The train is lulling me.  It’s time to rest.  My ten-day journey in England has begun.  I’ve worked hard in learning Dutch and re-learning the cello.  It’s worth a smile or several. 

Today four trains take me to Eastbourne, south of London.  A professional tennis tournament awaits.  Yay!  So does a lovely city on the English Channel.  On the beach sits a bandstand built in 1935.  During my stay I’ll be there three times watching tribute shows for Fleetwood Mac, U2 and Neil Diamond.  Yay again!

***

Now the Eurostar train from Brussels to London.  My seatmate is a young woman from Cologne, Germany … Anastasia.  Her immediate smile suggests that a conversation is coming.  And we talked for the whole two hours.

I know my stories, and Anastasia was interested.  But hers … Wow!  She’s dedicated to the person and music of Taylor Swift.  I told her that I had a general negative impression of Taylor.  But then I admitted I had nothing to base that on!  Just some stuff that a few people had said.

I don’t know her music.  I don’t know her lyrics (which Anastasia thinks are often amazing).  So how can I have any opinion about what Taylor brings to the world?  I vow to listen.

Anastasia is going to Taylor’s concert tonight at Wembley Stadium, along with about 90,000 other human beings.

And what’s she doing tomorrow night?  The same thing.  How about Sunday?  Ditto.

Some of her friends admire her courage: doing what she loves doing, and going to London alone.  Other friends think she’s crazy.  Anastasia doesn’t mind.  So emotionally strong for an 18-year-old.

We talked about life … and then we said goodbye.  She became one of many in St. Pancras Station.  It was time to find her Airbnb and dress up for the Taylor show.

***

For me it took two trains to get to Eastbourne from London.  I exited at East Croydon and looked for a pub.  Jean, my Airbnb host, wouldn’t be home till 5:30 and it was only 2:30.

I found Porter and Sorter.  I said hi to five local guys who were watching Euro 2024 – Ukraine vs. Slovakia.  Perfect.  A sports bar.  I sat with them.

I talked to the guy next to me about football, British beer, Belgian beer.  He and his friends didn’t seem to be cheering for one team or the other.  Their conversation was king.  I loved the talking … and I was yelling and clapping for Ukraine.  Two late goals gave them the victory.  Yes!

One of the fellows was Scottish.  I told him I couldn’t understand what he was saying, that I was learning Dutch and maybe I should add Scottish to my studies!  Laughs all around.

***

Now I’m in Jean’s apartment, sharing the space with Willow – a very young cat.  I’m sure we’ll be fast friends.

And then there’s tomorrow …