I start my journey for Greece in less than twelve hours from this moment. wowzah. I am packed; jamies, shoes, hairbrush, happy pills and my cute new dress; all in this tiny duffel that I purchased for 5 pounds, but I do believe it will turn out to be a brilliant purchase, exactly what I needed for this trip. And I get to try out my new backpack, so all in all the luggage situation is in excellent condition, I mean what more do you need?
All right, so this weekend, I don't think I can find just one word to hold all of it's experiences. Matt came, Jim and Sara Beth were here, I met new people, and I danced.
My mother told me on the phone today, "sometimes we forget how much we connect to familiarity." Matthew is familiar, a very solid presence in my life, and I have been on such a high having him here. His genuine spirit, deep thoughts, awareness of the moment and ability to see the positive side to most situations, and his flexibility just amazes me. I love watching him grow, and boy is he growing, (he is currently studying in Siena), and he knows it too, which is so cool to observe and be around someone with such self awareness that they can witness their own changes right now. He processes and thinks, actually takes the time to assess life and attempts to answer and explore the big questions. If you can't tell, I love this boy, immensely, and I am very sad to send him off, but it makes me just all the more excited to get back and have him around everyday again. He does bring such joy, light and laughter to my life.
I think I already explained Thursday night, so I will skip to Friday. What fun. Started off a little rocky, had a minor, but somewhat major panic attack about the ferry trip on Tuesday. It all worked out, but it just reminded me how there is so much I don't know, and to give myself a break because I have never planned a trip like this before. With so many details to keep track of, it just makes my head spin a bit. But, no worries, Kelsey and I are all set, and if not, well then I suppose we will tackle that as it arises, but not before. As far as I know all of our bases are covered.
After that little scenario Matthew, Kelsey and I headed over to Brick Lane. That proved to be more difficult than intended. We somehow got all turned around, and must have asked at least two different mates for directions, but alas, we walked upon Brick Lane, and I have to say I was a bit disappointed. I just did a whole presentation on it, so I know all about its history, but I guess I was just expecting more glamor, even though it is a low income area. We stopped at an Indian restaurant, the waiter was nice, didn't charge us for our beers. From there we headed back to the Petticoat Lane Market, (where we bought our bags, Kelsey purchased one too...it was such a deal) I also got a dress, and oh! Kelsey and I got pocket watches. Pretty snazzy.
Not sure what we did after that, but at some point we ended up going to Islington, near Angel, to meet Matthew's friend that he had planned to stay with, Lizzy (a girl from home that he knows who is also studying abroad). We also met her roommate and a few other girls....potential new friends!!! (be excited for us!!!...please). From her flat we wound up meeting Shauna and her husband Stephen and Walter at a pub. They were clearly closing, so we walked across the street to Chartehouse Bar (I think that is the name) and had the most fantastic time ever. Had a few drinks...yes some gin, very delicious. I took Shauna by the hand and pulled her out on the dance floor, no one was moving to the music, not okay. There were a few lads, but all too tight, everyone just needed to loosen and move a bit. They did. Eventually my whole group got up and enjoyed the really good music. See it wasn't club music, it was good oldies with this constant rhythm throughout the whole night, never missing a beat. It doesn't get better than that. I just danced and danced and danced and smiled, and laughed, and moved my hips, hands, feel and head. I felt free, relaxed, and just so happy. Everyone had a really great time, and Shauna was approached when we were leaving asking us not to go.
Saturday, well let's just say we all felt a bit tired. We ate some lunch, oh, and we made dinner. Had some actual veggies, that was yummy. The four of us headed back over to Angel, met some more of Lizzy's friends, and then walked back to the same club, except last night was club/techno music. My kind of music, not going to lie, but just wasn't the same as the night before. Didn't stay for too long, I tried to dance, but people were not feeling it so much.
Sunday, today, was wonderful. Matt came back, we had yummy sandwiches, and then went to the park. We had so much fun watching the little boy try to roll down the hill horizontally, but somehow he kept trying to roll vertically, a bit of a challenge I must admit. His sweet grandmother joined him though. There were some other very sweet father/daughter groups and like tween boys who were also rolling. Very fun people watching, and just lovely to be with my people, Kelsey and Matthew.
Tonight, we had some dinner and then came back and ended up playing kings cup....with water. No joke, still a pretty fun game, I recommend it for all. We said farewell to Walter, he left for his big adventure tonight. I hope he has a really great time. Once Kelsey and I leave there will only be two people left in the flat, so weird. Go from 16 to 2.
I am ready to go. Not quite ready to say bye to Matthew, but he will find his way back and settle more deeply into his time and space in Italy, and I will travel to Greece, have my own adventure and live in the sun, all with my best pal. Please wish me luck that it all goes smoothly. I might have internet, but not sure. I feel like a big girl, giddy, packed bags, a few butterflies trying to land and settle in my vast tummy, and too excited to sleep.
I will of course give a full report when I get back.
Take care dear ones!
oh, I almost forgot, we had dinner with Kent Chabotar last week, enjoyed some raw tuna, and crispy sea bass. Food was delicious, although the atmosphere was not quite what I expected, I learn something new everyday here, that is for sure.
okay, be well!!!