Elise

after a polarising excuse for a night’s sleep, I showered and waited to meet Joel out at the park down the lane from our hostel. Blake and I called briefly, before Joel surprised me behind my back. together we ventured by overground and tube to Stratford, where we met the best friend of his soon to be sister in law, with whom Joel had left his big bag during his trip to Belgium. we collected the bag and chatted about the wedding - Joel’s brother only proposed this weekend, but hopes to be married before the end of next year.

Joel and I wandered for a bit, exploring the empty expanse of what was once the focal point of the globe during the London 2012 Olympic celebrations. we parted ways - Joel made his way back home, whilst I took the tube to Liverpool street to meet Elise.

Elise has been on exchange at the Royal College of Music since September, and seems to have settled into the city well. she greeted me with a big hug before leading the way to brick lane, where we enjoyed some street food at a local market and caught up on all we’d missed of each other’s lives. we spoke about friends we missed, things we like and not like so much about the UK… I felt really proud to see how she has managed to make London work for her. a lovely afternoon with a friend I’ve missed.

I walked halfway home before giving in and catching the bus when the sun went down, meeting Joel in the park and walking together for a cheap eat. a couple hours spent in Joel’s hostel room, meeting his roommates and laughing about silly things. 

two more days in the UK. nearly a week since we bid Lewes farewell - it still feels as though it could have been a dream. <<