I never did write about my trip to London from August. Feels so long ago now! It was hard to go, but/and I got through it -- that's important to remember. We can do hard things, as Glennon says.
There were many wonderful things about the trip, but first in my mind is this: the hotel-room portions of my days, after hours, after big dinners with drinks, paid for by someone else, were like a mini retreat. THAT is what I was grateful for. I spent from about 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm every night (because I wasn't sleepy for time zone reasons) journaling, reading, doing long yoga videos (I took my mat overseas!), praying, and then FaceTiming the family, because we live in the future. Treating that hotel time so carefully, not turning on the news if I could help it, being quiet and calm, helped me get through the working part of the trip, which was Less Fun.
On the outside of the hotel room I also got to see a lot of the sights, thanks to my friend and co-worker, Miranda, who toured me around generously. We walked and we walked. In her small town of Winchester, we saw the massive Cathedral, ate fish and chips and vinegar, and then met her friend for afternoon tea. It was so lovely! Cream tea! The English ladies said the scones weren't that great, but I didn't know any better and thought they were delish. ;) I learned the
difference between Cornish and Devon cream tea. I'm a Devon devotee, myself. I had to be schooled about what whipped double cream actually is, though -- it's not just sweet butter.
Clearly, it was the most adorable and fun afternoon I had there.
In London the next day, we tried to squeeze in a peek at every tourist site we could -- starting with Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Hyde Park, then Kensington Palace and Gardens, then over to the river bank where we glimpsed the Eye, and for some reason tried to walk all the way to get a pic of the London Tower and Bridge. We didn't quite get far enough -- it's a very long walk -- and by that point I was wrecked, physically, so we had a milkshake and made our way back, by train, to Winchester for the evening.
Also lovely -- the King's Head Inn in Winchester. Full English Breakfast was part of the service and I enjoyed it both mornings I was lucky enough to wake up there in the country. (English countryside, achievement unlocked!) Baked beans and black pudding and all. The 2nd day, I had about 2 hours to kill after check-out, so I happily sat outside on the "patio" (just a table in front of the hotel) reading a work-related magazine and chatting, through an open window, with the innkeeper. I mean. Wow.
The working was work, but the days went by quickly enough. We drove to Windsor Castle (the town surrounding the actual castle) for dinner one evening. It was like New Orleans, tacky and touristy, but I loved it. Ate a fantastic Thai green curry and drank 2 fruity prosecco drinks that night, so it couldn't have been bad!
One last note is that I got teary walking down the jetway onto my return flight. Who knew! London charmed me, and I knew that I may not ever get to go back (though I hope I will). Feelings are so weird -- didn't want to go AT ALL, then felt sad when it was over.
Today, as I sit remembering it, I'm grateful grateful grateful for the experience. I'm home in my comfortable routine, but today, disliking what's in front of me this week. Work, right? Sigh. There are so many projects and a few challenging people to have to work with. Earlier this morning I had a small crisis of, "I just really don't want to DO THIS anymore." Some days are like that, in any job I guess. Other days you're in London. I'm doing my level best to TRUST that I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be, for reasons unknown to me. To just get on with it. Do my best.
Good old Monday.
