Thank you for:
1.
The decision I made: I had to be in HFW’s school
at 8.45 am. When I met him the first time in New Orleans, after listening to
his ideas, I knew that he is a great teacher. I wanted to see him in his class.
When I got a chance to be in London for the fellowship retreat, I knew my wish
was coming true. But on Monday, when I had to see him, my friends with whom I
was supposed to go- one of them was still sleeping and the other was feeling a
bit ill. I thought I should still go but then I knew I would be late. I am glad
I made the decision of not going to his school and seeing London instead.
2.
London sightseeing: what a day really! Along
with Romana, Yerica, Rolando and Rahul I went to the British Museum and then to
Trafalgar Square, Hyde Park, walked through so many buildings that looked like
monuments and took a bus back to the office where I had to meet Mohammed. On
the way I saw St Pauls Cathedral where a couple was getting married and the
Royal Courts of Justice. So much to see in a simple bus ride!
3.
Bumping: Mohammed was not there in office (and I
thought he had left because I reached at 5.15 for a meeting at 4.30 but he had
not come to work because of a sprain in his back/neck- I am glad, I felt less
guilty) and as soon as I left I hoped to bump into my friends again- and I did.
We then travelled a while together. The entire day was like this- when one good
thing was over another one was ready to take place.
4.
Yerica: we said goodbye to each other and
promised to meet in Paris. I hope we do. She was surprised to see me in the
morning because she had not said bye to me in the night. She made peace with
the fact that she would not get to see me again on this trip and was glad that
she was wrong. I felt so special.
5.
My green raincoat: Although Meghna called the
colour loud- and I thought it was too bright for London- it kept Yerica warm.
6.
Bags and baggage: with all those bags I commuted
to Turnpike Lane where I was to spend the night. I am glad I reached without any
great incident- as in dropping my luggage down the escalator :p
7.
The faith: I got lost at Turnpike Lane Station.
I did not know how to get to Harry’s place. But before I could find his place
and get despondent, I found the lane and his house! When I met him I told him,
that I knew I would find him.
8.
Harry: He is such a wonderful person. I wrote
this on the gift I left him but I don’t think he will understand the deep
sentiment when I was writing it down. He took me to a place which he said was a
park- in India we would call it a field- it was huge. For as far as I could see
I saw only green- trees, shrubs and grass. It had rained, it was foggy and
cold. There were very few people, no children- which was sad and at one point I
saw that there were flowers growing at my feet. I have never been in a place
where I am walking on flowers almost. An added attraction- the flowers were
white. I feel these flowers with long stalks look like they are so eager to
hear what you want to tell them. Also they look like they are always smiling-
like little children waiting happily to hear a story.
9.
Back to Harry: He asked me not to look back
while we were walking and took me to a hill. The hill had a tower from where
the first BBC show was broadcast- it was a historical sight. I then looked
behind and saw a sight that was compelling. The view of the entire city. It was
like magic. I am grateful that he took me to such a place. I sat quietly
looking at the sight. I have something more to say about that single experience
and I will write about it soon.
10.
Brownies and food: Harry decided to make
brownies and couscous for dinner. It was yum. The brownies were like the ones
we get at Theobroma. So soft that they were crumbling. So rich that they felt
warm. When I was cold the next day, I ate a brownie (remember, I gave Yerica my
green raincoat to keep her warm- karma!) and felt better.
11.
The shower: The hot water was just right! I then
went off to sleep under a very warm blanket.
12.
The day- it was one of the best days (of my
life?)- a mix of people and places- different kinds of people and different
kinds of places. Bustling London to quiet slow reflective London and from
people who are cold and distant to people who are warm and affectionate. It was
my last full day in London on this trip and the beginning of an adventure, like
Yerica said, the adventure begins because now we are all on our own. My heart
is getting a bit heavy and I think I am going to cry, with gratitude.
13.
Maria: My sweet Maria. It is her birthday. She
is a gift.
10 July 2012:
Thank you for:
1.
The nice trip to Harry’s school: I found the bus
stop, got in, realized there was no money on my card, got out, missed the bus,
topped my card and got late to his school. But then yay!
2.
Harry’s class: He teaches the way I want to
teach. Now that I am in education for the fourth year. He has a pattern which
he follows: an opening question that makes students find links between what has
been taught and what is going to be taught, a project where children are
connecting what happened in History to present day life. So much thinking at that
age! His kids gave answers that I would give at 27. I will truly feel liberated
the day my kids think like that.
3.
Amber: A girl in his class. She reminded me of
Ansita- my student. And Ansita reminds a lot of people of me. As in, when
Shreedhar once wanted to tell me that a class is an image of its teacher he
used Ansita as an example. Which means Ansita is an image of me. Although, I
think Ansita is too too bright. Amber reminded me of me. I liked Amber and I am
glad I met a girl like her.
4.
The guy cleaning his garden: When I returned to
Harry’s house, I could not open the door. I have no idea why. I spent some time
wondering what to do and before the passersby could suspect me of trying to
break in, I asked a guy for help. He willingly helped me open the door. I
packed in a hurry and realized I had lost the key. Damn. It felt like
everything was going wrong. I found that I had kept the key in my handbag which
I had packed in my suitcase. I am getting so forgetful.
5.
The statue at St Pancras. Was majestic. I met
Mohammed which was really nice (did I tell you that Artur, Jen and Mohammed are
my favourite people in TFALL?) He told me that he loved the article I did on
cooking and leadership and wanted to make it bigger. I was happy. We spoke for
quite some time and then I had to rush to take my train. I reached fairly early
and regretted having rushed so much.
6.
The immigration to France- I did not even
realize that it was an immigration process. He did not even look at my passport
so well, took my biometrics and I was at the waiting lounge for my train. Guess
what I did at the waiting lounge- I rearranged my suitcase :p I checked which
platform my train was at and landed at Gare Du Nord and walked out. Where was
the immigration counter? Where were they supposed to grill me out my stay and
return to India? Gosh!
7.
The train journey: was very scenic. When I was
younger, I had seen all these scenes on imported chocolate wrappers which I
preserved for many years.
8.
My Aunt: She did not expect to see me. She
thought I was going to be there the next day. I had forgotten to inform her and
since my UK phone was off, I could not tell her that I would be there. She was
shocked and surprised at the same time. But I think she was more shocked!
9.
Aunt’s plans: She has some big plans for me and
for my stay here. She has loaded the refrigerator with food and goodies. Every
meal has multiple items- 2 types of deserts, 2 types of main course, 2 drinks
and god knows what else. It is a bit exasperating having to eat so much, when I
finish lunch she is preparing dinner. Lord! But, yes, nice to be cared for.
10.
I am in France! It has been a dream for many
years now. I never thought it would be possible. I am here J
