It's 9 days and counting until my plane leaves Heathrow, enroute to Athens, Greece. There is no getting around this. A very angry UK Border Control Guard in Paris made sure to write in my passport so there would be no mistake - 'Leave to Stay in UK ONLY until June 28, 2010.' At least he decided that he was too busy to put me in a Parisian jail for the night - because he was on the fence for a few moments and that would have been all sorts of interesting. (Oh the memories! - This was my birthday trip to Paris in early June. Seems I need to write about that soon.)
And because I have truly embraced my spontaneous self, I've decided that I need a last minute trip before I go. So I've got a train ticket booked for tomorrow to Manchester. No, it's not Istanbul or Rome, it's just a two hour train ride to another part of England. But I'm excited nonetheless. A friend lives there, it's home to my team (Manchester United), and supposedly lovely. Just a one-night stopover, but still an adventure. One look around my flat and one would think there's no time for side-trips and fun...too much packing and planning to be done! But, if I have learned anything in these last six months - it's that there is ALWAYS time. Always time for new experiences, new adventures, and fun moments.
P.S. Happy Father's Day - love to the amazing Dads in the world. I know quite a few.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
God Save The Queen
That's the song. The one we sing before the England games - and just because the Universe is that amazing, there happened to be a paper with the words to the anthem, sitting on my table in the pub for Friday's game. I like when the magic swirls around me like that. However, England was dismal, and my official team shirt and my singing and cheering could not overcome the lack of spirit on the field, nor the fickle fans of The Bedford. They've got one more go - let's hope it's a good one.
I feel like it's perfectly fitting that I am ending my time in London in the same fashion that it began - with football. After the first couple 'rocky' weeks of navigating con artists, hotels, and studio flats, I settled into London life with a group of friends who are nothing if they aren't footy fans. And although I've managed to add plenty of culture, history, serenity, and adventure into my months here, I've remained true to the sport and have watched more games in one season than I can say about any other sport (except maybe that year the Green Bay Packers went to the Superbowl ;)). Perhaps it was my attempt to find a common language between the new blokes I'd met and my 'Yankee' self, or maybe it reminded me of home (soccer has always been big in my family) - maybe it was just the excitement and enthusiasm seeping out of the pubs on a nightly basis, I suppose it doesn't matter why it happened - I'm just glad it did.
I feel like it's perfectly fitting that I am ending my time in London in the same fashion that it began - with football. After the first couple 'rocky' weeks of navigating con artists, hotels, and studio flats, I settled into London life with a group of friends who are nothing if they aren't footy fans. And although I've managed to add plenty of culture, history, serenity, and adventure into my months here, I've remained true to the sport and have watched more games in one season than I can say about any other sport (except maybe that year the Green Bay Packers went to the Superbowl ;)). Perhaps it was my attempt to find a common language between the new blokes I'd met and my 'Yankee' self, or maybe it reminded me of home (soccer has always been big in my family) - maybe it was just the excitement and enthusiasm seeping out of the pubs on a nightly basis, I suppose it doesn't matter why it happened - I'm just glad it did.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Glee
I'm a confessed Gleek. I believe that means that I'm a 'geek' who watches the show 'Glee.' And it's a ridiculous show - the very reason I delight in watching it. And when there is something that hysterical and absurd and wonderful that comes to an end, it leaves you feeling a bit stunned. That's exactly how I'm feeling about the end end of my London adventure.
It's nearly impossible for my mind to make sense of six months going by since my arrival. When I look back and remember specific events - like the black cab ride from the airport to my imaginary flat, or New Year's eve, or the night I met my friends - then I can sense the time that's passed, if only fleetingly. I have lived a whole lot of experiences in these six months, and I am stunned with how fantastic it has been, how blessed I've become, and where it has left me standing.
I leave in 10 days. I have 10 more days to let this city run across my heart before I say goodbye - for now. That means last visits to my favorite places (Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, Picadilly, Waterstone's bookstore, the South Bank, Borough Market, Trafalgar Sqaure and the National Gallery, and Covent Garden), and new visits to places still undiscovered (Holland Park, the Aquarium, and a museum or two).
I also have to pack up my things - and I've found as the process began that, 'a girl in want of adventure, will accumulate way too many things!' I suppose it's a lovely problem to have...too many treasures to know what to do with.
And before I know it, I will be headed onto Phase 2 of my Life's Adventure - the European Adventure. Greece comes first and then Spain, before the plane turns towards the good ole US of A at the end of July. (And it's really only an extended lay-over, a month, until I board that plane again and head for Phase 3 - Central America.) There's more of my story to be told, so stay tuned...
And in case I forget to mention it - thank you for being a part of all of this. Whether in spirit or in person or in phone calls, internet chats, or care packages - I have never, ever, felt alone on this ride. Many thanks and much love being sent your way.
It's nearly impossible for my mind to make sense of six months going by since my arrival. When I look back and remember specific events - like the black cab ride from the airport to my imaginary flat, or New Year's eve, or the night I met my friends - then I can sense the time that's passed, if only fleetingly. I have lived a whole lot of experiences in these six months, and I am stunned with how fantastic it has been, how blessed I've become, and where it has left me standing.
I leave in 10 days. I have 10 more days to let this city run across my heart before I say goodbye - for now. That means last visits to my favorite places (Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, Picadilly, Waterstone's bookstore, the South Bank, Borough Market, Trafalgar Sqaure and the National Gallery, and Covent Garden), and new visits to places still undiscovered (Holland Park, the Aquarium, and a museum or two).
I also have to pack up my things - and I've found as the process began that, 'a girl in want of adventure, will accumulate way too many things!' I suppose it's a lovely problem to have...too many treasures to know what to do with.
And before I know it, I will be headed onto Phase 2 of my Life's Adventure - the European Adventure. Greece comes first and then Spain, before the plane turns towards the good ole US of A at the end of July. (And it's really only an extended lay-over, a month, until I board that plane again and head for Phase 3 - Central America.) There's more of my story to be told, so stay tuned...
And in case I forget to mention it - thank you for being a part of all of this. Whether in spirit or in person or in phone calls, internet chats, or care packages - I have never, ever, felt alone on this ride. Many thanks and much love being sent your way.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
World Cup Wonder
There are no words. I have no way to convey the absolute transformation that my current 'home' country has undergone in preparation for Friday's big kickoff of the World Cup. Houses and apartment buildings have flags hanging from bedroom windows, cars have stickers covering windows and mini flags flying like they're in a funeral procession, pubs and restaurants have life-size posters and signs hung up depicting England's finest - the boys in white, most male bodies sport the white and red shirt, and vendors on the street have traded their Union Jack apparel for England's football colors. It's an insanely all-consuming spectacle that I've never experienced before. I'm scared to see what happens when the Olympics come to London in 2012.
Last night, of course, was the big night. In a crowded pub of over three hundred people, I was the lone American warrior. I kept my status on the down-low - didn't want to drawn any attention to myself, push someone over the edge, and become a sacrificial lamb or something. I really wasn't prepared to know what to expect - I mean, I've been watching football all season, cheering and yelling along with my mates as Manchester United tried for the championship, so I thought I had it figured out. But I just didn't see it coming. The masses of fans who had been drinking since noon (for a 7:30pm game), faces painted, screaming and cursing and cheering at the television like we were in a stadium rather than a pub. I think the singular shift was that everyone was for the same team. It was 300 people moving to the same beat, one full bar wanting the same outcome, feeling the same passion, and saying the same things. This wasn't Manchester United versus Chelsea - this was England versus the United States.
I'm certain that England will be on a continuous binge of celebration for the next month. And I'm so thrilled I got to see what it's all about.
I'm actually headed back to a pub tonight, this time to The Bedford (last night was The Grove), to watch the Australian game with my two Australian friends. Some of my Balham gang will be there too - when it's the World Cup - apparently it doesn't really matter too much who's playing, just the fact that someone's playing is good enough for an evening of pints and cheering.
The next England game is Friday...I've got exactly 5 days to learn the Queen's Anthem. As I looked around the crowded bar at the start of last night's game, not a single person shied away from singing on top of their lungs. I was jostled around, rocked back and forth by merriment, and two people even tried to sing slower and louder so I could catch on. Oh my. When it was all over, I got the pat on my back, the condescending look, and the "you'll get it next time." You're right. I will get it next time ;)
Cheers!
Last night, of course, was the big night. In a crowded pub of over three hundred people, I was the lone American warrior. I kept my status on the down-low - didn't want to drawn any attention to myself, push someone over the edge, and become a sacrificial lamb or something. I really wasn't prepared to know what to expect - I mean, I've been watching football all season, cheering and yelling along with my mates as Manchester United tried for the championship, so I thought I had it figured out. But I just didn't see it coming. The masses of fans who had been drinking since noon (for a 7:30pm game), faces painted, screaming and cursing and cheering at the television like we were in a stadium rather than a pub. I think the singular shift was that everyone was for the same team. It was 300 people moving to the same beat, one full bar wanting the same outcome, feeling the same passion, and saying the same things. This wasn't Manchester United versus Chelsea - this was England versus the United States.
I'm certain that England will be on a continuous binge of celebration for the next month. And I'm so thrilled I got to see what it's all about.
I'm actually headed back to a pub tonight, this time to The Bedford (last night was The Grove), to watch the Australian game with my two Australian friends. Some of my Balham gang will be there too - when it's the World Cup - apparently it doesn't really matter too much who's playing, just the fact that someone's playing is good enough for an evening of pints and cheering.
The next England game is Friday...I've got exactly 5 days to learn the Queen's Anthem. As I looked around the crowded bar at the start of last night's game, not a single person shied away from singing on top of their lungs. I was jostled around, rocked back and forth by merriment, and two people even tried to sing slower and louder so I could catch on. Oh my. When it was all over, I got the pat on my back, the condescending look, and the "you'll get it next time." You're right. I will get it next time ;)
Cheers!
Still Alive and Kicking
Hello to all of my fans (hehe!) out there who were wondering if I'd broken my hands, skipped the country, or just plain given up on the blog. I'm still alive and I'm kicking myself for letting two months pass without diligently keeping track of my adventures. I will do my best to recapture the big things that have come to pass, and to put down the exciting things that are up ahead.
Now that summer is here, both in England and the US, I'm wishing you a very happy summer! Cheers!
Now that summer is here, both in England and the US, I'm wishing you a very happy summer! Cheers!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Newbie
Today was a day of meeting new people - of being the "Newbie" of the group, just as Dr. Cox "fondly" refers to JD as (in Scrubs - which is shown on TV over here as often as Friends). My afternoon began with a meeting of minds - I met a Psychologist (holding both a PsyD and PhD) from Austria at the Serpentine Cafe in Hyde Park for a coffee. His name is Human - and I'm certain that wherever Sigmund Freud is, he is laughing at the irony of a psychologist being named "Human." Human found me on the city socializing website and appeared excited to know someone in the field. I got to hear about his current research project (which is what brings him to London for 6 months) regarding personality organization and spirituality - fascinating. He talked a bit about his articles and books published, all in German unfortunately, and discussed his upcoming lecturing topics. He appeared equally interested to hear about my clinical work with children and families, as he's never delved in that area, aside from some clinical work in addiction. Conversation was very 'shop-talk' with insights regarding the new DSM, the diagnosis of ADHD, and body modification. After two hours we said good-bye with a plan to visit the Freud Museum later in the week. I mentioned that I'd been to the Freud Museum in Vienna (where Human lives) eight years ago and unintentionally brought about a resentful tirade regarding the fact that the British stole "Freud's Couch" from Austria and have it in their museum, when it really should be in it's rightful home. Such passion! I'm hopeful that emotions will be kept in check when we actually see it in person...
And tonight was Book Club - complete with eight women who all know each other. A few had finished the book - I made a valiant effort in a day and got halfway, which I was both impressed and content with. The book was "Alone in Berlin", the conversations were quite provocative, the drinks bubbly, the laughter loud and cheerful, and the atmosphere of The Bobbin charming and traditionally British. The book is about 1940 Berlin, the Nazi regime, and taken from the viewpoint of Germans who feel repressed in their fear and isolation under such a fanatical leader - who don't really buy into the ideals but feel like they have no other choice. Ultimately, the book seems to be about the main character taking back some of his power and demonstrating resistance to the Fuhrer in the only way he knows how. All in all seems to be a decent read. I thoroughly enjoyed the conversations and listening to the opinions of the varied group regarding that era. After three hours, I had met quite a few lovely people, some of whom I will be seeing soon, I had been well accepted as a Newbie into this friendly group, and had the next book and meeting place in pocket. Walking up to my flat at 10pm, after a full day's excursion of meeting people, I felt both grateful for the opportunities and relieved it was over. I like the idea that the next time I see them, I won't be the "new girl" and that we'll have some things to talk about carried over from this first meeting - quite a success! The theme may have been "Alone in Berlin" but I am definitely not "Alone in London." Cheers to that.
And tonight was Book Club - complete with eight women who all know each other. A few had finished the book - I made a valiant effort in a day and got halfway, which I was both impressed and content with. The book was "Alone in Berlin", the conversations were quite provocative, the drinks bubbly, the laughter loud and cheerful, and the atmosphere of The Bobbin charming and traditionally British. The book is about 1940 Berlin, the Nazi regime, and taken from the viewpoint of Germans who feel repressed in their fear and isolation under such a fanatical leader - who don't really buy into the ideals but feel like they have no other choice. Ultimately, the book seems to be about the main character taking back some of his power and demonstrating resistance to the Fuhrer in the only way he knows how. All in all seems to be a decent read. I thoroughly enjoyed the conversations and listening to the opinions of the varied group regarding that era. After three hours, I had met quite a few lovely people, some of whom I will be seeing soon, I had been well accepted as a Newbie into this friendly group, and had the next book and meeting place in pocket. Walking up to my flat at 10pm, after a full day's excursion of meeting people, I felt both grateful for the opportunities and relieved it was over. I like the idea that the next time I see them, I won't be the "new girl" and that we'll have some things to talk about carried over from this first meeting - quite a success! The theme may have been "Alone in Berlin" but I am definitely not "Alone in London." Cheers to that.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Navigating Fear
As a Doctor of Feelings (that's what I used to tell my kids) - I spend a lot of time thinking about feelings - their relationship to thoughts, their physiological impact, and their core imprints. And I've come to believe that Fear is one of our core, base feelings, and actually, it's just the opposite of the One Main Feeling - Love. (And I know many people instinctively think that it's actually 'hate' that is opposite of Love, but I see 'hate' to be a derivative of Fear, just like all the "negative" emotions - jealousy, anger, envy, sadness, etc, which places Fear at the core of our emotional world, opposite Love). I'd even go so far as to say that every behavior we engage in is done out of Love or Fear (read: some derivative of either).
So - Fear. It's a big one. Gets in the way. There is plenty that can elicit fear - and one I've had a taste of is getting out into the social scene in London. It is so easy to make my solo trips to the Museums, to walk with my ipod around the Parks, to sit in a coffee shop with book or laptop. What ease! It's even easy to walk into Viva alone or to catch a movie midday - ticket for one. I've got the being-by-myself-thing down pretty darn good. It was the meeting-others-thing that seemed scary, inducing elementary school-like fear of being liked, of fitting in, of having a good escape just in case...
Well there's something about this Life's Adventure that seems to put me square in the middle of conquering all the fears I'd hidden under years of being a relatively outgoing and social creature. Facing my demons so to speak. Because when you do - they disappear.
This was the first lesson learned after I recently joined a city socializing website...basically an online social networking site that allows you to create a profile and then either post suggestions for events taking place during the week, or rsvp to events/socials that look interesting to you. There are hundreds of people on this social site and at least 10 different socials I could go to on any given evening, often more. They range from drinks at a pub, to clubbing, to movie nights, museum sighting, to dinner, to pub quizes, theatre, walks in the park, fitness events, and even weekend getaways. People are always planning something.
I courageously took the plunge almost two weeks ago, after completing my profile, and signed up for a dinner/movie event at our local bar with a tiny studio cinema seating 15 people - The Exhibit. Turns out that the girl organizing the event didn't get the tickets in time, but we found ourselves (3 of us) at a little Persian restaurant called Dish Dash, eating Tapas, laughing, and quite surprised how much we had in common. Helen was in her 20's from Australia and a social worker. We have plans to get together soon since we both live in Balham - how fun is that?!
Success makes it easy to jump in the deep end again - or maybe it's the adrenaline of the unknown. Either way, I signed up again for another social, this past Friday. I met a small group of strangers at the London Coliseum to see the Birmingham Royal Ballet perform, The Sleeping Beauty. It was fantastic! The building was breathtaking and the dancers were unbelievable. Tchaikovsky's score was flawlessly done by the Orchestra and I had the best seat in the house. There were four other city socializers for me to meet, and although we all had separate seats - we met at both of the breaks in the 3rd floor bar for drinks and had a bit of chatting before the show.
As easy as it would be for me to call this brief venture into the social scene a success and then drop it - I'm going to keep going. And yes, I have to navigate my fear each and every time I click on the RSVP button for a social, and each time I walk up to the venue and open the door...But it's about growth and ultimately about being fearless. Because really, what's the worst that could happen? This isn't 5th grade and I don't have to sit in the office because I kicked a boy in the shin for making fun of me. I'm an adult now and my escape routes are clearly marked! There's really nothing terrible that could happen except for me missing out on an opportunity to experience myself in new ways...especially if I were too scared to try.
So this week holds a Book Club meeting tomorrow at The Bobbin here in Clapham with a lovely-looking group...we're discussing "Alone in Berlin"...better start that for tomorrow. And Thursday will hopefully bring an evening of learning how to make fancy chocolates by a renowned Chocolatier and then taking our masterpieces home. A few more people have to sign up to make this one happen, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that come Thursday I'll be dipping them in chocolate.
So - Fear. It's a big one. Gets in the way. There is plenty that can elicit fear - and one I've had a taste of is getting out into the social scene in London. It is so easy to make my solo trips to the Museums, to walk with my ipod around the Parks, to sit in a coffee shop with book or laptop. What ease! It's even easy to walk into Viva alone or to catch a movie midday - ticket for one. I've got the being-by-myself-thing down pretty darn good. It was the meeting-others-thing that seemed scary, inducing elementary school-like fear of being liked, of fitting in, of having a good escape just in case...
Well there's something about this Life's Adventure that seems to put me square in the middle of conquering all the fears I'd hidden under years of being a relatively outgoing and social creature. Facing my demons so to speak. Because when you do - they disappear.
This was the first lesson learned after I recently joined a city socializing website...basically an online social networking site that allows you to create a profile and then either post suggestions for events taking place during the week, or rsvp to events/socials that look interesting to you. There are hundreds of people on this social site and at least 10 different socials I could go to on any given evening, often more. They range from drinks at a pub, to clubbing, to movie nights, museum sighting, to dinner, to pub quizes, theatre, walks in the park, fitness events, and even weekend getaways. People are always planning something.
I courageously took the plunge almost two weeks ago, after completing my profile, and signed up for a dinner/movie event at our local bar with a tiny studio cinema seating 15 people - The Exhibit. Turns out that the girl organizing the event didn't get the tickets in time, but we found ourselves (3 of us) at a little Persian restaurant called Dish Dash, eating Tapas, laughing, and quite surprised how much we had in common. Helen was in her 20's from Australia and a social worker. We have plans to get together soon since we both live in Balham - how fun is that?!
Success makes it easy to jump in the deep end again - or maybe it's the adrenaline of the unknown. Either way, I signed up again for another social, this past Friday. I met a small group of strangers at the London Coliseum to see the Birmingham Royal Ballet perform, The Sleeping Beauty. It was fantastic! The building was breathtaking and the dancers were unbelievable. Tchaikovsky's score was flawlessly done by the Orchestra and I had the best seat in the house. There were four other city socializers for me to meet, and although we all had separate seats - we met at both of the breaks in the 3rd floor bar for drinks and had a bit of chatting before the show.
As easy as it would be for me to call this brief venture into the social scene a success and then drop it - I'm going to keep going. And yes, I have to navigate my fear each and every time I click on the RSVP button for a social, and each time I walk up to the venue and open the door...But it's about growth and ultimately about being fearless. Because really, what's the worst that could happen? This isn't 5th grade and I don't have to sit in the office because I kicked a boy in the shin for making fun of me. I'm an adult now and my escape routes are clearly marked! There's really nothing terrible that could happen except for me missing out on an opportunity to experience myself in new ways...especially if I were too scared to try.
So this week holds a Book Club meeting tomorrow at The Bobbin here in Clapham with a lovely-looking group...we're discussing "Alone in Berlin"...better start that for tomorrow. And Thursday will hopefully bring an evening of learning how to make fancy chocolates by a renowned Chocolatier and then taking our masterpieces home. A few more people have to sign up to make this one happen, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that come Thursday I'll be dipping them in chocolate.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
