I must start by apologizing for not keeping my blog as actively as I did on my last trip. I do hope that will change going forward as it is as good of a memory book for me as it is an active update for all of you. I could say that I’ve been slacking for many different reasons; I’ve been having so much fun that I haven’t made the time to really sit down and journal, I’ve been traveling so far, so quickly that my time change is out of control by 14 hours and I’m delirious, but... mostly I think that my lack of blogging is due to the fact that I have active internet most of the time and I know my parents aren’t lying awake at night wondering if I’m alive and well. Just a little bit of communication makes traveling a bit more peaceful.
As for everything in life, heading into the unknown can be a scary thought. My trip started off with some shaky nerves but they quickly disappeared as I put one foot in front of the other and started my journey. Starting off in London, I was welcomed by a dear friend, my bunk mate from Mozambique. Her family, all just as kind, made me feel right at home.
Diving right into the thick of London, I saw everything there is to see in only a few days and always being home in time for family dinners at the Hakda’s. With a little help from my Indian family I conquered the rail system or “The Tube” as they would say. Having the local pointers is an invaluable gift.
For those of you who know me well, you know that I thoroughly enjoyed the historical aspect of my sight-seeing adventure in London. It is absolutely mind boggling how old the city is and how much has occurred in its presence. Just walking down the cobblestone streets and goggling at the intricate detail on the old stone buildings is an experience in its self. My favorite sight by far was Westminster Abbey, touring a building that holds tombs of great kings, heros and artists all the way back from the 1200’s. In my mind, I often never even thought about life existing at that point in time... I mean if you asked me, I would have said it did, but I couldn’t have told you a thing about it, nor would it have even crossed reality for me.
Another amazing point for me was the National Gallery. Seeing all the life-lines of the royal families that have existed all over Europe and reading the back history of their personal and political lives, many of which conflicted. You know I like all the juicy details. I also saw paintings that at one point I only thought existed in history books such as Monet. To be perfectly honest once again... I never saw a Monet that I though was all that impressive... until now. The paintings were breathtaking. The amount of detail and color in such short quick strokes that created such an magnificent outcome is indeed impressive.
Of coarse the best part of London was enjoying the company of my good friend Haseena. On the weekend she took me out and about. Hitting up the food market that is like nothing anyone from home has ever seen before. (Once again... the locals secrets) The food market is where all the great chefs of London, commercial and domestic, get their best goodies. Tastes of food from many parts of Europe and so much more. We nibbled and sampled the best of cheeses, breads, exotic fruits and veggies, meets, soups, spices and best of all desserts and pastries of all sorts. Walking it all off we window shopped the finest and most unaffordable of London that you only see in the movies. Nothing is better than spending time with a great friend and a great tour guide. Many thanks to you Haseena for making my time in London “positively brilliant” and unforgettable.
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