Back to England, my dear old friend…

So here`s how it went down...

Jan 10: I found myself doing the midnight route to London, AGAIN. I’m finding that the cheaper the flight, the worse the time frame. However, this time I was better equipped with a more direct route back to Susan Horsewood Lee’s. I made it there by 3am, not bad.
Jan 11: Got up as early as I could and made my way to the British Museum. En route I changed my mind and decided to head to St. Peter’s since the last time I went it was closed. It was a cold day but I walked right up to the top so that I could appreciate fully the views and the 8 pound admission fee. Then I went to the British Museum to see the Terracota Warriors but the Exhibit was sold out until the next day. I got a ticket and made my way back to Chelsea. Dined at the familiar Cross Keys Pub with Susan.
Jan 12: Got up early to see the Warrior Exhibit which was VERY WORTHWHILE! Wandered around Leicester Square and Picadilly until 4pm when I went to the Pheonix to watch Blood Brothers. Headed home for dinner with Susan and her visiting cousin and god children.
Jan 13: Made my way to Norwich, was greeted by dear Aunt Susan who had arranged afternoon tea with all of the family. It couldn’t be more wonderful to see everyone again!
Jan 14: Sue and I hit the streets of Norwich and I bought Primark out. Once again I would need another suitcase returning from Norwich. Also, I watched the Muppet Christmas Carol, a Christmas ritual which I had missed this year, which dear Sue had waiting for me.
Jan 15: Sue and I went to Norwich Cathedral, where we had a great guide tell us all the history that lurks inside its walls. She and I went to her puppet making class that evening.
Jan 16: HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME! I went to Norwich Castle in the morning, had a lovely lunch and in the evening went to a traditional English Pub with all of the family, Sue, John, Mike, Mairi, Guy, Rosemary, Tim, David and Jane. Exceptional food and very kind and generous family. I am very lucky, indeed.
Jan 17: Went with Sue to the Sainsbury Gallery, which I found fascinating. They even had some Haida pieces from way up in Canada! Mike picked Jimmy and I up from Sue’s and I heading to Mairi and Mike’s for the evening.
Jan 18: Spent the day at Tim and Rosemary’s. Had a lovely lunch and met their neice, and my fellow cousin, Sally. Had fish and chips with Mairi, Mike, Guy, Sue and John that night.
Jan 19: Went to see Chocky, Mairi’s horse in the morning. Mike and Mairi took me to the bus where I once again made it back to Sevilla. I met my friend Rachel, randomly, in the airport and we were on the same flight. After a long flight next to the most vile Republican America can boast (who in twenty minutes had brought me up to speed on Gays, Abortion (both wrong), the positive humiliation of prisoners at Guantanamo Bay, how the US didn’t start the war in Iraq (which I’m pretty sure they did), how the wall along the Mexican border is VERY MUCH NEEDED (Good god was she nuts) and other anti-Hilary/Obama comments, I was glad to just get home. Annie had planned a lovely birthday festivity (since she, her roommate and I have very close birthdays) so I headed out. It was a late night and I spent most of yesterday asleep.

School starts on Jan. 23, so I still have a few days of refuge. I can’t wait to see what is in store this semester and once my travel itinerary is finalized, I will let you all know where to watch for me next!

Lots of love, Lauren