The day began early and soon I was pushing my suitcase onto the landing outside my apartment.  As I started down the first of five flights of stairs I heard “Bruce … let me help you.”

My neighbour Donia is a lovely human being.  She’s also stronger than me.  As we waved goodbye, I heard “Neighbours help each other.”  So true.

I bet that five years ago I would have said no to her offer.  Something has changed.  Guess I’ve grown up.

***

I’m sitting in the Brussels Zuid station, waiting for the Eurostar train to London to open its doors.  The website said to show up between 90 and 120 minutes before departure.  Customs, Brexit and all that.  I was here two hours ahead, and I was finished with the formalities in 23 minutes.  Oh well.  Better to have an extended period of leisure than running for a train that’s just out of my reach.

I sat with a father and son: the older from Manchester, the younger from London.  I asked for “insider” advice.  “What neighbourhood should I visit in London – one where tourists don’t go?”

“Hackney.”

Good.  And here’s a photo of one of its pubs:

Perhaps in two weeks …

***

Now on Eurostar to London.  I’m talking with a fellow who’s an expert on Chinese history, and especially Sun Yat-sen, who was the first president of China after the fall of the emperor around 1920.  He is revered by both the Communist Party in China and by many people in Taiwan.

My friend will be speaking about Sun at a conference about Taiwan on Tuesday, and he expects a rough reaction from some right-wing folks.  It doesn’t trouble him, which is very cool to see.

***

Now I’m in London’s St. Pancras Station, having missed my train to Eastbourne.  I’m doing my best to make two British women laugh … and I’m having success!

***

Another now.  I’m zooming along on a local train from London to East Croydon, partway to Eastbourne.  The young guitarist I’m sitting across from grew up near my destination.  I ask for recommendations and he gives them: the Dew Drop Inn pub, the Long Man Brewery and Harvey’s beer.  There … I’m all set!

***

I’ve missed another train, this time because of “damage to overhead electrical wires”. It’ll be another hour before the last leg of my trip begins. Life happens.

***

I’m approaching Eastbourne accompanied by Heather (mom) and Hannah (daughter). They live in Eastbourne. Heather has been in the area all her life and is sweetly happy about it. I tell her she reminds me of the Canadian singer-songwriter Rita MacNeil who enjoyed rural life in her home province of Newfoundland while her friends headed far away to the big city of Toronto. Here are the words to Rita’s song Realized Your Dreams:

So you never left the small town
With your friends when things got way down
You stood between the tall trees
Threw all caution to the gouries

And you stayed home on the island
And you watched the evening sunrise
And you never thought of leaving
Even when the winds blew cold

And I've seen you at the station
With your arms outstretched and waiting
To welcome home the travellers
Who went searching after dreams

And they never fail to mention
How your life's been one dimension
And you smile at good intentions
Knowing well never they'll never see

All you want or ever needed
You found here without leaving
It's the drifter and the dreamer
Who often fail to see

In the heart that never wanders
Lies a peace that comes with morning
It's knowing when the day is done
You've realized your dreams

***

I finally made it to Eastbourne and I fell asleep at the Airbnb. But at the top of this post I’ve included an evening photo.

I’ll tell you tomorrow about my fine host Jean. She’s a happy one.

***

Finally, for those of you who read my words yesterday, Camila won her match today! Tomorrow at 11:00 am GMT I’ll be sitting on Court Four watching her. Life is sweet.