Cheerio, Jenn here in London. Much to my delight, getting out of Denver and into London has been pretty simple. Starting with a delish breggo in Denver with my lovely Scotty Mike to randomly connecting with folks from my Alma Matter, UL Lafayette, in Houston to having a window seat with an OPEN middle seat (!!!) on my flight to London, things have gone swimmingly so far. I arrived yesterday at 7:30 a.m., spent 2 hours in customs—wowzas—and then off I went to the Sheraton for some much needed sleep. After my nap, and the cleaning and charging of my equipment, I headed into Paddington to see some sights and to experience English culture and grub. I feasted, and I do mean feasted, on beef pie and mash + cider, and a delish British candy made of biscuits, raisins, and milk chocolate, all of which enabled me to promptly crash. I then crawled with all of my might back to the tube to get to my hotel and was in bed by 10 (yes I did brush my teeth before I went to bed.) Today I feel very rested and ready to fly to Entebbe later on today. As I drink my Earl Grey, I’m feeling very distinguished and ready for the adventures that lie ahead. I’m also very, very thrilled to finally meet Mrs. Eliza Wren Payne for tea and lunch in Coven Gardens. If you will remember, Eliza has contributed her song to C+C’s main page—a perfect fit! and such a delight!
A few non-sense things that I must make mention of: Reed’s ginger candy is a necessity travel candy (thank you Jess Deugan). I saw my first baby passport in Houston. The lady at the ticket counter told the baby, “you haven’t changed a bit.” I ordered a low cal/organic food plate on Continental and it was some of the BEST airplane food I’ve ever had. Be sure to take the time to order special restrictions on your food—totally worth it! I mean I got quinoa and a vegan choco chip cookie at no extra charge! I consulted with local iphone expert, Andrew Clark, and got some pretty rad apps for my travels, including Ifart. Thanks a! I’ve noticed that although I’m not speaking with a British dialect, I am softening my words and have the same rhythm that these fine Brits speak with. I’m such a poser. I hate that I spent $5 dollars on a cup of coffee (exchange rate is not in my favor right now!) Ack! \i’m frustrated with computer differences in the UK vs. USA. K, finally, I’m a big girl now—I flew to Europe by myself! Yay!
Here are some shots from my trip so far, courtesy of my iphone.
(my lovely boyfriend.)
Awww, i thought as i came upon this british icon– the lovely red phone booth. much to my dismay it was filled with porn. boo.
local photog friends I met at the Royal Exchange in Paddington. 
I absolutely expected to see Dick Van Dyke hoping from rooftop to rooftop with an umbrella. 
the crash.
Aside from my travel moments, I’ve had a lot of personal thoughts/feelings to accompany me on my trip. My primary experience is gratitude. I am grateful not only for my support network’s love and contributions, but also just to be alive and to know God’s love in my heart. I am so full! As I see what man has created I am utterly in awe. From airplanes, to massive buildings, to cultures formed (food, styles, etc.)—who are we that we can create such things!?!? I cannot fathom the human race and its complexity, intensity, and diversity. It’s such an incredible gift to be alive and to travel! My prayer is that I can capture photographs that have as much awe and inspiration in them as what I feel and see in my heart.
There is much more to say, but I’ll save it for future blog posts. I’m not sure how often I can blog since even getting (affordable) internet connection in London has been tough. I will be intentional about sharing my thoughts and work, so stay tuned. On a final note, I’ve been reading Wangari Maathai’s book “The Challenge for Africa”. In her book she talks a lot about the history of Africa from an African perspective, as well as her thoughts on why Africa is where it is today. Her main point is that Africa doesn’t know its value. Africa is the richest continent on the planet, abundant with natural resources, people, and diversity of wild life and plants, yet it is home to some of the poorest people in the world; such an odd contradiction. As I read her words, I cannot help but see clearly the parallels I have to the mindset of many Africans today. Though I do not live in utter poverty or in a war torn area, I have lived this way in my heart. I have allowed others to exploit me and have given things away in such a manner that is hurtful to my own wellbeing. As I read Maathai’s book, I feel that my traveling to Africa isn’t just about me telling these people’s stories, it’s about me seeing my story through new eyes. Theirs is a story of redemption, hope and joy, despite difficult, and even horrific odds– and so is mine. Because of this, I feel deeply connected to these women, though we are many miles and cultures apart. I can’t wait to meet them soon.
More to come….
Many blessings, j-
oh and we musn’t forget my lovely orange bike, Claire. Though miles apart, I still love her dearly. Momma misses you, but will be home soon sweetie!
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