It feels so wonderful to write again. 2023 began with lofty goals that were upended by unexpected events and the need to pivot. It ended with a flurry of projects that are slated to be executed in 2024. I gave up a lot and needed to right my course. 2024 started with some surprises but nothing that could not be handled. There were new players but the same themes.

“I must say, my soul was in need of this trip.” I sent emails beforehand to inform my colleagues about my two-week absence. In preparation for the journey, I carefully selected my wardrobe, opting for light clothes. Our destination was London, where we planned to spend two days at the Kimpton Fitzroy.”

London Day 1-

We arrived at the hotel and instead of sleeping, we decided to have breakfast and explore the city. After getting fresh clothes, we took the subway to Piccadilly Circus and visited the Royal Academy of Arts to see the “Entangled Pasts, 1768-now: Art, Colonialism, and Change” exhibit. The exhibit showcases 100 artworks that explore the role of art in shaping narratives about topics such as empire, colonialism, enslavement, resistance, abolition, and indenture.

We then headed back to the hotel for a very quiet meal and then a much-needed good night’s sleep. We did not watch the Super Bowl.

London Day 2

We were just a 20-minute walk away from the Thames. We were lucky to have a day of sunshine. So, we decided to start our day by walking through the theatre district and then heading towards the river through the bridge. To our surprise, we stumbled upon the Globe Theatre which is the third version of the original one. It was a magnificent sight and reminded me of all the hours I had spent learning lines from the Sonnets for my honors English class and the Shakespeare course I took in college.

On to Westminster Abbey and Parliament with some familiar places on the way.

Roy, at the last minute, asked for the map. Our usual routine of getting lost and then finding our way. We made our way back to the hotel.

Day 3 and on the way to South Hampton

We opted to take the train to South Hampton. It was considerably nicer, and we ended up at just a 10-minute drive to the port. What a great beginning! We were going to start our Transatlantic Cruise on the Norwegian Joy. I wanted the experience of not stopping in ports—just time to be with my thoughts and mull over the next steps. So I was up for the adventure but not the pouring rain.