Onward!!

I can’t deny being a bit afraid of the potential dangers of living in a city such as London. The 7 July bombings were a year ago, and though the city seems to be going about business as usual, the fear of new attacks must creep into the minds of people there, at least every now and then.

I’m not used to being afraid. Living in Helsinki is like living in a sheltered, calm town with hardly any violence and practically no threat of bombs or gun violence. I’m not saying I’d be afraid all the time over there, but the fact is that there is more of a threat of someone stabbing you if you end up in the wrong neighborhood, or finding yourself in the middle of a potential bomb crisis.

I guess life is back to normal in London, for the most part. What impressed me a year ago was seeing life going back to normal as quickly as it did. Arguments about the reasons for international terrorism aside, it was hands-down the most effective public display of opinion about the issue – going about business as usual, not allowing violence to disrupt Londoners’ lifestyles. Though I do not wish to disrespect the victims of the bombings, today’s remembrance ceremonies seem to, in some way, work against that powerful display of “stiff upper lip” attitude.