They arrived on my doorstep…

When I first moved to London in January, it was a stark change from student and political life in Canada. Two and a half months into this internship, I have grown accustomed to the changes, and although I miss home at times, I am really enjoying myself here. The past few weeks brought a little taste of Canadian life in to my London world with visits from three amazing people!

Danielle came in mid February and spent a week with me in London and Paris. It was an amazing time, and great to see her again! She came with a suitcase filled with goodies from home including the latest issue of Macleans, chocolates and peanut butter! Good peanut butter is a rarity here, and to enjoy a little taste of Kraft Crunchy Peanut Butter was a heaven…seriously! After gallivanting around the city for the first part of the week Tuesday morning found us on an early morning train to Paris for three days. Paris is such a beautiful place, and I’m sure if you ask McGee, she’d express her undying love for France’s capital. After hitting up l’Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, The Beaver – a Canadian bar – and a few other touristy sites we made our way to the top of the Eiffel Tower to cap off our Parisian adventure. Tired after our trip we got back into the city on Thursday and spent the last few days visiting London’s other major attractions and catching the hilarious show ‘Avenue Q’ – so funny! The week came and went too quickly which made the airport drop a tough one!

This past Saturday saw the arrival of Pam and the Force, on their first flight – ever. Since it was their first flight it was riddled with turbulence, crying babies and delays, obviously. But 10 hours after their scheduled departure from Ottawa International, the duo arrived with all of their goodies – Ms. Vickies chips, Starbucks coupons, Advil Liqi-Gels and Macleans – at Heathrow International. Some roaming in Camden and Portobello markets on the weekend and some debauchery on Saturday night was their official welcome to London! The twosome enjoyed the rest of their week taking in various London sights, drinking on public transport and also enjoying the hilarity of ‘Avenue Q’ on their last night!

Looking ahead I will be welcoming two other Canucks, whose shopping list of Canada-only items is slowly forming…