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.