Twenty years ago, we left London after being stationed here for three years. Although I have returned almost every summer since then, I have always dreamt of a longer, more permanent stay than a few weeks. I wanted to LIVE in London just one more time. With Jack’s retirement, we decided this would be the perfect time to do so. I found a fantastic flat on Open Rent. Turns out, the owner is a Stewart and a Michigan grad! Moving into Flat 6 1A Montagu Place Greenhaven Ct, W1H 2EP, was a true joy. I don’t think I quit smiling for a week! After a few trips to Primark and John Lewis to make the flat a little more homey (a knife, a pan, a lamp, and a few bath items), Jack and I set our minds to finding workout places. After all, eating fish and chips, steak pies, and lots of clotted cream was going to be detrimental to our waistline. He found a great gym—Fitness First—with weight training and classes similar to his Orange Theory. I found an excellent yoga/pilates studio—Total Chi Pilates.
I bet you are thinking, “Why London? My answer is always— “Why not?” Then you’re probably thinking, “Why during the bleakest and coldest months? That is an easy answer. Although I love London in the summer and all the fantastic outdoor events and activities around the town, it is often crowded with those pesky tourists, and it can be quite hot with no AC! But Fall and Winter, that’s another story. Actually living here (albeit only 6 months), I have the great privilege of not being a tourist, rushed and hurried to see every historic site, museum, and art gallery (which I could never tire of). Now Jack and I spend leisurely days outside and enjoy the crisp autumn days when the parks and gardens transform into a tapestry of brilliant oranges and fiery reds. We have our everyday routine—a check of the news, a planned workout, cooking/cleaning, etc. But, when the sun comes out in the middle of the day, I pack up my computer and head to Hyde Park and the Serpentine Café, where I sit and people-watch (along with writing this blog). Or, some days, I wander through the streets and admire the beautiful window displays. A few friends have met us for dinners, and we still have a few friends who live or work in London. One of Jack’s CBRE colleagues invited us out for drinks on his boat, which he docked at St. Katherine’s Docks for the month of August. The first few weeks have been busy with basic house stuff – unpacking, settling in, and finding the closest and best pubs! Believe it or not, we found pickleball buddies and play two or three times a week (more on that in the next update). It’s a little different than our old five-minute drive to the courts; we take the tube for 30-40 minutes, then walk to the assigned sports club or school. (The courts are not to USAP regulation, but instead played in a gym on badminton courts with a smaller “kitchen”. And there are sooooo many colored lines—basketball—black, netball—red, volleyball—green, tennis—yellow, and badminton—white. But we are happy to play no matter where, and we’ve met some great people.
So, our first two weeks have been a whirlwind. We set up the flat to our liking, filled the pantry (thank God Waitrose and Amazon Fresh deliver), and settled into a daily routine. It has been an incredible journey—from Houston to London. Even though there have been some minor snags, we just chalk it up to “living on the edge”.
I am so blessed. I am living my dream. Each day is one of gratitude—even those rainy days. I look back on the last 40 years and still can’t believe how the Lord has blessed me. Jack and I are so thankful for the ability to travel, our health, and our friends and family! Stay tuned for the next two-week update from London!
