Rome Wasn't Built in a Day... but You Can Go There for One

I am writing this update from the comforts of the first class lounge on my way home to Philadelphia. It has been a trip I have been looking forward to for weeks and the US Airways guardian angel shining down upon me this morning with an option to upgrade has already started off my travel on the right foot (and right hand holding a free glass of champagne). I am happily munching on my omelet bap (fancy Bristish talk for egg sandwich) and sipping a latte eagerly anticipating the annoucement of my flight boarding.

My work travel over the last two days has been quite busy. I was in Rome for less than 24 hours and am now at Heathrow airport for the third time in two days. I have officially beaten my personal record for fastest turn around time for a work meeting. The meeting went well but of course my anticipation for returning home for a visit pulled me through the long hours and lack of sleep over the last week. I did manage to enjoy an excellent glass of wine and the taxi drove past the Collosseum on the way to the airport - so an overall success!

Over the last few days I have battled the airport security in my usual organized and no-nonsense fashion; however I would estimate that on 1 out of every 5 trips I get separated from the rest of the business traveler herd and end up in the line of people that must be living in a cave and are trying to convince security the 32ounce Listerine and Pantene that they are carrying should be allowed in their hand luggage. I suppose they missed the 500 signs on the way to the security gate that make it pretty clear if it doesn't fit in a sandwich size baggie - that it is not coming with you on the flight. All I can do is stand back and wonder where these people have been, where are they traveling to and where do you even buy a bottle of shampoo that big?

While I have been counting down to my trip today, I have had a chance to do some weekend exploring. Last weekend I visited my colleague Christina and her kids in Henley-on-Thames where they are living. I am now convinced that adding "on Thames" behind a name will automatically produce a quaint and picturesque village. It was just like a British version of Dawson's Creek, although sadly I did not find any Pacey lookalikes wandering around. It offered great 2nd hand shopping and people watching. I am now the proud owner of a Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress that someone wore once and decided they didn't need anymore. I think my new weekend hobby is going to be visiting all of the small affluent English villages to buy up all of the designer merchandise they no longer treasure. What better way to remember my year abroad than fashion finds from across the world. My closet will certainly be happy and my wallet will catch up eventually as well.

Henley is famous for it's boating and while I was strolling along I got to admire many families out on the water enjoying the warmer weather and afternoon boating. I also am amazed at what people name their boats. I sat on a bench and marveled at all of the ridiculous names sailing by. I have decided to add getting a boat to my life list of to dos; however I really only want the opportunity to select a crazy name for it or sit by it and eat sandwiches. I'll have to get one that includes a captain or skipper for any activities that are actually related to the boating part.

I took a shopping break and joined Christina and the kids at a drive-thru safari park just outside London. I had mixed emotions about some of the animals living in the UK climate, but it was pretty awesome to see. Nothing like driving by and watching a family try to get a monkey off their car to pass the time on a lazy Sunday afternoon. I took some pretty good pictures which I will have to post to share. Sadly, I have not taken many pics since I have arrived, but I figured a photo op of a giant ass North American Black bear crossing the road as we were driving by would be a good place to start with the online photo album.

Time for one last swoop to clear out the first class lounge of high quality snacks before the flight. Looking forward to seeing you all in the same time zone...