Cornell Jarea, 43, Sloane Avenue, London
“I went to Bryan Adams’ studio when he was photographing vendors. He’s a nice guy.”
I started selling the magazine in this part of Chelsea last year. It’s an interesting place because there are lots of grand buildings but there are also lots of council houses, too. So you meet wealthy people, middle-class people and some poorer people – it’s a good mix. All kinds of people ask me about my situation and offer me advice.
I came to the UK to work in 2013. I come from a city not too far from Bucharest called Ploiesti. There was not much for me there, not many opportunities, so I came to the UK to try my luck. And I got a construction job, as the traffic marshal on a construction site at London Bridge station, near The Shard.
London is a wonderful place. I got a glimpse of what life can be like here, and I like this city
It had allowed me to stay in a room at a B&B, and things were going well but unfortunately that job didn’t last. So I became homeless, and I started to drink. Things have been difficult. I have been sleeping in doorways and other little spots that are tucked away, here and there, where I can keep warm.
But I started selling The Big Issue and things started to become better. As well as some money, it gave me a sense of purpose, some pattern to the day. And it has also helped me to cut the drinking out. Life is hard when you drink but when you get your head clear it definitely looks brighter.
I would like to stay in London. I got a glimpse of what life can be like here, and I like the city – it is a wonderful place. I’ve been to St Paul’s and to the Houses of Parliament. I’ve also been to the studio of Bryan Adams – the singer and photographer. He was taking photos of Big Issue vendors, which was cool. He’s a really nice guy.
If I can build a life here I would like to do some fishing in different parts of Britain. I used to love to go fishing in Romania. I would find a nice spot, sit and relax, listen to the birds. And maybe catch some carp.
I would like to fish in Scotland, or a nice lake in the north, or maybe some place along the Thames. But at the moment I can’t afford the rod. So I will keep working hard and earn some money and see what life brings me. I always keep trying.
Where I want to see… Stonehenge. I would like to see other parts of Britain, and Stonehenge looks so interesting and mysterious.
On my pitch… I’m outside Sainsbury’s on Sloane Avenue, Chelsea, London, 11am-6pm daily
Sloane Avenue, London, United Kingdom