London. I'm back. My mind has been thick and sluggish with jet lag and countless old memories. 15 years have passed since my last visit. And it's been 25 years since I lived here. I knew it might be a bit weird to come back after so much time away. It's been harder than I expected. All sorts of feelings are bubbling to the surface. I can't believe I spent so much time here, yet I hardly remember actually living here. I wonder how one’s brain can compartmentalize life’s chapters like that?
What if I had stayed in the U.K? Would I be different? Would there be an English version of the current Hopey? I’m sure my penchant for wearing wigs would still be alive and kicking. With a prep school accent perhaps?
In an effort to put form to the fuzzy memories, I took Charlie and the kids on a wee tour of London, as I remember it.
Dartmouth Place--my first house in London. The tiny Chiswick home brought back loads of memories of James and me playing in the front garden. Only problem...was it this house, or the one to the right? Mum?
Here's our second house in London - Stamford Brook Rd, Hammersmith. I remember this one well. James and I would make mud pies on fallen slate tiles, then cook them on the dryer vent behind the house. It was like our own imaginary restaurant. We'd build layered forts in the upstairs attic for hours until we heard the call for dinner. And how can I forget hearing night after night of dinner parties roaring downstairs. My mother would come upstairs and kiss us goodnight with garlic wine breath. I still love that smell.
Battersea Park Fair. My aunt Mandy used to take me here to play. Here is Sophia jumping in the same park, same age, same stage. Time flies!
The Natural History Museam. I don't think they've changed one exhibit since I was last there in the 80's. Charlie and I found ourselves laughing at the aged displays. The kids didn't notice. They loved every bit of it.
I have fond memories of going to Harrod's Food Hall. I think my granny used to do her weekly shopping there. Insane thought. We took the kids to gawk at the elaborate displays of food and get lunch. Sophia chose sushi and crispy duck dumplings. With no place to sit, we squatted outside a locked park. Not the classiest location, but it worked.
Standing outside my old nursery school--The Unicorn. They let us come inside and have a tour. The room that stood out the most was the tiny, weeny loos for kids. The smell of Dettol brought me back to being a 5 year old.
Sophia's trying her new poses on the Kew Road, just opposite my old school.
Expending some energy. I loved phone boxes as a child. They make excellent time capsules.
Why have one when you can have two ice creams?
Little men love a lolly. I wasn't allowed to eat candy (much) when I was little. Since returning, I have found myself gazing at all the English sweets I could never gorge on. Sophia and Alfie think it's hilarious.
Ending the day with a spot of tea brings back memories. Sophia loved making her own with lots of cream and a sugar cube.
Big Ben is still there. Check out the sky! It's a typical London grey. I won't lie. It has made me miss the Cali sunshine.