Reliving London

July 2nd, 2006

"I already know I'm going to miss this city. I can feel it in my stomach..."

On Monday at approximately 9 am I will touch down in London seven years after leaving. Far too much time has passed, but life got in the way--as it always does. I've spent the better part of a year planning this trip, this escape, and yet I've been filled with anxiety about all the what ifs: What if my luggage gets lost? What if my credit cards don't work? What if someone steals my computer? What if I want to come home?

While looking for my combination lock this afternoon, I found the diary I kept while I was in London: 

 July 26th, 2006

"I believe one must always be curious, seeking out new experiences to live a full life. Never allow yourself to get bored or get stuck in a rut. There is too much out there to explore." 

In all honesty, I'm pretty sure the Emily of then would be disappointed with the Emily of today and how scared she is right now--to say nothing of the rut I've found myself in for the past couple of years.  Reading this reminded me of how happy I was, how fulfilled I felt while living in London. Of course, it's only natural to feel nervous before taking a big leap but I don't want it to color my time there. I want to be past all that. 

Perhaps all adventurers feel this way beforehand. Even the idea that this time next week I'll be writing from London seems unreal. Sometimes when we are separated from someone or something we care about it exists only in our memory for so long that it is no longer a part of reality. Instead, it becomes the fantastic,  the untouchable living only in our imagination.  To be able to go back to this place is a gift. 

July 2nd, 2006

"I want my life to always be like this, filled with music, culture, writing, excitement...leafy trees and wide sidewalks."

I want to be this person again. I've tried to be, but the day to day work of getting by can muddle things. Hopefully this time away will help me sort things out.

Tour de New England: A Photo Essay

As kind of a last hurrah before I head off to Europe James and I traveled to my family's house (aka Camp) in Maine for a few days. It turned into a little tour of New England since we then made our way to Boston and Rhode Island, managing to hit every New England state except Vermont. I swear it was an unintentional slight! 

After hitting the road late, we stopped for lunch in Portsmouth, NH which has become something of a tradition for us. If you've never been, Portsmouth is a wonderful seaside town with a ton of delicious restaurants. It reminds me of a smaller Portland. After walking around we decided to hit up an old favorite, The Friendly Toast. It kind of reminds me of the description of Uncle Moe's Family Feedbag because there's a bunch of crazy retro stuff everywhere. James was particularly enamored of a KFC bucket table light. Funnily enough, they have a location in Cambridge that I've never been to. That will be a question on Emily Jepordy.

That sign says Beer and Lunch, btw.

The Gentleman Scramble with cheddar-cayenne toast. When I see avocado as an ingredient, 9 times out of ten I order it. A week later and I am still dreaming of that toast. No, really. 

Finally made it to Maine! 

This is what adults do without cable or internet.

When I was a teenager I went to a giant barn of books somewhere in Maine. It was awesome. I couldn't remember where it was, so when I googled "Book Barn Maine" this place came up. It wasn't the same one, but just as good. 

I mean, come on.

Guess which ones are mine and which ones are James'! That's sexist! My love of Larry Bird rivals Leslie Knope's! (Just kidding about the sexist part. You were totally right.)

Even as I was taking this photo this song was running through my head. I am a walking cliche on so many levels. 

Shore dinner from The Portland Lobster Co.

Next stop: Beantown for a Sox game!

On the way home our cab driver talked about how our hotel was haunted. Subsequently, I woke up in the middle of the night convinced that a ghost was looking at me. It turned out to be the giant mirror in our room. 

I couldn't come to the city without stopping by to say hello!

On to Charlestown, Rhode Island for the 4th!

 My uncle roasted a whole pig, which was delicious but even still....I think I'm off meat for a while.

Aaaaand because I am the best house guest ever I brought Flour's famous sticky buns for breakfast!