My Trip to the UK

The Firsts 

• Flying Alone I managed to maneuver my way through four airports, four security checks and one customs stop on the way over and four airports (one was different this time), four security checks, one customs stop, and two baggage claims on the way back. I even threw in an extra country visit on the way home, too. And you know what? I did it. I had to rely on the kindness of strangers from time to time (the custodian who guided me through the mess that is Newark's airport, the woman who saved me a seat in the crowded waiting area while I ran to the bathroom in Chicago's O'Hare, and the airport security guard who translated for me in Amsterdam) but I did it. The amount of stress in traveling alone can be incredible but the feeling of independence and self-satisfaction is also.
• Leaving the Country I had never been outside the U.S. before this trip, not even to Mexico, which is practically the U.S.'s community pool. I was excited to see the UK before I left and if anything, even more delighted when I got there. The architecture and the countryside and the traffic and culture and the people... it was a feast for my senses. I wanted to look and touch and hear everything. We packed a lot into our week but I still left craving more.
• Foods  A potato is just a potato, right? No. Real English chips are a treat unlike anything you can find in the U.S. I was also treated to a proper English cream tea (scones with butter, jam and clotted cream! served with amazing tea), sticky toffee pudding with custard and a Cornish pasty... but not in the same day, of course. I loved the local specialities and I loved the traditions behind them.

The History

• Specifically We toured Westminster Cathedral, Bristol Cathedral, St. Paul's Cathedral, the Tower of London, the SS Great Britain, the Roman ruins, and the home of William Shakespeare. We saw Parliament, the River Thames and Big Ben. All of them were impressive, awesome, humbling.
• Generally But even more striking to me was the overwhelming feeling of permanence and solidity and grandeur that is amassed by a country that has been around for so many hundreds of years. To walk on cobblestone streets that Shakespeare had once trod or to stand in the shell of what remains of a bunker that once housed ancient Roman soldiers, you cannot put into words the feeling that overcomes you. Only in England could I actually see the interwoven human chain of all the generations that have come before and all those that will follow. It made me realize just how fleeting our time here is and yet how vitally important that we use it to the best of our abilities.

The Highlights

• Shakespeare Seeing Shakespeare performed in an English theatre by English actors was one of the best nights I have ever had. I am sure I have never been better entertained. It was a magnificent time. 
• Cary Grant  I was able to see and hug the bronze, life-sized statue of Cary Grant in Millennium Park in Bristol. I know he was just a man, just an actor, but I still have an enormous amount of respect and love for his talent and his kind heart. His films have become friends to me and it meant so much to pay even that small tribute to him. I am still trembling inside.
• Weather We always think of England of being under a perpetual rain cloud but the weather was beautiful that week. It drizzled only a few minutes on Wednesday and then rained most of the day on the Saturday before I left but other than that, it was perfect. The temperature was mild, the skies blue, and the breezes moderate. We were able to hike through the Cotswolds and Wales and around London and Bristol without a problem. I am so thankful.
• Rugby And speaking of rain on Saturday, it did not matter a bit because we had an entire day of rugby to watch! I cannot believe how hard I fell for this sport but I did. The Six Nations tournament was just winding up my last weekend there so I was able to see all six teams in action and I loved every minute. An unexpected joy, to be sure.

There are dozens of other aspects of the trip and many, many more things that we saw and toured and experienced but I will leave those tucked away in my memory as my own special treasures. I had debated even writing this post, given that it has been two and a half weeks since I returned home, but I wanted to reflect on a few of the feelings I had that week so I could always come back here and relive them. Overall, I want to remember the feeling of comfort I had while there. I am sure I have not felt more at ease or more at home in a new environment ever before. It felt as though the city of Bristol, and the country itself, embraced me.

I cannot wait to return. 

Comments

[Mary]

Thank you for posting this. Those of us who love you, yet live far away, have been DYING to hear about your trip. I would have asked sooner, but I had the feeling it was like a gift that you wanted to treasure on your own for a while longer. Glad you had such a wonderful time.

[Kellee]

I was nodding along with you while reading that last paragraph, and am very happy that you decided to write this post. I was hoping that you would put something up there, for yourself (and of course for all of us, who are very eager to hear about your trip!), to look back upon whenever you choose. Not that you are likely to forget your time there, but sometimes there is nothing like hearing about your experiences, in your own words, and while they are still fresh in your heart and mind. I'm thrilled to hear that you had such an enjoyable trip, and that my beloved country left such an impression on you. :) I agree, it is a special place. :)