I'm back from my first ever overseas book signing! First of all, just the fact that i'm able to write and say that sentence is mind blowing to me. So, thank you all for wanting me there and making my life so extremely satisfying. :)
It's different in London. But not too different. I mean, it's a big city filled with hustle and bustle and tiny streets and too many cars. I found myself looking around at all the buildings and the bars and the restaurants and I could literally SEE where parts of New York and Boston came from. The signs, the ironwork, the design of the building... It was as if the inspiration for our country was surrounding me on all sides. I'm sure some of you are sitting there saying "no shit Jenn," but you have to understand how weird that is for me... a girl from Southern California who always thought that Boston and New York had really old shit (especially considering how little California truly has). To me, those states were super old and had beautiful things i'd never seen before.
And then I came to England.
I've never, in my entire life, seen anything that looks like this.
I mean, aside from in pictures online or in history books. And trust me when I tell you that it's NOT the same. (that's the house of parliament by the way)
Or what about this?
The only castle's I've ever seen have been made out of sand. lol (that's warwick castle) And the grounds surrounding the castle were stunning.
HOW ARE THEY STILL STANDING?!? HOW CAN I PLAY AROUND IN THEM STILL AND THEY DON'T CRUMBLE BENEATH MY FEET?!?!?!?
And WHO THE HELL GOES TO COLLEGE AT A PLACE THAT LOOKS LIKE THIS?!?!?! (This is Oxford)
It's one thing to read about places and hear about their history, but it's another to walk through it and see it with your own eyes. I feel so small. I feel so naïve. But I also feel excited... because my eyes have been opened, my heart has swelled and my mind has expanded. I can't wait to experience more.
That's all. But it's sort of everything, don't you think. :)
I couldn't agree more with everything you said. It's one of my dreams to go and experience the ancient history that We don't have in America and probably won't because we also tear down the old to make the new. :/ Glad you had a great time.
ReplyDeleteAhh so jealous! I can't wait to travel - I'm DYING to go to Italy and Greece! Looks like you had a blast, but we're glad to have you back here in the US of A. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy you enjoyed your visit I hope we have enticed you to come again <3
ReplyDeletelooks like you had a lot of fun. If and when your come back you should come and see Cambridge it's another old city with lots of collages very pretty in places only 2 hours from London on the train.
ReplyDeleteHi, i live in UK, my house was built 1750 - like you it amazes me how things were built in the past and are often stronger than stuff built today. I love to think of all the people who've lived in my home in the past. it still has lots of orginal features, windows - even some of the glass, its thin at top and wavy where glass actually changes over time! - doors and handles, shutters on the front windows. even a well in the garden. anyway, i'm so glas you enjoyed your time here. If you get time look at nortwich castle - about 30 miles from me it was built 900 years ago! norwich is actually the most complete mediaeval city in Europe and we've loads of original streets and homes http://www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/Visit_Us/Norwich_Castle/index.htm. anyway, i came across this blog via your books - which ive not read! yet, I'm a reveiwer so i'd love to review any or all of them :) if you're looking for some uk reviews.
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