture, too, I like the aesthetic of skyscrapers and even alleyways, but there's nothing quite like half the buildings I'm surrounded by (or more) being older than my home state. Savannah has so much history. I love looking around and seeing people, in so many different walks of life, in so many different clothing styles and aesthetics, and just getting a glimpse into their day. I like overhearing random bits of conversation that make me laugh out loud. I love noticing little things, like funny advertisements, and decor in front of houses, and things people have dropped, and all the different shops and museums and history I'm surrounded by. I like having the freedom of being alone for the first time in my life, of deciding on a whim to pop into a random shop I'm walking by. I like that there are random little shops to pop into. I like that so many things are walkable, because I don't have a car.
My situation's a bit different than yours-I'm here for college so I do have a community, I'm new to being an adult and I'm still a little intoxicated by it, Savannah is much smaller than Toronto and has a lot of history. But I don't party either (and a lot of people here at school do), and I'm still spending a lot of time alone. The things I like most are watching people, looking at different building types and decorations, and popping into small shops that I walk by.
Also, as an artist, I find so much inspiration/beauty in the busyness of the city around me. If you have Disney Plus, there's this one, fifteen minute episode of a series called Inside Pixar (Season 1, episode 2, "Inspired: Deanna Marsigliese, the Art of the Pivot") in which Deanna Marsigliese talks a bit about her process for finding inspiration and how she tries to notice everything around her. I know you're not an artist, Emma, but I absolutely love this episode (I've rewatched it far too many times) and I think it might be interesting to you anyway.
"there is nothing spookier then my mental health right now" mood emma mood
OMG hide and seek with Calcifer looks so fun 😄