I love London. God, I love London.
I'm not sure what it is... the faint smog in the air, the mysteriously reticent sun, the high street shops, the Marks & Spencers?!? Who knows. But it's SO GOOD to be back. Especially when one of my first stops was my favorite Indian restaurant. I used to go there so often that as soon as I walked in (after a 6 month absence no less!), the owner recognized me straight away and asked where my old roommate/co-worker was. Obviously we used to go together. Nearly once a week! *sigh* and also, *drool*
Since I've explored the city already, my first few days there were mostly about seeing old friends and old haunts. Staying with the ex was maybe not the most brilliant idea I've ever had, but that's a whole different topic. Being back, even for just a few days, did make me realize a few things. Namely:
1) I miss my old roommate & other friends who no longer live here; it's not the same without them
2) I am SO thankful that I don't work on the project here anymore. I get anxious just thinking about it.
3) Living in central London before was a great idea. Even if I'd spent a king's ransom in rent.
4) I still love the city. But, like Florence, my other love- it's the people who make it magical.
Next stop, Scotland!!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
back to London
Sunday, June 7, 2009
everything in this country is uphill
I don't think I've walked-nay, hiked more hills in my life than I have in my last 6 weeks in Guatemala.
Uphill to the weaving school, up and down those unnervingly high sidewalks (sometimes there are steps up to the sidewalk!), climbing volcanos on the weekends..... up, up, and up, and up! and sometimes down, though not often enough to suit me.
I'm also going to climb another volcano called Santa Maria, and camped up at the summit for a night to watch the sunrise the next day.... It's a steep 4-5 hour climb (Edit: er, 5.5 for me), but I hear watching the sunrise from the summit (nearly 2 miles above sea level and through 2 cloud plains) is worth the pain.... I sure hope so. One thing I know for certain, I'm going to have quads of steel after I leave Guatemala.
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