Memories Of Home, Southampton - Capri!

I had never wanted to travel long distances, to get to and from work, Capri was ideal, ten minutes walk to the shop where I was located. Capri was situated in the nicer part of town, a cul-de-sac, just off the Avenue, Southampton’s main road in and out of the city. It was one of those typical 1930s builds; a fairly spacious three bedroom property, neutrally decorated and crammed to the rafters with a life time of memories. I had acquired a lot of things over many years; ornaments, books, glassware, paintings; in fact anything that jogged a memory, items that had meaning. I had always been a collector and our new home in the centre of town was perfect to house my personal possessions; cherished objects that made me feel comfortable and secure; articles that had been with me for a long time.

A city dweller at heart, I have always enjoyed the busier side of life, preferring bright lights, to the relative quiet of the countryside. Southampton was a student city; it had a young vibe about it and I loved the lifestyle; a place I had lived for twenty-three years. Many of those I knew were younger than me; I always preferred their company, to those my own age. They made me feel youthful, more alive and full of energy. It wasn’t unusual to see me out clubbing on a weekend, usually at ‘The Edge,’ Southampton’s only gay club, situated just down the road from where I lived. I enjoyed partying and why shouldn’t I; life was about living after all!

Darrell and I had people in and out of the house all the time. We had built up many friendships over the years and formed many bonds with others, from all walks of life, including those who were less desirable than we initially thought. I had always been a bad judge of character; as a result I had unwittingly invited some truly dreadful characters into my life; people who had no business being there. On one infamous occasion Darrell and I were robbed, by someone who had just got out of prison. I was a person who believed in giving second chances. However, as I found out to my cost, not everyone deserves a new start or opportunity; you can’t help them all.

People would come and go; most we only knew for a short time, but everyone left a mark on our life, one we would not forget easily. Capri was always full of laughter and friends having a good time, enjoying each others company. When I look back at those last few years before I left for Spain, I am saddened that I don’t hear from some of those, I knew back then; when one leaves for pastures new, one has to be prepared for loss. People who were once in your life, soon move on with their own, as they should. Luckily not all my experiences were bad. We had a number of guests staying with us, who were nothing but respectful, helping me and Darrell out, through some particularly painful months; without them, life would have been that much harder. I have to keep telling myself, not everyone is the same, there are good people out there!

Capri is one of those places, that holds some very special memories, both good and bad. I have spent many days getting to know, all number of different people whilst living there; many  have stayed in contact and visited us, since our move to Spain. I have also learnt a lot about the grittier side of life, as victims of crime and abuse. I don’t regret these more challenging times; they made me stronger. When you are faced with circumstances that change your life, how can you regret them. All of us need to embrace the more demanding aspects of life, so we can at least be more careful in future; learning is the key to success.

The story of my life, living at Capri, is by and large a happy one. I have so many memories from my time there, despite only living in this house for a few years. The final year was particularly eventful and yes, even enjoyable, notwithstanding the drama. Our home became a sanctuary from all of the difficulties outside; it offered an escape from the brouhaha that was swirling around us, which is what a home should do.

Today as I sit writing in Spain, I am able to look back at my life in Southampton with fondness, I am well aware that I will never again live there or indeed anywhere in the UK, but it is important for me to relive the years spent back home. In order for me to positively improve my life, I have to understand the situations that were responsible for my relocation to warmer climes. Capri was the catalyst for a series of events, that would end in our emigration to Gran Alacant. At the time, they didn’t seem important, but added together they began the process of renewal, I am experiencing today. Capri was the last home we had in the UK and the beginning of our new life in Spain; the two places will be forever linked; a connection so strong, it will always encourage me to put pen to paper and remember with words, each and every day!

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