Going Home

Next week, Carl and I will leave London and return home again. I have been thinking about what I will miss most in London, what I am most looking forward to at home, and what I will take with me from this experience.

I WILL MISS …

…my friend, Marcia, and the daily adventures of discovery that she and I shared in and around London. Also, Marcia and Pete and Carl and I spent many entertaining evenings together having dinner at London pubs and restaurants.

…all the conveniences of living in this great city. I could walk around the corner to the High Street, for just about anything I needed. I had easy access to other parts of the city on the tube and on those famous Double Decker buses that I enjoyed so much.

…the beautiful architecture. I love the ancient buildings and cathedrals that are a part of everyday life here.

… the large selection of foods from all over the world. In my opinion, the food in London – and in Europe - is simply superior. Borough Market was a favorite place of mine because of the many tastes available. Everywhere in the city, breads and rolls are of a higher quality. I believe that, as a group, Europeans have a healthier relationship with food.

…London’s central location in Europe. Travel to other countries, like France, Germany, Belgium, and Spain is convenient and relatively inexpensive.

… the English mystery programs that were on television almost every night of the week. Carl and I spent many evenings being entertained by Hercule Poirot, Haggart, and Inspector Thomas Linley. (We also read many English mysteries too.)



I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO…

… being with my family and my friends again. It will feel good to spend more time with everyone. I will enjoy phoning people during the daytime hours.

…teaching writing classes at Norwalk Community College again. I am already gathering ideas for new lessons and planning on ways to improve the courses I will teach in September.

…sunny skies. I love the clear, bright blue skies that dominate our days at home– no matter what the temperature is. There is nothing so uplifting as sunshine.

…driving my car. I will enjoy just taking off on the highway and going wherever I please – on the right - hand side of the highway, of course. I will especially appreciate the convenience of piling all my shopping packages in the back of the car to take them home.

…sleeping in my own comfortable bed and being surrounded by my own furniture. It will also be a real treat to use my own washing machine and dryer. It will just feel good to be home.


I WILL TAKE WITH ME…

… a continued interest in walking. I walked all over this city; it was easy and fun to do. I plan to find ways to keep up with the walking back at home.

… a growing interest in photography. I have probably taken more pictures this year than ever before. I have begun learning how to use Photoshop. Marcia has taught me some techniques and has introduced me to a photo club. I plan to continue developing my skills – and look for a photo club to join locally.

…an appreciation for wearing scarves. I love how Europeans will sometimes wear only a scarf, gloves, and a sweater on a cold day. I like how the scarves look, and I see how warm they can keep you – even without the coat. I have bought many scarves here, and I plan to wear them more often back at home.

…a newly discovered favorite Indian dish: Chicken Korma. It has a mild flavor of coconut and almonds, and I really like it. I will seek it out at Indian restaurants, and perhaps make it at home again.


Of course, I will take with me many beautiful memories. This city – and this year - will always be special for me.

Also, I leave here with fresh eyes and a new appreciation for the familiar life to which I am returning.

Finally, and most important of all, Carl and I will take home a renewed feeling of closeness as a couple for having shared this year-long London adventure together – just the two of us. This has been a gift.