Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Caught the train from New Malden to Wimbledon and then transferred to the tube to South Kensington.  Sounds easy, doesn’t it?  Not so much!!  The train/tube ride here was HELL and I almost burst into tears but had Rescue Remedy that I took lots of and just put one foot in front of the other – that’s the only way to do it.      

After I arrived in Wimbledon, I got my ticket to South Kens – then had to FIND the right train to South Kens.  A fellow from NYC and his wife were heading there and guided me in the right direction.  Even got on the right train!  Thank God!

No lift at South Kens tube station and I carried my very heavy suitcase up 3 floors of heavily trafficked steps with a heavy rucksack on my back!  OMG, people CRAMMED everywhere.  I negotiated the stairs with the mantra “one step at a time, one step at a time, one step at a time” and slowly made my way up the steps to the outside world at South Kensington tube station in the middle of Chelsea.  OMG – I’m actually here. 

I followed my airbnb host’s directions to the flat – her directions were clear, which was a relief.  Pulling my suitcase – thank goodness for the 2 wheels, I walked for about 10 minutes, stopping here and there to rest as well as take in my surroundings.  Beautiful, majestic buildings lined the streets of Chelsea.   My wrists are absolutely killing me. This trip is all about new experiences and to see that I can actually DO it - I survived.  My host’s daughter, Becky, very kindly carried my suitcase down some very steep stairs to the flat.  I was exhausted and so happy to be there.

After a cup of tea, I spiffed myself up a little bit and went out to wander Chelsea in the autumn light. Went down to Kings Road to pick up some food at Waitrose.  As I walked the streets of Chelsea, I felt confident and comfortable. 

My host, Caroline, is an artist and she invited me to join her and her partner at the Chelsea arts club the next night for a private party and drinks!!!  She said she normally doesn't invite people to things like this but because I am an artist she thought I might like to join them.  So tomorrow evening around 8:30 PM I am off to meet other artists at a very casual event. How cool is that! I'm pretty blown away that I had the courage to say yes – another move out of my comfort zone!

Picked up some soup, soy milk, apples, almond butter and cheese at Waitrose, wandered around Kings Road for a little while taking in the window displays and headed back to the flat.  Made my dinner, sat on the bed and turned on the TV – whew!!  I’m here.