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?
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.
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