London and Iceland, October 2023
London
It’s 6:49am and my internal dialogue hits the ground running.
Exhausted when the alarm goes off. Two hours of sleep. The temptation to stay in bed nestled under the covers is real. Those prepaid train tickets weren’t that much. There is so much to see here without waking up at 5:20am. I convince myself to get up, shower, and go!
I’m ready. But first, coffee and breakfast. Do I have everything I need? Blanket to daydream in the English countryside umbrella water ID and CC charger
Hitting the cool, morning air, now the adrenaline takes over. The thrill of the journey. The unknown. But holy cow, this train station is massive. Which platform is the correct one? And why don’t we have stations like this in the US? Certainly we have the resources, the ability, the manpower, the space. Well that reflection Is for another day. I need to get my train.
YAY, I found it! But now I’m reflecting on my first solo international trip last year to Iceland, how afraid I was when I couldn’t find the bus to the hotel. I was on the verge of panic that day. And getting off that bus in Reykjavik, not knowing where I was going. But today, calm as I search the boards for the platform that will take me to my destination. I ask a couple of workers. They don’t seem friendly. That’s okay, it won’t dampen my spirit.
And now the excitement comes. What history will I come in contact with today? What beauty will I see? What tree will I rest under? What new food will I try? Who will I meet? What will I see them do or hear them say that will make me question what I do or know? What can I learn about myself on this journey? And what can I teach my kids about chasing your dreams and not letting fear of the unknown stop you?
It’s been a whirlwind. Last time I checked in, I was headed on the train to for a daytime adventure. And it turned out to be quite an adventure!
I arrived in Salisbury at about 8 am. I had a jam packed day planned: the Charter Market ( a tad disappointing), the Salisbury Cathedral and an original copy of the Magna Carta (left me speechless), Stonehenge (anticlimactic though the walk to it was nice). And then the town of Bath. I had an amazing burger, visited the Roman Baths, went to the Bath Abbey (simply amazing), the Bath Guildhall Market, and the Pulteney Bridge. I then took the underground train back to London. It was amazing day and forced me to break out of my comfort zone.
On Sunday, I went to the Bills game. They lost but the electricity (!), I have no words for it. I again forced myself to talk to people. I’m slowly learning when people don’t want to engage, it’s not me. But I found nearly always a welcoming smile and great conversation when I tried it.
I wish I could say I spent Monday exploring more of London, there really is so much to see. But I had homework that I had been procrastinating doing and welp, I was responsible. But later Sunday, I went out for fish and chips at a local spot and then headed over to see Hamilton at Victoria Theatre. It was cool seeing it from a English person’s eyes. My seat neighbor asked me all about Hamilton and Jefferson. Having just been to Jefferson’s home, I definitely sounded more knowledgeable than I would have otherwise. After Hamilton, I helped Henry finish his college apps/ transcript requests.
Iceland
After leaving London, I went back to Iceland in search of the Northern Lights. Sadly I didn’t see them again, yet I did get the beauty in the picture below.
A world map: a reminder of all there is to see and do in this world
A heart for Iceland: because this is where my love affair with traveling began
A favorite quote: to remind me that I am exactly where I should be and doing exactly what I should be doing no matter what others might think or say
I’d also be remiss if I didn’t mention my visit to the Perlan Museum. It is located on a hill which overlooks the capital, is heated with geothermal water, and has several fabulous exhibits: the Northern Lights Show, a Lava Show, their 360 Observation Deck, and an authentic ice cave. It was definitely a worthwhile trek. And of course, the Reykjavik Cathedral (1787). Because the cathedrals of Europe are second to none.