London (Oct 19-22) - Euro Adventure 2023https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7f23fc_df1c9df701114774902e0c7fb77cad9a~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_750,h_1000,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/7f23fc

We departed our Paris hotel, walked to the Gare de Lyon train station and took the Metro to Gare de Nord where we found the Eurostar. Since Brexit, the security line was similar to traveling through an airport, where our passports were checked twice, once to exit France (part of the EU) and another screening to enter England or at least the waiting room to board the train. Once boarded, it was a quick two-and-a-half-hour trip, at speeds up to 150 mph, and we arrived at St Pancras Station. Opened in 1868, the station is considered a masterpiece of Victorian Gothic architecture, and one of the most elegant stations in the world. We quickly exited the Eurostar and found the Kings Cross Underground Station, from which we rode to Northwick Park to meet a family friend.

LONDON HOSTS

In today’s crazy, polarized, sometimes dangerous and impersonal world, we are SO fortunate to have been welcomed into an extended family of Indian-descent, through our niece, a gorgeous, London-raised, adventurous young woman who married Chris’s nephew. Her father met us at the train station and took us to her brother and sister-in-law’s home in Harrow, where we stayed for three nights.

Although our three-month adventure spanned 15 countries and thousands of landmarks, historical locations, millions of years of history and immense beauty, it was the three days we spent in London that most imprinted my heart and forever changed my perspective on life.

Yes, we also did cool things:

Incredible Lebanese meal at Zufa, drinks at Duck on the Pond.
Fabulous Indian meal at Dawat, drinks at Blue Ginger.
Extraordinary meal at London’s largest Asian food hall Bang Bang Oriental, which offered menus from nearly 30 outlets including China, Korea, Japan, India, Vietnam, Singapore, Taiwan and Malaysia. I didn’t know there were so many specialty Asian cuisines!
Confusion on the London Bridge trying to connect with our Denver friends prior to wandering South Bank through Burrough Market, eating the Breakfast Club then going our separate ways, them to Westminster Abbey for mass, and us to the Tate Modern, followed by the London Eye and shopping for more books for our cruise.
Explored the historic village of Harrow-on-the-Hill (original hamlet from the early 7th century) and the famous Harrow School (founded in 1572, approximately 820 male pupils boarding full-time, alma mater to several Nobel laureates, statesmen such as Churchill, first prime minister of India, King Hussein of Jordan, writers, artists, archeologists, explorers and more) before walking through endless rugby fields that may have been part of the University of Westminster’s Harrow campus.

But the best part of our stay was being welcomed into a family, from a different cultural heritage, a different continent, because we love their daughter and sister, and cherish every opportunity to spend time with their granddaughter and niece. Imagine what the world would look like, if everyone was equally as welcoming and kind?

I felt so privileged to learn more about the family history and how the grandparents had emigrated from India to Kenya, how the parents grew up on the African continent, but moved to London as young adults to raise their children and continue forge a successful family business. Like other cultures around the world, our niece grew up with her grandmother living in her parent’s home, after her grandfather’s passing. Our niece’s parents (similar in age to us) are amazing individuals, who love everyone and welcome all. Her dad checks in daily with his sisters and extended family. He ensures no one goes without, all of his children (and their choices) are treasured and supported in their endeavors. This family exemplifies Nirvana, and for a few days, I transcended dualistic thinking in their presence.

Sadly, this time came to an end and our niece’s brother and very-pregnant sister-in-law (with whom I had many delightful conversations about her growing business, and baby) dropped us at the train station bound for Southampton.