I have loved my time living in the city and there will certainly be many things about it that I will look back upon fondly - and others less so. Having grown up in rural Devon and Cornwall, moving to Portsmouth for the first time was an exciting change of pace.
NOW READ: My first year in Portsmouth
While it has much in common with Plymouth – the nearest city to me during my childhood on Dartmoor – such as its prominent connection to the Royal Navy, there is nowhere else quite like Portsmouth. I moved to the UK’s Island City from Manchester almost two years ago when I started working at The News. From learning the local lingo to finding out some surprising and sometimes, frankly, bizarre facts about its history, there was plenty of novelty for me to enjoy when I moved here – having only had one brief visit to the city before making it my home.
Here are 9 things that I will miss about Portsmouth - and 2 that I won’t:
5. I will miss...the city's history?
Portsmouth's Historic Dockyard offers a captivating journey through centuries of maritime and naval history, featuring iconic ships such as HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, and the Mary Rose. The city is also the birthplace of figures such as Charles Dickens and Peter Sellers. Credit: C Stephens Photo: Credit: C Stephens
6. I will miss...Portsdown Hill
Portsdown Hill provides a wildlife haven away from the hustle and bustle of the city - and also one of the most stunning view in the city. It is also home to the famous "Mick's Monster Burgers." Photo: Submitted
7. I will miss...the people of Portsmouth
I will miss all the characters I have had to meet through working for The News and simply through living in the city. Moving here meant I was introduced to phrases like "Gettin' lairy", the term "mush" and what it means to be a "Scummer". Pictured: The British Royal Navy warship HMS Illustrious, it's crew members lining the deck, glides slowly past some of the tens of thousands of people attending the commemorative Drumhead service in Portsmouth, England 05 June 1994. Many of the people attending are veterans of the D-Day invasion of Normandy 50 years ago. (Photo credit should read JOHNNY EGGITT/AFP via Getty Images) Photo: JOHNNY EGGIT
8. I will miss...Hayling Island
For a country boy, living in the UK's most densley populated city can sometimes get a bit much. So, it was a delight to discover that I could hop on a ferry and within minutes be on rural Hayling Island and enjoy a peaceful walk or bike ride.Pictured is Hayling Island seen from overhead Thorney Island, taken by Shaun Roster www.shaunroster.com Photo: -