England 2017: Borders

Emma's souvenir.

Paris

Okay, okay. I know it's just a layover but we did not care.We got to hang in Paris! I didn't necessarily need a stamp to my passport (though I looked into the process but we were only there three hours and that is about how long the process to actually cross the border would take.) All I cared about was that I could say that I had been there

No matter what anyone says, my layovers DO count!

   Even though it was only a layover, we could still see the Eiffle Tower from the plane and we decided to take advantage of the cafes that were there as well as the shopping. Keeping in mind the fact that I can make a memorable experience out of simple pleasures such as a cup of coffee.

 I stopped into a place called Buy Paris Duty Free. Not the most exotic name for a French boutique shop but I was able to find an assortment of fine chocolates to bring back my husband who was ever so kind about me traveling, leaving work early and  battling traffic the day before  to get us to the airport on time.

 Heathrow International

   I'm not one of these folks whose afraid to look out the window of a plane at an altitude of 10,000 feet. It was a clear day as we could see one side of the English Channel to the other between France and England. We could see mile after mile of English countryside until the flight path eventually led us to where the London Eye, the rings of Wembly Stadium and the Thames river were all in our view.

    In the times I have been through Heathrow International, it has never really ever been a nightmare for me. The flow of traffic was smooth, the signage is clear, and I was always able to find my luggage quickly. As we arrived, we swiftly made our way through the jet portal and the terminal. We walked and rode the conveyors. Just as routine as I remembered. As we passed one sign for Baggage Claim after another, in the midst of my excitement, I had hoped that our luggage was not lost and waiting for us when we arrived to the area. However, that concern dissipated as my plan came to an abrupt halt. A very crowded room and a slow moving line stood in our way. Though I knew this was not impossible, I began to worry about Emma. We had just arrived and we were about to experience everything we had talked about for the last two years. Though I knew Emma was ready for a first adventure abroad, the long day, the hour-long wait at the border, a thirty minute ride on the tube train and jet lag to come would make a weary traveler of her.



 Earl's Court
 
  We walked through what seemed to be a maze of  many stairways in different directions leading to many rooms through very short corridors. Architecture somewhat different from endless hallways we have to walk through in our hotels here in the US. Our room was small and with a bit of trendy decor located outside of this old English building. There was a garden. It was green, quiet and the morning glories were still in bloom. I didn't need a fancy resort with chandeliers, a monogrammed bath robe or an ice bucket filled with campaign. There may not have been much of our day left as we settled into our cozy little place that afternoon in Earl's Court but we knew we would own the days to come.

I was ready to cue the music. This is the beginning of my song.

 Pret A Manger is a popular deli chain in the UK
with a few locations in the US. It is always the first place I go once I get off the trains

   Though my 11-year-old was sacked out,  I was hungry. It all began with  a rich prosciutto sub on a very coarse whole grain roll. The Vino Cabernet I had with it added to the experience making the take away sandwich seem very gourmet. I reminded myself that I wasn't here to worry about bills, schedules, or home repairs. I was going to demand
 my freedom from all of that for few days
and do this jet lag right.