There and Back Again

Listening to: Why Do All Good Things Come To An End (Nelly Furtado)
Pondering: Every day I shall put my papers in order and every day I shall say farewell. And the real farewell, when it comes, will only be a small outward confirmation of what has been accomplished within me from day to day. (Etty Hillesum)

It is our last day in London and what did we do? We hopped on a bus to Camden Town - the place we wanted to visit yesterday but got rudely detoured by a wrong bus. Camden Town is famous for its crowded open-air market and the alternative lifestyle the ambiance of the town seems to encourage. It reminded me a lot of Haight & Ashbury in San Francisco. From its many stalls, I purchased a lovely skirt to help me bid goodbye to summer when I return to SF, and scarves to help me welcome my favorite season of the year, autumn.

After Camden we headed back to the city to do some last minute shopping. I am pleased to say that I did not buy anything more. It was quite a feat, really. We headed back home and packed our bags for tomorrow.

It is with a sad heart that I type this entry. Ending a journey always makes me gloomy. My luggage is quietly sitting by the doorway, ready to roll all the way back to home. Only empty hangers are left inside the closets in our hotel room. Empty shopping bags are neatly piled next to the garbage can under the table. Our ride to the airport for tomorrow has been set for 7:15 a.m. and our last tip for Dangole - the housekeeper who has been maintaining our hotel room - sits quietly by the nightstand. My sister Myra is getting ready for bed now and I will be too in awhile. Tomorrow we begin the trip back to home and back to our usual routine.

Goodbye dear London, until the next time I see you!