Just Be

January has always been my least favorite month. It’s the “tease” month. It bares all the promise and excitement of a new start but in reality its just January; long, cold and wet!

I’m not one for New Years resolutions. I figured out years ago that beginning the year a failure was no way to survive January. However, I stumbled across a bit of inspiration the other day. Now I’m not one to post deep thought after deep thought. To be completely honest, I’m not that pensive, but unlike most this one has struck a cord.

I found myself realising just how much truth there is in this most simple advice. Let’s take January for example. Leading up to the longest-month-of-the-year is all about “the go”; a massive race through the year. It starts so steady with long weekends and little trips away and picks up a little speed through the Summer with longer days and the desire to out last the sun. The sprint to the finish is filled with holidays, friends and family jamming that calendar right up to the first of the year! January holds all the promise and hope of things to come; that promotion or raise, the future love of your life, the next big move, the next big dream materialized. So, by the 29^th your either wondering one of two things; ‘why hasn’t it happened yet?’ or ‘why is it still January?!’ (Ok. Ok. Maybe more likely ‘is it payday yet?’)  But maybe, just maybe, January is that space between “no longer and not yet.” January might just be that special moment when you can ‘just be.’

So, here it is. The dreaded New Years resolution! This year I’m not going to rush. This year I’m going to learn to honor the space between and know that my ‘not yet’ will find me in time.   

All Are Welcome

The church bells chime filled the air as Baby Bro and I stepped out of the Vienna underground. We were congratulating ourselves getting up and out of the hostel so early on this Sunday morning when the bell's song drew us into the beautiful cathedral like sirens singing.

We sat in the back and were awed by the heavenly choir, the beautiful catherdral and the echoing of the footsteps as people found their seats. As the priest read the first readings (in German) people continued to trickled in and out. Some just there to get a closer picture and others to worship.

There was a sweet homeless man who stood not far from us the whole time. He would sing at the top of his lungs (missing every 3rd word or so) in a deep, but shakey, Austrian voice. When he wasn't singing he was consistently flipping through some sort of plastic cards (which I could only assume we're Austrian Pokemon). I was amused by him and spent a good bit of time wondering his story. (I guess I'll just have to make it up!) 

A young man pushed in an elderly woman bundled up in her wheelchair. He gently removed most of the layers (occasionally adding one or more back on at her request) while she glazed up at him with adoring eyes, reminding me how important family is. 

In front of us a wife leaned over and whispered to her sleeping husband and he jumped make to attention. This made me chunkle! 

Then the Priest was quiet and the hall was filled with the most beautiful song, a female solo from the choir, and it was clear; the spirit of the Lord had filled this place.

Faces of Travel

I'm lucky enough to have a little brother who loves to travel and wants to travel with me! This year Baby Bro came over on Christmas Day and we headed off on a couple of adventures! First stop was Inverness in the Scottish Highlands (one of the prettiest places I've ever been - I will definitely be heading back in the summer to explore the outdoor life a bit more in warmer weather!), then down to Edinburgh for the New Years' Hogmanay Festival. After that we popped over to Budapest, Hungary and finally landed an impromptu train to Vienna, Austria.

This last few weeks it began to strike me just how many people come in and out of life for little moments in time. There are brief snapshots of fast best friends which make an impact and create a special memory for all to share before they move on their way. Sometimes you never even learn their name!

We've had several faces pass in and out throughout our journey. Here are a just a few of our stories.

Our first night in the Inverness hostel was supposed to be a quiet one. We entered the room to find someone already occupying one of the beds. He had his head glued to a computer screen, his earphones in and didn't even glance up when we walked in. "Anti-social" we unfairly labeled him. It wasn't long until the door burst open and our next roommate came busting in. He drew our first roomie out of his computer and quickly became the life of Room 2! The four of us ended up at a Scottish music dance bar called Hootananny. We all tasted new Scottish beers and returned to the hostel to play Cards Against Humanity until the early morning hours. The next morning we said our goodbyes without even exchanging contacts and last names. And our journeys continued in separate directions.

We spent the next days braving my left side driving (don't worry - I only hit two things; a wall and a parked car. No one or car was injured) and hunting for the Lockness Monster, Nessie. While many more people crossed our paths over the next few days but those two helped create a fond memory to last a lifetime.

Next up was Edinburgh where we meet up with some good friends to ring in the new year. Since there was six of us we opted to book a place on Airbnb. This was one of the most pleasant rental experiences I've had. Our host was lovely leaving an arrangement of goodies! We were just another group to stay in her flat but she emailed and texted after our stay to say Happy New Year and ask about our experience. It's the little acts of kindness that make a massive difference.

Hungarian Hospitality is the only way I know now to describe the pride and excitement we witnessed from the Hungarian people. From the man at the tourist information booth whos excitement was contagious when he spoke about all Budapest has to offer to random people we asked for help on the street to the Hungarian tour guides, so full of personality, that made our tourist activities special; each face lit up when they got to share a piece of their culture. Hungary will forever hold a soft spot in my heart. And the atmoshpere and opportunity of Budapest, as a city, is one I never expected. There is so much to do in that little city that I honestly think the impression of most travellers is under rated. Everyone - check it out!

We boarded a train to Vienna (just cause we could, duh) and started playing cards. A middle aged Indian man approached us asking if we were Austrian. We politely replied "no" and went back to our game. About 20 mins later he was back asking where we were from and where we were going. He was travelling for work and had the weekend off and decided to take the train to Vienna for the same reason we did (just cause he could)! He must have been lonely because he filled our ears with work story after work story, most of which went right over our heads but he'd laugh and we'd courtesy chuckle along. This continued for the next two hours of the train when he finally got off a couple stops before us. We signed relief as we could finally chill again but I couldn't help feel a little soft for this lonely man and consider how we might have made a difference or a small memory in his trip just like so many of the people who have made an impression in ours.

We are just a couple days away from ending the trip and have enjoyed many good times in Austria and met some really lovely people! I hope the memories we've all made here will carry with us through the rest of our travels and longer.

This is Home

Tonight I left work a little early and headed to the big supermarket in Clapham Junction to get the last remaining items for my contribution to for Thanksgiving Dinner tomorrow.

Last year I hosted the event for about 20 people in my tiny city-sized flat and despite the lack of seats or a table (which had to be removed to fit more bodies) we had a great time. And I swore I’d never do it again! My whole body ached from lifting the 17 pound turkey in and out of the oven every 10 minutes to bask it because I’d turned it into flames (actual flames in my oven) in the first five minutes of cooking and was terrified of ruining it and subsequently the day for everyone coming. (And I don’t even like turkey!)

This year the sympathy for putting on the special day goes to an American friend whose taken on the task of feeding 18 of her closest friends and American “stragglers” and I am thankful for her! I’m providing a double batch of Mac and Cheese and Buckeyes as a dessert nibble. I made the long (ok, 15 minutes by bus but its out of the way) trek to Junction in search of Monterrey Jack cheese at the only place I thought I might be able to find it. Wrong again – Monterrey Jack does not exist in this country – even at the British Wal-Mart!

Still the trip proved to be quite entertaining as I observed other Americans in the same “last minute Thanksgiving Day” shopping panic as me! Armed with long lists and full buggies, I watched, as they’d pick up a possible substitute to the particular item they were looking for and contemplate; Pick up the item. “Is this ok?” Put down the item. Google it. Pick it up a different item. Put it down. Pick up the first item again. A simple headshake which clearly means, “guess we’ll see” and into the buggy it goes!

And I wasn’t the only one to notice the behavior …

Conversation # 1: Large British man to confused American woman

Brit: “Getting ready for Christmas dinner?”

Woman: “Oh no! This is for Thanksgiving … I hope…”

Conversation # 2: American wife to British husband

Wife: “I think this is what we need. Is this what we need?”

Hubby just shrugs: “I don’t know what its for”

Wife: “Ok flour. Which one? I think it’s this one … “ and picks up largest bag of flour

Hubby: “Just get a small one – wait – what’s it for?”

Wife: “Ok small. It’s just for the gravy, I think. Lets go over the list. Cranberries – check. Flour – check … “

As I walked out of earshot of the conversation I couldn’t help but smile. This year I don’t feel like I’m the only one preparing for Thanksgiving in a far away land. We’re all in this together!

On Sunday, we had our first Thanksgiving with my oldest London friend and her partner. The two of us reminisced about our first Thanksgiving here in 2010. It was so hard, many tears and a few too many bottles of wine! We giggled at the old dramatic versions of ourselves and praised each other at how far we’ve come.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday and I’m typically homesick around this time of year, but this year has been different. This year, despite current struggles, I feel settled. Most importantly, this year I’m thankful because I’ve realized where ever I am, I can and will make it my home.

It's the Little Things

I used to find the joy in the little things in each day but over the past few months’ life has become big and hard and thought consuming. I spend my free time filling my mind with anything that will take my thoughts away from whatever is plaguing it and in the process I've forgot to notice the little joys that make the days better. So, I'm going to put down the phone and open my eyes and live each moment to the fullest. This is my experiment to share the joys of my day.

Here are my joyful accounts of the last week:

On Sunday I attended, in London, my first ever NFL football game! My opinion on NFL hasn't changed one bit, it might have actually lessened it, but what was so fun about watching the game in London was that everyone wore whatever football t-shirt they had. You would have never been able to easily tell it was a Lions or Falcons game. After the game we were walking back to the tube when we saw an older couple walking towards us wearing none other than a University of South Carolina Gamecock sweatshirt. Being the proud South Carolina grad that I am, we waved them down. As luck would have it he's just married his high school sweetheart, a nice British lady from Isle of White, and moved to England! He even had connections with my best friend's (let's call him Bestie) hometown in Georgia. Homesickness must have sunk in for the new English resident because it felt like he clung to us. They've invited us to visit and they even joined our group for a quick drink to continue the conversation. Only time will tell whether this new connection continues past our brief encounter or is just a sweet memory of that night.

One night this week I'd had a bugger of a day and decided to clear my head with a run around Clapham Common. It felt great running in the cold air through the dark shadows of the park and as I ran the frustrations of the last couple of weeks just started to flow out. There was no one around so I ran and cried and was starting to feel a little better when I started to approach a woman. "Excuse me, excuse me" she said in a strong foreign accent. I stopped, "yes?" She blurted in broken English "Put her hood on head, please?" and turned around to reveal this sweet little curly hair baby girl, probably only 3 or 4 months old. I fixed her little hood and walked back to the office and smiling. Why she decided to ask puffy faced me I will never know, but what a sweet reminder that we aren't alone.

It really is the little things that make this life worth living.

Double rainbow outside the office a couple weeks ago 

Good Ole London Town

I haven’t written in a while and it hasn’t been for a shortage of things to say but for the lack of appropriate words to express myself. I’ve had opportunities I’d never dreamed of and crossed lots off my bucket list. Since I last wrote I’ve travelled this continent including new parts of England. I’ve been to Italy, Sicily (my second trip to Italy), the Czech Republic and Croatia. I’ve been zorbing in Dorchester (picture me rolling down a hill in a big plastic ball), gone hiking in Cornwall and strolled the streets of Oxford. While all these experiences are worthy of more than just a mention, tonight my thoughts and admiration are focused on London town.

Very few days go by that I do not find myself utterly amazed at the life I lead. It’s not glamorous but it’s my definition of fabulous. I am consistently swept away by this place; the people, the accents, the sense of humor, the clothes, even the disappointing weather and taste of food. I love the culture, the history, the country, and the freedom I feel here. I once was told London is great because it has four proper seasons. That’s a lie, although my British friends would argue, “There was a summer … it lasted four days.” However, there is one point that is undeniable – all four seasons are properly celebrated. Spring brings ice cubes and summer drinks like Pimms (a liquor served with real fruit chunks and “lemonade” also known as American Sprite) and Elderflower Water (a cordial with mint leaves which is also mixed with “lemonade”). Summer brings chilly days with patches of rain or an occasional storm and lots of bare mid-drifts and butt cheeks. Yet despite the weather there’s an excitement in the air of weekend music festivals and outdoor movies. On sunny Friday afternoons hard working Londoners fill the local High Street pubs. People spill onto the sidewalks with their pints and fags (yes, still a common expression for a cigarette here). As I observe the scene I can’t help but appreciate the British commitment to relaxation and socialization.

I love the sounds of the city: squeaky breaks, horns honking, and lovers quarrelling - all just outside my open bedroom windows. It’s at these moments that I realize I love this city.

As my program is drawing to an end I’m faced with the hard decision: do I stay or do I go? All I can hope is either way I will always appreciate the little things that make this place all that Samuel Johnson promised it would be.

A Friendly Match

Tuesday evening some London friends and I bought tickets to attend the England/Ghana football (American soccer) match at Wembley Stadium. We decided to meet around 5:30 and eat since the match wasn't until 8. However, we still managed to be a little late. I've decided being late is a way of life for me in London. Distance travel and time are concepts I can't seem to fully grasp and understand here.

The spring forward time change happens several weeks after the change at home and just took place on Sunday. It's nice to have another hour of sunlight in the evenings and it was breathtaking walking up to the already iconic stadium with the sun setting around it. Once in our seats we were able the enjoy the match. We were in a mixed crowd area in the nosebleed section but the view was good. I never quite understood the term "friendly" match. I knew it didn't count for points but I had no idea that people would be cheering both ways. One guy had his face painted with the Ghana flag on one side and the England flag on the other. Many people wore scarves with each team on different ends, cheering for whoever was doing best at the moment. So many Americans are such die hard fans of the team they support that even the "friendliest" of matches could get messy. However, the 80,000 plus fans in the stadium Tuesday night just seemed happy to be there enjoying a very pleasant atmosphere.

After a hard fight from both teams England managed to score in the last minutes of the first half. My heart was a little disheartened having chosen to pull for Ghana (quite obviously for those of you who know me well); however, the whole place roared - Ghana fans included. I couldn't help but feel and enjoy the excitement. The second half was a hard fight between both teams and some very close goals for both sides. With four minutes to spare many people started to leave in order to beat the crowds to the tube station. However, a friend suggested we test our chances and stick it out until the end of the game. Two minutes later Ghana player, Asamoah Gyan, kicked a tricky goal kick and by a stoke of luck the ball soared straight by the England goalie into the awaiting net below making the score England 1 Ghana 1. The whole place roared, Ghana flags were flown and dances were done. The game ended with a tie making both sides happy and friendlier than ever.

I must admit the thought of 80,000 celebrating fans rushing toward the same tube line was a little overwhelming when leaving the stadium but the area planners and traffic officials had done a wonderful job designing and leading the crowds and effectively getting people safely out of the area and to home sweet home. Granted, the ride was rather tight and several arm pits were unintentionally shoved into faces, bad breathe was smelled and some accidentally passed bodily gasses; but all can be expected when traveling at a busy time on public transport.

Now that I've gotten my feet wet with European football, maybe I'm ready to brave a not so friendly local team game. Should the opportunity present itself I’d be hard pressed to turn it down.


Pictures by my boyfriend, Eastern Boy