With the travel bug in full force, I wasn’t satisfied going back to my parents’ home and settling down into a mundane routine. I had registered for courses at uni and I knew that my travels would slow down. I was again blessed with the opportunity to travel, this time to the UK, where my SEO job was based. At that time I was beginning to transition out of that position so I was excited that Translations Certified UK was still willing to host me. I registered for my required classes online and booked my flight.
Most travellers exclude stories about their brief layovers, but I wanted to include my layover in Reykjavik, Iceland. Going to England was my first flight long enough to need a layover, I didn’t even pay attention to where that was until the plane was already landing in the Keflavik Airport. It was midsummer and I stepped into a brick cold airport. The tall windows showed a grey sky and the long stretch of landing strips. I pulled up Google Maps to see what was nearby and worth visiting during my layover. There were some spas nearby that I figured would be a nice time killer and then i realised that Uber was not available. I did some more research and found that security takes a long time, taxis are expensive, and most of the spas require booking at least a day in advance. A bit disappointed and a bit relieved of anxiety, I decided to stay put. I explored the airport and perused the bookstore. I bought Icelandic chocolates and contemplated buying some Hakarl, fermented shark. I was alone and didn’t want to make a scene in the airport with my selective palate, so I let the shark alone. It was a brief time in Iceland, but it was rather interesting and I thought I would share.
Arriving to London on my birthday was surreal. I know people say England is cold and grey, so I don’t know why I expected anything else in the middle of summer. I had a week to explore and see as much as I could. What I didn’t take into consideration: how taxing university is. I arrived in London and attended the Notting Hill Carnival, thankfully before classes started. The carnival was amazing. I didn’t have the opportunity to dress up, but on the way to Kensington I saw many people sprucing up, adjusting their costumes, and applying glitter. It was extremely exciting.
I guess I should give a quick run down about the Notting Hill Carnival. It is a 2 day annual event that typically has over 2 million participants. There were so many people there, it felt like I didn’t have to move a muscle; I was carried by the crowd. Ultimately, the festival is a celebration of British West Indian culture.
In NYC, every September on Labour Day, there is a similar celebration: the West Indian Day parade. I attended the West Indie Day parade every time I’m in NYC. The turn out there is usually up to 3 million as it’s about 30 years older than the Notting Hill Carnival. Somehow the Notting Hill Carnival seemed bigger, probably because it exceeded my expectations. Sometimes in my mind, it’s very difficult to top NYC at anything a. Notting Hill Carnival topped it that year, hands down.
Next stop was Salisbury! I was determined to see Stonehenge. And what a sight it was!
The day was warm and overcast and everything was fresh and peaceful. Cows and sheep grazed. There was a huge difference from the crowded hustle and bustle of London to the slow and relaxed Salisbury. At times it felt as if i was the only one in the whole town. It was like a fairytale; I felt as if I was in a storybook.
I went to the Salisbury Cathedral but I arrived too late to see the Magna Carta in person. I walked around the premises in awe of the architecture and historical significance. I didn’t stay in Salisbury long. After my self directed walking tour and a stop at Harry’s Original Sweetshop.
Classes had started by this point and my plans to travel around England and make my way to Paris for a day trip was dashed. After sightseeing, I was back in the hotel pouring over classwork. With my plans cut short, I hit the road and made my way to Newbury.
I’m not sure what brought me to Newbury if I’m honest. However, it was also a wonderful experience. I took a stroll down the Kennet and Avon Canal. There were houseboats and smaller canal boats lined up; swans and cygnets swam by. Oliver, my boss, tried to convince me to eat some wild blackberries, but the New Yorker in me protested that wholeheartedly. It was definitely amusing to watch him pick and swallow a handful of random berries from a random bush, I will admit. No stomachache reported and I wasn’t sure if it was luck or if he really did know a thing or two.
I forgot to mention travel was navigated by a paper map of England. I hadn’t used a physical map in ages and I was terrified the whole time about getting lost. I had no faith in my map reading skills, but I made it to each destination without incident. There were plenty of bar stops, Hole In the Wall in London was memorable. I also stopped at a small bar that was hosting stand up comedians for what seemed like a typical Tuesday night. I didn’t take any photos then unfortunately, but it was a really good time full of really bad jokes.
Muffin and Tea 