Chapter 126: Farewell to fArms

nerd blog post #133

I ain't gonna work on Maggie's farm no more.
No, I ain't gonna work on Maggie's farm no more.
Well, I try my best
To be just like I am,
But everybody wants you
To be just like them.
They say sing while you slave and I just get bored.
I ain't gonna work on Maggie's farm no more.

-Bob Dylan

Steve pointed out this song to me. Gemma=Maggie, obv. So on Friday, I left the farm. The last couple of days were fine. I worked and hung out with Latoya. A new girl came on Wednesday from Australia and so my last work day was longer than normal, showing her how to do everything. I also took some photos and packed and all of that. On Thursday afternoon, the three of us were dropped off at the beach where I lay in the sun one more time. I already miss the heat and the beauty of Portugal. I said goodbyes to Lukas, my library friend, and the owners of the cafe I always went to. In the evening, Gemma joined us for dinner and we went to a great little restaurant where I had the best meal of the whole 3.5 weeks. Delicious fish.

On Friday, I headed to the airport by bus with Latoya. We had a few hours to kill there, and she bought me lunch (her parents did, actually, which was nice) and chatted and drank coffee. Then we said a little goodbye. She was very excited to go home, and I was a bit envious that she'd have family and friends and a boyfriend on the other end to greet her! Travelling alone can become tiring and lonely, at times. And those airport pick-ups really look nice! I am glad I met her and I hope her horsie life is a good one.

I eventually got on my flight to Liverpool. The reason I didn't nerd blog about leaving early is because Friday was Doctor's bday and I wanted to surprise him. So I secretly arrived in England and had exactly one hour and fifteen minutes to get from the landed plane onto the last train to Leamington Spa. This is not a long time, considering I had to go through customs (always the longest in England), get my suitcase, get to the train station, buy a ticket, and then finally board. So I sat at the front of the airplane and was the first one out, running to customs to beat the others. My flip flops broke so I ended up carrying them, and arrived to the customs desk looking like a train wreck. As usual, they questioned me for an annoyingly long time, and this time I was worried I might not make it in, but did manage to get through and finally get my bag. With the clock ticking in a serious way, I opted for a cab to the train station and when I finally got my ticket I had to get them to hold the train as I bolted down the stairs with my 22kg suitcase and my 10kg carryon. I made it. I also vowed to cut the weight of my bags in half, once in Birmingham.

I was finally in Leamington close to 11pm and made my way over to Doctor's. I called him to sing Happy Birthday from outside. He started telling me about the party the night before, which is when I started banging and shouting on his window outside. He nearly had a heart attack! I have never seen him so shocked.

And so, I am back in The Royal Leamington Spa, and we are having a great time. More nerd blogging latron. For now, though, Happy Thunksgiving. This was my fave holiday back in Canada. I don't know if it's a good thing or not, but I have gotten used to missing out on holidays back home, and today doesn't feel much different. Still, Canada is always on my mind. Enjoy the turkey and the family and the fall colours!

With love,

Hincks.