June 12 Nashville International Airport.
Auspicious start; stuck at BNA and will miss my Newark connection to Heathrow. I seem to have twisted my elbow, too, maneuvering at security. Reading a good book though: Freeman by Leonard Pitts, Jr. That’s about it for now.
June 15 Oxford, England.
Made it. Stuck in the Newark airport all night, though. And luggage lost. When my coach bus from Heathrow reached just outside Oxford, all the beauty of this quaint city came back to me. I couldn’t help but smile. My B & B room is lovely, and the off-and-on rain and cool, windy weather suit me. So at 3 a.m., still wide awake, I bathed and washed out my panties in the sink. I will never wear the disgusting top I wore traveling again. Now, stark naked on the bed, on top of the burgundy satin duvet cover, emailing Tony and Jesse. Just call me ‘Titian’s Reclining Venus.’
What is your travel nightmare story?
Next morning. Well, I wasn’t going to wait around for luggage, so finding a clean t-shirt at the bottom of my backpack, I bused then walked to the Bodleian Library to register for my reader card. It was delicious to be back. Afterwards, I bookstore-browsed at Blackwell’s, a legendary bookstore across from the library and ate a pita sandwich on a bench on Cornmarket Street, close to street musicians playing Irish music.
People watched for awhile then thought I should get back to Art Cottage, to check on my missing bag. The whole house is just my style, very eclectic.
First bag arrived at the B & B in the afternoon. I changed and went for a walk in the rain, scoping out my new neighborhood, lots of little ethnic markets, restaurants, and pubs. At small market, I bought some cheese and almonds for dinner later, re-orienting myself to British coins and keeping the customers in the line waiting.
They were OK about it. I am getting excited now, and I can tell I am reverting to research mode. I start my research tomorrow in Special Collections It takes a little time to adjust—the cars, bicycles, and buses are on the opposite side; just crossing the streets takes getting used to again!
Oh wait, the black van just drove up and hallelulah it is my luggage with all my toiletries, shoes, tour guide books, alarm clock. Now I can really get settled and focused. I am going to unpack and when I am hungry, I will venture out. It stays light until close to 10 pm here. The adventure begins. Thanks to those who made this possible.
June 15, evening.
Tony love,
Everything is cool now, got my 2nd bag around 6:30 this evening. Had a lovely dinner (mussels) in my neighborhood, at Le Kesh, a Lebanese Moroccan fusion restaurant in their back garden—potted plants, stone floors, lush lounge chairs, mosaic tile tables and walls, hookahs, the whole thing, mellow and cool, windy and sunny, just the way I like it! Very chill. I am going to set up my desk and drawers now and try to get to sleep earlier, still adjusting to the 6-hour time difference but no jet lag. People are allowed to smoke everywhere here; you would love it! All the pubs and restaurants have televisions to watch the Euro “football” playoffs. The mussels reminded me of our trip to Maine. i Love you:)
Received my second vaccine today! Already sore, but I’ll be back in The Cabbage Patch on Wednesday.
