Finding Something New...

Once upon a time, a young Irish girl took a trip to a big city. 

She had visited there twice before, and had enjoyed being a tourist, as well as celebrating a very special event in a Loved One's life.

This time, she went back for another reason. To be alone. It was the first time she had explored by herself. 

A stepping stone. 

She used the time to find something new. And she continued to do so in every place she ever visited and revisited in the future. 

Arriving in our hotel in London, we were all stiff and sleepy from the long drive. The staff were nice, and they had free tea bags, which made up for the fact that you had to access the room through miniature stairs, whilst hauling the Mauritians' 21-day wardrobe. 

Thankfully, the lovely Dasha accompanied me to drop off the car, and I was able to take her on the infamous Thameslink to return 🚂 

We met my friends for dinner, and had traditionally disgusting English pub food. 

But seeing a couple from an old life, combined with my crew from my new island life, as well as a girl I met jumping out of an airplane - well it doesn't get any more random. I was filled with joy, once again. 

So, for context, Mauritians are thrifty as hell. At least the ones I spend my time with are. Meaning, when I described Primark, they were 100% game. 

It also meant a 90 minute visit to the Flagship store and one member of our party (not me) bring 35 items into the fitting room. 

Yes, Primark is great. And I won't have anyone tell me that there is a better place to buy pyjamas. Which I of course did do. 

Much to the disappointment of my refined amigo, George. The man with the best hair in England, who also happens to know the top spots in London's Chinatown. 

♥️

I adored our time together, and wish that we would have had more.

Our final day in London was great, because the sun came out. Just as we happened to pass by the Natural History Museum. 

I was filled with the happy memories of visiting with my dad, so many years ago, and the revisits, as it's just such a cool place 🦖 

The next stop was Harrods, where someone decided to leave me unattended in the chocolate section. I was lost to a pistachio-induced trance, as I wandered aimlessly up and down each isle, trying to decide which extortionately overpriced pistachio flavoured delight I would part with my money for 💚 

I backed out at the last second, hearing my Grandad's voice screaming that it was too expensive. But then Stéphane saved the day and bought me 4 luxury dates, which totalled £15!!!!! I mean they were incredible, but still. That's 15 items in Poundland...

A trip to England would not be complete without a special visit from the Greatest Hungarian of all time. 

As usual I felt her aura before she stepped through the door. 

And I was also lucky enough to meet another friend, who had once formed part of an impromptu women's circle, all those moons ago, in Ubud. Do you recall, Dear Reader?

No photos from that night so here we are earlier this year in her new village life 🏡 

Before it even began, our London stint was over. 

Due to the worst UX ever, Flixbus told us that our bus was departing 30 minutes early, so we gallivanted across London with our luggage, powering through the crowds at Victoria Bus Station, only to discover that this was indeed, not the case.

After departing promptly, we commenced our long journey to Amsterdam. Unfortunately, this included a night ferry ride, which made the Mauritians very unwell. I made the most of the free stuff of course, as I felt fine. 

Arriving in Amsterdam, I wasn't so excited, as I have been there three times now. 

The last was my birthday, three years ago. But the company wasn't great. 

This time, I found something new ✨ 

We had the most gorgeous appartement, and after doing what everyone does there, we went off in search of something sweet. After following the scent of free cheese, we found this bad boy: 

And after more gateaux, we ate the best fries that have ever been created - with truffle sauce on top. I am salivating just thinking about them. 

...

As I am a big hippy inside and have now had some notable experience in the realms of psychedelics, I decided to take a solo trip to spend some time with the Big Guy. 

After being humbled, I flew through the stars and was presented with exactly what I needed. Thanks Universe ✨💫

...

That night, I ate the biggest pizza I have ever seen. I won't share a photo, as I look how you would expect someone who's just come down from a 6 hour trip. 

🍕

After having been apprehensive about going to Amsterdam, I feel that in some ways, I may have got the most out of that trip (no pun intended). 

I was reminded that in each place, with every person in all the individual moments of our lives, there is something new to be found. Nothing is ever the same twice. That's the nature of Impermanence. That's the beauty of life. 

Sharing in Joy 💫

A dance in the midnight hour 

Wings spread under the light of the stars 

As the nymphaea rosea caresses the dewy air 

The nightingale in harmony with the leaves 

A rose with such allure, blood is drawn 

Turning to blossom as it falls 

The heart beat of the Universe 

Sending ripples through the air 

Energy changes form

Leaving the soft palms of hope in its wake...

Dear Reader,

Oh how I have missed you! 

I hope the last weeks have treated you well. 

It's been a time of travel, to old favourites and new marvels ✨ 

Some of you have been eager to hear... And I will keep you in anticipation for just a little longer... 

I have to say that the belly dancing was the first great thing to happen last month. 

...These photos were actually from a Bollywood workshop, which was so incredibly fun, and something I wish I'd had the confidence to do earlier in my life 💃...

Although I've been attending belly dance for some time, as my close friends will know, I can be shy in a group. And it's only recently that I've started to really feel part of the community. 

To my shock, I was put in the front row for the new song. And just for some perspective, I'm not a front row girl for most things. I cower at the back, thanking my imposter syndrome for allowing me to even get that far. 

But the right people, the right atmosphere and the right relationship with yourself- it changes all that. 

And so I was ready to attend my friend's wedding, with confidence and excitement, to wish them the happiest of ventures ahead. 

At the Mehendi and the wedding itself, I was reminded again of how far I've come. These people have accepted me. And there are lots of them. Some acquaintances, some friends and some little angels who appear on the mosaics that line the paths we choose. 

And of course I used it as an excuse to go full Indian. Because that's just the only way 💚 ♥️ 

The beach, the peace at Trou aux Biches, going for the first time there alone, meditating. Allowing some things to settle and others to create something new. 

It really was a great weekend, as it included one of the best pizzas I have ever eaten: truffle and cheese, with a pistachio cheesecake for dessert. I did question whether the apocalypse was en route as I reckoned that life doesn't get much better... 

And now ladies and gentlemen. The trip. 

Part 1.

I have the cutest boyfriend. I know, I'm so disgusting, but what else do I say when he surprises us all to lounge access 🥹

The only issue being that I had not undertaken adequate fasting to fully benefit from the limitless buffet, but I did it justice at least. 

The flight was on time, smooth and everyone drank far too much and sprayed copious amounts of perfume on ourselves in Dubai, which would be an airport theme for the entire trip 🥂 

Arriving in London Gatwick again, I had less culture shock, but still the weird sensation of dreaming. Most likely as the Mauritians were with me, and we had finally reached my home continent. 

After a disappointing encounter with the man from Sixt, we set off on our very long road trip. 

I had already found us the same diner chain that I had gone to on my last UK road trip, so we dined there and then laughed at the fact that their first experience of British food was in an American roadside diner. 

When we finally reached Manchester, we were exhausted. But the party didn't stop there, as we had to meet some special people. 

After so many years, I was reunited with my school friend, in this city where she has now made a home for herself. 

And I was also able to exchange a much needed hug with my favourite moth 🧡 

Then following a very hot sleep, I helped fulfil a childhood dream. 

And I have to admit, it was very cool. 

The luxury meal was a great bonus, but nothing beat the atmosphere of walking into the stadium and seeing people from T.V. right in front of you... 

Although, I walked in 47 minutes into the match due to a technical fault, but at least my better half could make the most of his ticket. 

They lost, as usual, but just being there was enough. 

Having never been to Manchester, I was pleasantly surprised, and happy that there was actually sunshine 🌞 

But I knew that for me, the best part was still yet to come. 

 

As tempting as it is to tell you all about London now, I will take some time to come back to the current moment. 

🎶 I'm reaching light through the shadow 🎶

See you in London 💂