Just Like Old Times, Almost

Just about ten years ago, I spent a semester abroad in Oxford.  Ånd now I sit on the Chunnel excited because I get to see the family that I spent this time with.  Though the ride through the Chunnel was smooth, the underground from London to Heathrow had a traffic jam.  Apparently, they had too many trains on the tracks and so our train that was suppose to go all the way to the airport changed it’s route and now we had to move all of our stuff to another train giving up our comfy seats.  But nonetheless, we made it and guessed correctly by going to terminal two where we could find the shuttle to AVIS.

We had the nicest shuttle driver who gave us directions down to Oxford, and even turned up the radio when the traffic news was on.  His directions sounded so easy, but when it came to implementing, it wasn’t as easy but with a few u turns through the roundabouts, we made it all the way down to Oxford.  Though I tried to give directions instead of following Pat’s, my host mum, and 10 years was just too long to remember the right way though I did point out the Mc Donald’s that is still there.

And when we finally arrived to the house, I stood outside confused because there was a different last name wooden block on the front door. And Pat just walks right out saying, “Don’t worry you’re at the right house.”  And though they thought the house hadn’t changed at all, but it had.  They had added a whole new addition to the attic which is were we slept bigger than my last room there which is now a storage area.  And the best part was they had redone the whole bathroom and added a shower because when I lived there it was only a bath which makes it hard to get ready in the morning as I’m always running late.  And they’d redone the backyard. So some things had changed, but the tree in the front yard was still the same (though techniquely it’s the neighbor’s tree as she shares a yard with one neighbor.

We got to enjoy catching up and seeing the 10 year old I use to know who is almost 21 years old now.  Justine had the same face but looked so much older making me feel much older.  Now, I know how parents feel as she felt like a little sister when I lived there and now all grown up.  She and her boyfriend, Darren, are trying to find a way to buy a place and so they were there using the computer trying to find something they could afford.  The first place is usually the hardest because it always ends up being smaller than you want as you realize just exactly you can afford once you tack on all the other expenses.

Pat had dinner ready for us even though we were so late from picking up the car.  It was great to have a home cooked meal again which would continue for a whole week as we were heading off to Bill’s friend’s, Mike, house for Easter.  I also got to meet Pat’s new boyfriend, Rob, who got along great with Bill as they’re both logical thinkers.  Not to mention that they had four cats now, as Pat had two and then Rob brought two after they moved in together making it the Brandy Bunch of cat, which was great for me.  I hope Mojo wasn’t too jealous.

The next day Bill and I drove into the Oxford Center.  After we finally found the parking structure, we had some nachos before continuing.  Then I got to show Bill around, but 10 years was too long to remember exactly where everything was so we had to keep consulting the maps posted around town. But we did go the top of St. Mary’s and got a great view of the town, and joke with the ticket lady that she would flip a switch and bring the sun out while we were up there to see the great view.  And the sun did make a slight appearance while we were up there which was quite funny.  And then went away for the rest of the day.   We took advantage that it wasn’t raining and just walked around enjoying all the old buildings.  And then we made an expensive pit stop at the book store because we had no idea when we’d see books in English again.  Neither Bill nor I can say no to an interesting book and left the store $60 lighter.

Though getting back to the car wasn’t hard, it was driving out of the city.  As we ended up driving on the buses only streets, but luckily, we didn’t get pulled over.  And somehow we found our way back with my somewhat shaky directions of 10 years ago riding the bus back and forth and never actually driving.  As some of you know, I don’t necessarily pay any attention if I’m not the one driving, but we made back in time for another home cooked meal, Bill’s favorite lasagna.

Though we spent part of the night with the four of us trying to explain the finer points of financing, buying your first place, and relationships to Justine though it might of all been in vain.   But it was fun to try, she may of got a point or two.

The next morning being Good Friday in England is a bank holiday, so we spent the morning with Rob and Pat eating and watching TLC type home improvement shows with an English twist.   The problem I find with these shows is that I get addicted and what to see how the house turns out, and they come on one after the other so I just never get up and always get sucked in.  And then it was time to drive towards Bill’s friend’s in Cambridge.  It was such a short visit, but it was wonderful to see them again.

Michelle