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Cheltenham Homecoming: And by homecoming, I'm not talking about parades and football games and such; I mean my own! I left in December 2008 and am just now getting back; it's been far too long.
Not long after my last scribbled Moleskine entry, I found myself grinning like a clown as the bus pulled into Royal Wells station, the familiar honey-colored regency buildings gliding by. I scanned the station for Charlotte or any other familiar faces while we approached. However, when I departed the coach- giving the nose-picking Turk a good glare as I passed- I hadn't seen anyone. Once I was out on the sidewalk (or pavement, as the Brits call it), and just as I was about to reach in and grab my duffle, however, there she was! Charlotte, unfurling a Union Jack banner with my name on it. "Aidan?" said a man standing in front of me, bemused. "That's meee!" I shrieked, and launched around him to give Charlotte an enormous hug. She's taller than I remembered; later last night she told me that I'm shorter than she remembers. Of course.
She mercifully fed me a ham sandwich back at Victoria place, and after some freshening up on my end we took a walk down to Pittville Park, which was even more beautiful than I remembered. We made our way up to the Pump Room, then down around the playground and pond. Daffodils were everywhere, as well as dogs, wet from jumps into the various ponds, and families and couples soaking up some sun and eating ice cream. It was a glorious day, sunny and warm, and I felt deliciously free, barelegged in a short-sleeved dress. After a long walk we took our shoes off and settled down into the grass for a nice chat. It felt SO good to be soaking up some sun after what felt like an enormously long winter.
Today we went to Oxford; couldn't ask for better weather, I am actually sunburned! We just finished up a little steak barbecue in the front yard, and we're headed to the pub soon. Stay tuned for updates and photos!
