There's No Place Like Home

I have been tempted to blog for quite some time now -- my return to London, UK seemed like the perfect opportunity to show you The World Through My Eyes. 20/40 is still under construction, but here's a glimpse...

“You ARE British, you know. Never forget that. Welcome home.”
– Ms. Flo (my God-mother’s mother)

For the past 22 years, I’ve been living approximately 5710 kilometres (3550 miles) away from my grandmothers and the majority of their direct descendants – on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. With these 22 years unevenly divided into 17 and 5 years in Canada and the US, respectively, I can designate one hand a piece to count the number of times that I have ever seen each grandmother. The only times I have seen them, or any other member of my trans-Atlantic family for that matter, have been when THEY come to see US. I’ve always wondered what happens on their side of the pond, but I’ve always been a (poor) student *cue violin solo* and it’s difficult to save money for airfare and spending money when you’re barely being paid above the poverty line. Well, school’s done. After being guilt-tripped (in that playful we’re-saying-this-with-love-but-we’re-dead-serious kind of way) by numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins…and family friends who we refer to as aunts, uncles, and cousins (you know how West Indian families operate), who had ventured to my side of the Atlantic, I finally saved up enough money to come home.

I arrived at London Gatwick airport exactly one month ago, and I’ve loved every minute. When I travelled to Manchester, I had the privilege of spending a few days with my maternal grandmother who, after many decades, still lives in the house where she raised my mother. I had the opportunity to sleep in ma’s old room, and even in her old bed! Keep in mind, springs get all bent out of shape after xx years, so it wasn’t exactly a good night’s sleep, but I’m thankful for the experience. While in Manchester, I spent time with my uncle, and I met my cousin for the first time…he’s 20…and I met his 1 year old daughter. Also a first was my reunion with my God-mother…well, the first time in 22 years.

When I travelled to Northampton, I spent time with my paternal grandmother, and she regaled me with stories of my pops, her youngest child, and all of his mischief. Apparently, I’m his protégée. Me…mischief???

The majority of the family lives in London, and this is where I’ve spent the majority of my time. I’ve been to North, Northwest, Central, East, and South London, and I’ve received nothing but love from everyone I’ve visited. My original trip was scheduled for 3 weeks, but with the generosity of my aunt, it was extended for another four. After week one of my extension, I’ve participated in Notting Hill carnival, bartered at Portobello Road with my cousin, and celebrated my uncle’s milestone 60th birthday.

It’s difficult to sum up four weeks of laughter, tears, and reunions into 500 words, but there aren’t too many words that could adequately describe my experience anyway. If you feel at home wherever you feel loved, then honey, I’m home! I’ve told some of my family and friends in North America that I'm never coming back...well...

Bless,

L Boogie