Over the Channel

Before I even start writing this, I need to acknowledge that had John not been sitting with me while I made these plans — and had we not seen the transfer point where I hopped on the RB14 to the airport — I am sure this story would have turned out completely differently.

Some may say that I was lucky. I prefer to think I am strategic. Either way, I made it.

I’m not sure if it’s a function of getting older, traveling more or having a good friend live here, but the trek to the airport today was actually quite pleasant.

I had this overwhelming feeling of peace the last time I was in Europe in 2006. This lifestyle really fits me. Nobody is in a hurry. You don’t really need a car although I’m sure it’s lovely to have. There are cafes and people writing and an outdoor, literate culture that exists. Which isn’t to say every place is high brow awesomeness. Only that it does exist. Right smack in the city.

When John dropped me off at Bohnholmer station today, pointed me on the S line and left. I felt pretty good about what was going to happen. And, in fact, the trains I were supposed to take showed up on time. The airport was right where it was supposed to be. I got checked in and boarded with little trouble (although I don’t have the little things down here, which leads to some exasperation by the workers).

Heck, I even exchanged my 2600 Czech crowns for 5.74 euros, at which the gate attendant and I both laughed.

I’ve got my rail ticket from Liverpool (or the b.tween conference folks have it) and I have my bus ticket back to Luton airport to fly home and I have my train schedule for getting back to Bohnholmer. In other words, I’ve done all I can — now it’s time to have fun.

John and Aimee even inspired me to take two day trips. I had such a good time hiking around Budapest and Prague that I’m going to take the 2 London mornings to go see the Big Ben area and Shakespeare’s Globe area. No train for me. I’m hiking the few miles into the city. We’ll see how I fare coming back.

Not to mention a visit with Katie D (former NKU student traveling through London) and Laura S (Lovelandite now married and living in England).

All of this is to quite complexly and with too many words express this simple thought: this trip has renewed (or reminded if Logan’s Run frightens you too much) in me all of the things I love about being alive.