a series of vignettes
Wednesday: In my excitement, I forget to say goodbye to 6 Great James Street. My final exam turned in, I rush out of the classroom and into the afternoon sunlight. Several of my classmates are lingering on the corner of Great James St. and Theobald's Road. Next to the Cafe Nero.
On our way back to Holborn Station, we discuss Art & Architecture exam. Who sculpted the man and python statue? Lord Layton. About what time period was Stonehenge constructed? Around 2000 BC? We're unsure. How does this older photograph of Trafalgar Square differ from how it appears today? There are significantly less tourists in the older picture. Cheeky. We are lighthearted and amiable and done. Class finished.
We part ways at the station, exchanging see-you-tomorrows and good-luck-with-that-last-paper. Ticket through the barrier, a descending escalator toward the Piccadilly line. I am swept up in the rhythm of the underground.
I forget to say goodbye.
Thursday: We begin to trickle out of the Fentiman Arms in groups of two or three. Tom, Jessica, and Mike have already said goodbye, leaving Peter Professor Peter, not to be confused with tall Peter to finish the end-of-term party with us.
Everyone hugs. This is the last day of the term and tomorrow we disperse. Some return to Seattle, some remain in England, and some continue travelling throughout Europe. I remember the anxiety I experienced at the beginning of the trip. Would I make friends? Would we get along? How would the group interact? My worries seem silly now; I am completely attached to these people.
Stephanie and I walk back to Oval Station. It's past eleven yes we'll still make the tube but the evening is warm and still. My tender parting with Peter professor is running through my head. I try to memorize the evening.
I've said more goodbyes than I can count.
Friday: As I near Piccadilly Circus, I realize that this will be the last time I see Central London. At least for now. My pace slackens as I try to absorb the city, the tourists, the Londoners, the Nash buildings, the Jubilee preparations, the flags, the illuminated signs.
Too quickly, I reach the stairs leading down to the Underground. I pause and take one last glimpse of the city my home away from home. I take the stairs slowly, one step at a time. Reluctantly.
Goodbye London. Until next time.
~L
Everyone hugs. This is the last day of the term and tomorrow we disperse. Some return to Seattle, some remain in England, and some continue travelling throughout Europe. I remember the anxiety I experienced at the beginning of the trip. Would I make friends? Would we get along? How would the group interact? My worries seem silly now; I am completely attached to these people.
Stephanie and I walk back to Oval Station. It's past eleven yes we'll still make the tube but the evening is warm and still. My tender parting with Peter professor is running through my head. I try to memorize the evening.
I've said more goodbyes than I can count.
Friday: As I near Piccadilly Circus, I realize that this will be the last time I see Central London. At least for now. My pace slackens as I try to absorb the city, the tourists, the Londoners, the Nash buildings, the Jubilee preparations, the flags, the illuminated signs.
Too quickly, I reach the stairs leading down to the Underground. I pause and take one last glimpse of the city my home away from home. I take the stairs slowly, one step at a time. Reluctantly.
Goodbye London. Until next time.
~L
You and you're beautiful writing! Agh... reduce me to tears every time =')
ReplyDeleteYou're almost home as I type and then only a few more days till I see you!!!!!!!
Loved. this. post.