Sunday, January 6, 2013

London-4/1/2013 and 5/1/2013

I am alive!  But barely...

I have switched locations again.  The hostel was a lot a fun.  Meeting people and making friends from all over and not even noticing that one might come from a whole different part of this beautiful world.  It was a blast and I am sure I will definitely venture back into a hostel at some point... But for now my place of residence is Ryan Holtan-Murphys wonderful flat with the most spectacular view I have ever seen!

When I first switched over on Friday I showed up to Ryans work dazed and confused as to what was going to be in store.  I stumbled into his office and he came sauntering down the hallway with keys in hand an a smile plastered on his face.  And at that point I knew I was in good hands. He directed me to his flat and Robert Camp (the hero that he is) helped me with my bags and I moved in.  Then Robert and I were off to discover a whole new part of the magical city.

We saw the London Bridge and made our way around that side of the city and happened upon Saint Paul's Cathedral.  It was luxurious.  I love just wandering around and seeing whats around the corner.  My sister once told me that she has "never felt more found when she is lost," or something around those lines.  And I must agree.







After a full day of walking and wandering I had the pleasure of meeting the rest of Roberts family.  It was the first time since I've been away that I got homesick.  Being in the presence of his family made me miss mine.  But the feeling vanished quickly as they took me in as one of their own.  I had an absolutely wonderful time conversing, joking, drinking tea, and listening to them.  I was able to relive one of the most life changing moments of my life, flying off against Roberts team in the rocket international competition.  My team might have lost, but it was amazing and I commend the English team that Robert was a part of for out flying mine, and at such a young age.

Later that evening I had a splendid dinner with the entire family.  It was so nice and I am going to miss the Camp family.  I am so lucky to have met them and hope all the best for each one of them.  I will definitely keep in touch!

And then Ryan's estate... Its been a journey and one that can only be summed up by saying, "Welcome to the vikings.  Forever a family."

yours,
Jacqui

2 comments:

  1. When I saw the word "flat", I was a little confused, but very soon I remembered--this is British version of "apartment". I definitely know this word, since I had been learning Oxford English all the time before I came to the US. Your experiences in these few days brought back my own memory of the days I first arrived in the US, about 4 years ago. Exactly the same feeling as you are having--everything is new and fresh, I mean, everything. And there were so much things to learn--learn to say "apartment" rather than "flat", "bathroom" instead of "toilet"...
    Good luck Jacqui, and have fun!!!

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  2. I am exhausted just reading all you did. What a lifetime of memories packed into just 6 days. Safe travel to Helsinki sweetheart. Live and kisses. ~mum

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