Appropriately Enough

As the youngest in my family, I learned very early on how much I need other people. They taught me the importance of community. Today, this afternoon, is day number 89 of 90. Tomorrow morning, Saturday, at 4:30 am local time (Friday, 10:30 pm, Central US), I will be collected by a taxi and head out to London Heathrow.  I have enjoyed my time. I am ready to go home.

Before I do so, however, I want to introduce you to some of the people (and dogs) that have helped keep me healthy and laughing these last three months.

This is Tia Maria.

Tia is the bar dog at the Two Sawyers Pub. Much like my Bailey in St. Louis who is named after the liquor, so too, Tia Maria. When you travel to Canterbury, stop in on Wednesdays for the Cask Ale night.

This is Eddie, Tia’s nephew.



I’ve only met him a few times, but he, much like our Mickey at home, is very affectionate.  

There were, of course, people at the Two Sawyers. Very fine people, in fact. My apologies to them, but after thirteen weeks, they would not be surprised that I herein included only the dogs.

These brilliant folks are my friends from The Forge Bistro (http://forgebistro.co.uk).

 

This fine bistro is just down the street from my flat. Marlene and Derek (left), the owners and she the chef, and Carol (right), the manager, soon realized that I was not one to make it safely on my own. They graciously took me in, introduced me to Pimms, to a nearly nightly glass of “bubbles” (sparkling wine), and offered a laugh or a patient sounding board when I had questions about language and cultural differences, or when I just need to “whinge a bit.” If I was effective at all with my students these weeks, it was because of them. I look forward to renewing our friendship when I return to visit.

Finally, I’ve mentioned Pat Parks several times in these entries. Pat, thank you.

 
From our work co-teaching in the American Literature course, to our many walks intended to simply keep us moving on days when we each, or both, were ready to be home, I am grateful for your patience, generosity, and thoughtfulness. I look forward to catching a Cubs game with you this summer.

Tonight I will meet with My Five for fish and chips and a pint. Later in the evening, I’ve been invited to say goodbye to some of the other American students at their final karaoke night. So far, I’ve steered clear of causing an international incident, and in effort to keep my record clean, I here promise to not sing Springsteen’s “Thunder Road,” as much as I wish I might (or wish I could). A little Vanilla Ice, however, now that’s a different story . . . .

Julia, my bags are packed. Let’s hope the snow holds off.

And, on this, my final day in Canterbury, Kent, UK, appropriately enough, it’s raining. Perfect.

British Humor, Part III

I am quite surprised to have this third entry concerning British humor, but given Missourians' dislike for all things Kansan, I wanted to let my friends in the Sho-Me state know that they are not alone.

From a commentator on a BBC 4 radio "News in Review" program:

"When I took the Eurostar [train] from London to Paris, I guess I thought it was all going to be underground. How sad I was to emerge from the chunnel to find I was in Kansas."

Northern France, is, as you might have guessed, rural and flat. Unlike the drive across Kansas, however, here one is assured of perhaps the most incredible destination imaginable: the incomparable gift of Paris.

Not much rain of late now that it has gotten colder (30-40 Fahrenheit), still quite perfect nonetheless.

An International Thanksgiving Feast

While my family was gathered in Peoria to play in the annual Finan Football game, I was enjoying an American Thanksgiving Feast in Canterbury. In total, about 150 people gathered from as many as 15 nations to share in the festivities. Truly an International night of thanks-giving.

My thanks to the staff at Christ Church University for making this a special night. We enjoyed turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and mushroom bean casserole with crispy onions! For dessert, a laudable attempt at pumpkin pie: same texture, not as much sugar.

My Five (and some balloons)!

Before we sat to eat, the mentors were asked to offer a few words of thanks. You won't be surprised to learn that I took full advantage of the opportunity to speak from a podium draped with an American flag! While I was channeling the energy of my cousin Pete, a bit here, it was nice to have the opportunity to publicly recognize all of you who made this incredible experience possible. Thank you.