One of Those Things

Packing my things before leaving London for good I have to get rid of some of my stuff. Especially after I found out how expensive shipping costs are. I already threw away some old shirts, a few pairs of shoes etc. And I have this dark grey dufflecoat. It's old and it looks old, but I've always liked it. It's one of those things I got very attached to over the years.

A long time ago, in the Autumn of 2004, I was in Myeong-dong with my friend Durie, we were doing a language course together. At that time, I remember, it was getting cold. I was looking for a warm coat and after many different shops we found one that looked just perfect. I tried it on and got stuck with my arms high above my head, the coat holding me hostage.

I've known Durie for many years now, but I have never again heard her laugh that hard. I also had never been so embarrassed in my life, but I was glad to see my friend so happy. That was a great moment and it still makes me smile when I think about it. That day, however, in a different shop a few doors down, I found a nice coat that has kept me warm on many winter days.

We've been through a lot together. I wore it to school, to skate and to everything else I did. I've had it with me in Seoul, Berlin, Paris, and now London. At times it looked the worse for wear, so I've had its length shortened, its pockets redone and its fasteners fixed at different stages of its life. Like I said, it's old and it looks old. But it's one of those things I can't let go of.