Photo credit: Bela Padilla

It’s not every day that someone pens such a heartfelt goodbye to a city, but Bela Padilla did just that. In an Instagram post that hit fans right in the feels, Bela shared a short clip of her London moments since 2021, alongside a deeply personal reflection on her time there.

“A few seconds of my life in London since 2021,” Bela wrote. “I am temporarily closing this chapter as I prepare to work full time again. ❤️”

From embracing the beauty of flowers in spring to braving the chilly winters and bittersweet moments of solitude, Bela painted a vivid picture of life in London—a city she describes as both “polite” and “rough around the edges.”

The post was a mix of nostalgia and gratitude, as she reflected on everything the city taught her. London wasn’t just a backdrop to Bela’s life for the past few years—it was her teacher, confidant, and at times, her toughest critic.

“Even if London will forever be the city that made me question everything I know in life… it will also always be the city that allowed me to smell flowers in spring and summer,” she shared. On days when loneliness crept in, those simple joys reminded her of life’s beauty.

Bela also opened up about navigating grief and personal struggles while living there. Losing her father during her time in London left a mark, as she faced the loss alone in the comfort of her high-ceilinged bedroom. Despite the heartbreak, she found solace in friends she met abroad and in spontaneous escapes—like a sun-filled trip to Scotland that reminded her of home.

Her words also captured how the city shaped her in ways she didn’t expect. From sharpening her instincts to learning how to drive on the left side of the road while managing her autoimmune disorder, London, she says, made her stronger and more resilient.

“London is polite but shouts when you’re wrong. Beautiful but rough around the edges. Kind but has a darkness that could scare the tough,” she described, calling the city her “friend.”

Though this is not a permanent goodbye—Bela still has her house there—it’s clear this chapter of her life holds a special place in her heart. And while she prepares to focus on her career again, fans can’t help but wonder what’s next for Bela Padilla, who seems ready to take on her next adventure with the lessons London has taught her.