A Day in Sevenoaks, Kent

Sunday, July 13

Today, I hopped on the Rail at Waterloo East Station and caught the 11:47 train to Sevenoaks, Kent. It was a pleasant 30 minute ride, in which I spent the entire time writing postcards (4 to 5 cards both ways). Upon arrival I headed straight towards the pay phone. After waiting about 5 minutes for an annoyed caller to finish her discussion, I tried calling my cousin Emily, but the phone was busy. I tried calling after another woman made a call and finally got connected to my cousin. She told me to take a cab to the house, which was close to the rail station.

When I reached the house and paid the cab, I walked toward the house and heard her voice calling out to me, but didn't see a face. I looked toward both doors, then heard her voice again and went to the right-side door. There I met her with a big grin on both of our faces, so happy to see each other once again. I went inside the Victorian-style home and met up with her husband, John. He was pleased to see me again as well. It had been three years since I was last to London and visited them, and 23 years before that. We preceded into the living room, sat down, and caught up on what I was doing and what they were doing, then our discussion turned to family. My cousin offered tea and we all relaxed a bit more with quaint conversations until it was time for a little nosh (lunch).

When things were cleared off the table and put away, we continued our discussion on various matters. One topic was activities my course included for the upcoming week and what places I'll be traveling to. As I rambled off the itinerary, I mentioned that my group will be traveling soon to Oxford, and John got a bit animated because he attended Oxford University Law. he briefly left the room and returned shortly with an old travel guide, Alden's Guide to Oxford (Two Shilling Net, John said it was about 50 years old), and said that I could borrow it for the trip. I was hesitant to take it at first because of its age and condition, but John said that if was fine, even if it falls apart. He also gave me a return envelope. How nice was that?!

After various other discussions about the economy, currency, weather and politics, we convened to having a second tea. This time I helped my cousin setting up everything needed. She sat down and I said, "Welcome to Bryce's Tea Party, I will be serving you today." From that exclamation, both laughed, as I did, and I proceeded to pour the tea, "one lump or two?" and also served the English muffins with butter and jam. I do believe they both got a real kick out of that!

As we all were talking and reminiscing, I looked at the clock and looked at the rail schedule to plan a return time. I said that I was getting tired and that I should be getting back to London soon. John assisted with checking the rail schedule and we decided that we should get ready, and that John would drive me back to the rail station. Emily mentioned that if I needed a place to stay during my 6 day min-break,that their home was available to stay at. I was really touched by that offer and stated that I would not reserve any time at King's College and focus on planning my trip to Berlin to visit my friend Shelley. And if I decide to return early, that I would certainly let them know of my plans in advance.

I have to say that I enjoyed my visit today even more so than the last time I was here in London; and even 23 years ago. I'll have to plan to return again real soon to have another pleasant reunion with them.