Journey to My New Home

The last 14 days have been absolutely crazy and amazing!  

I began my trip to the UK with a bit of a rough start- a flight cancelation.   I flew to the wonderful town of Philly and my 9-hour layover turned into a 24-hour layover.  Although I was exhausted, felt disgusting, and a bit disappointed that I would have to navigate through London by myself upon arrival, I was excited to have a few extra hours in Philly.  I had never been, so why not make it an adventure? I visited the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, met some really cool people, and had the BEST Philly cheesesteak I have ever had in my life.  My amazing Uber driver insisted that we stop for one on the way to the airport. Thank goodness we did! The sweet thing paid for my cheesesteak and insisted on taking my picture in front of the famous Geno’s, which I highly recommend if you are ever in Philadelphia.  

I eventually got on a flight and made it to London two days late…which meant I had to somehow navigate from the center of London to Grantham where I am currently living.  How I did it, I am not quite sure. I hauled my way-too-heavy luggage and took a deep breath and began the confusing route to my new home.

I kept calm and really, just followed what the (clearly) Londoners were doing.  I made it down to the underground and took the tube to Kings Cross Rail station and then hopped on a train to Grantham.  I made all the mistakes you can make, stopping and staring at the directions for too long, not getting off the tube quick enough, not knowing how to use my tube ticket correctly, etc.  Let me tell you, London is a whirlwind and is not named one of the biggest cities in the world for nothing.

On the train ride from London to Grantham.  I happened to meet the coolest dude on the train who had been traveling for 8 months and was just now heading home to surprise his family not far from where I am now.  He taught me so much that I didn’t know about England!

Finally, I jumped off the train and made it to a taxi and into Grantham and then I finally felt the nerves leave my body.  My breath was taken away as we weaved in and out of the countryside and began to see the manor in the distance.

I was awestruck and in love at the ease that I found in traveling alone, how inviting and exhilarating it was, and how many amazing and interesting people I met along the way to my destination.  

I have heard so many people tell me not to travel alone, that the world is big and dark and scary.  Sure there are evil, bad people out there. However, traveling alone and not knowing where you are going is an experience that has been life-altering.  I will from now on always see opportunities like this one as an adventure. Traveling alone, even if only for three days, is an experience that everyone should have.  I will forever wonder what stories are brewing in the minds of the people around me.

Try some solo travel.  You never know what your uber driver or the person sitting next to you on a train can teach you!

Click on this link to read some of my tips on traveling!

With love,

Mattie