![tubemap.gif](https://files.steempeak.com/file/steempeak/samstonehill/clbwebpR-tube-map.gif)

Yesterday I put in contact lenses for the first time in years, to aid me on my journey to London, the city of my birth.  I am shortsighted and don't have glasses, but did on my last trip to a hospital with Luna come across an open cupboard in our waiting room which just so happened to have my prescription.  I don't normally steal things but the french healthcare system has been a bore for us so some free contacts helped me feel a whole lot better about the experience. 

My 'gift' from the Universe permitted me to see at a time when I figured I could do with seeing (the small airport noticeboards) and wow... it was like stepping into a different world.  Sharp world.

After a few years of seeing the world through shortsighted eyes (-2) I had become accustomed to the softness of everything and the contrast of seeing clearly again was not at all as pleasurable as I imagined it would be.

## Information overload
The first thing I noticed was that my eyes and brain were working harder to process all the new information.  And this felt quite tiring.

Boarding the plane I felt a little sad leaving my family behind, though I'm pretty good at not dwelling on the lower vibrational feelings, as they serve no useful purpose.

![Screen Shot 20190421 at 10.27.17.png](https://files.steempeak.com/file/steempeak/samstonehill/99MLtM9G-Screen20Shot202019-04-2120at2010.27.17.png)

Once up in the air I enjoyed seeing clearly our nearest city Perpignan, split in two by the river, just like London.

![Screen Shot 20190421 at 10.29.04.png](https://files.steempeak.com/file/steempeak/samstonehill/SyPBAeVw-Screen20Shot202019-04-2120at2010.29.04.png)

This morning I woke up at a friend's house in central London and it all feels quite alien, like I don't really belong here any more.   I packed my London life up five years ago imagining I would never live here again and after being surrounded by nature since then I can be in no doubt I made the right decision.  No matter how you spin it, cities are incredibly unnatural places to live.

I shot this photo shortly before my departure in 2013.
![IMG_3516HDR3HD.jpg](https://files.steempeak.com/file/steempeak/samstonehill/pS5ucvtT-IMG_3516-HDR3-HD.jpg)

I won't be wearing contact lenses today as the intensity of all these people and energy flying around is quite enough without having to process all this extra detail. 

My mind is so much more relaxed when the world is soft.

I am in London for three days (the easter weekend) before I begin my big solar film job. 


## First impressions after 5 years away

#### April heatwave

It is hot!  Ridiculously hot.  28 degrees C today, as hot as a mid summers day.  Most people are telling me this is proof of global warming and with some I am taking the time to explain how it may in fact be something else.   There is always a warm spell which precedes ice ages brought on by the inactivity of the sun, known as a Grand Solar Minimum.  The conversation seems to stall at this point however as people have been firmly conditioned to believe the world is on a warming trend.

#### Homelessness on the rise

There are so many more homeless people than there were five years ago.  I was asked for money close to 10 times during my first day.  There was no small change left in my pocket by the end of the day as I enjoy giving them what I can, always ignoring the arguments against doing so.  'Treat others as you would have them treat you' seems a worthy mantra in this situation.

#### Don't listen to the conspiracy guy

I appear to have been labelled the conspiracy guy in my absence and my old friends don't seem able to hear my words when I explain my current perspective on the world.  Flat earth has come up a lot, because people seem to enjoy laughing at it.  My personal stance is that I do not know the shape of our playground and I am open to healthy discussion on the subject, and this alone is enough to unlock the floodgates of ridicule.  Ultimately preventing any such healthy discussion.

#### City life ain't good for us

It has been noted that most of my friends look fatter and sicker.  The person I consider to be my best friend in London is in hospital with liver problems, potentially cancer.  He finds out in two weeks and didn't want me to visit him due to the intensity of his pain.  He didn't even want to talk on the phone.  I love this man very much and feel a bit helpless not being able to communicate with him.  When I am settled in York I will focus on some distance Reiki.  I have his energy clearly already.  His light is extremely bright!

## In Conclusion
Continuing the subject of my short sighted eyes, I stopped wearing glasses & contact lenses two years ago when I found out there were natural ways to correct vision.  Since then I have learned much and it turns out I will be needing glasses to get the job done.  By taking control of my prescription and ordering glasses online I will be able to gently coax my eyes back to 20/20.  The technique requires multiple pairs of glasses and the only reason I haven't already done it is the expense.  A problem which is about to be resolved when I receive my first payment for this film job, which is the sole reason I am here in the UK for three months.

Just thought I would check in with a few friends before it begins.

And for better or for worse, I am glad I did.

Over & out for now.

![gradient banner.png](https://steemitimages.com/DQmXwfq4SPpCVRYhctoCQkBuzeEXzegSeYxG4JcAhXkbiiL/gradient%20banner.png)

## <center>Who is @samstonehill?</center>
<center>He was a London based filmmaker until he sold everything and set out on a barefoot journey around the world, currently based in the south of France.

<center>He is travelling with his partner & two children and with no bank account he has been living on STEEM & crypto for over a year.</center> 

![old banner.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmZET7y5AS8n2nrRy9JrNjiFgdcVnNvfRBBU3D9EoZdECE/old%20banner.jpg)


### All content created for this account is 100% original (unless otherwise stated), produced by @samstonehill who invites you to use & share freely as you wish.

## Sam is the creator of:

The [Aspiring Steemit Whales & Dolphins group on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/groups/1281526168558106/) which seeks to help newcomers make the transition from Facebook to Steemit, providing them with detailed notes and personal assistance with their posts... resteeming them when he can.</center>

![Screen Shot 2017-09-03 at 19.44.43.png](https://steemitimages.com/DQmekvbAvJhF4CTdLm5p9HXGqEFQFfFcf9wnjpQkhi8pBAC/Screen%20Shot%202017-09-03%20at%2019.44.43.png)

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<center>Here is a list of Steemit Witness I have voted for & recommend you do the same:
 @teamsteem @timcliff @jesta @good-karma @someguy123 @blocktrades @pfunk @klye @krnel @blueorgy @ausbitbank @thecryptodrive @ura-soul @pharesim</center>

<center>Without them our beloved Steemship would not fly.</center>

<center>Learn what this means [HERE](https://steemit.com/witness/@teamsteem/what-are-steem-witnesses-and-why-you-should-support-them) and place your vote [HERE](https://steemit.com/~witnesses)</center>


![imageedit_1_5527523249.png](https://files.steempeak.com/file/steempeak/samstonehill/S0hfyhB6-imageedit_1_5527523249.png)

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<center>All non original photo sources can be found by clicking on the image</center>