Dear Josh,
This is obviously the first time I am travelling with Shalini. And it has been so lovely. She has really become a sister to Jess, and another daughter to me. The 2 girls are keeping me super busy, which is very nice, and you will be happy to know, we are clocking an average of 20K steps each day!
We didn’t make any concrete plans. At the most, the plans are made the day before. One of the first places we went to was Hyde Park. This was one of the places you frequented a few times when you were in London, and I recall you loving it. Do you remember the first time? With Ammamma and Patta? Things had not been great so the mood was a bit sombre. But it picked up when we saw how beautiful it was. We have some great pictures there. The second time was just you and me. We walked up to the big pond and watched the swans. And I think the last time you went with Jess. So it was only apt that this was one of the first places we went to with Shalini. It was a long, but lovely walk. We contemplated sitting on the paddling boats but then decided against it when we saw the many ducks and other birds. I told Shalini the story of how I’ve always wanted to cycle in Hyde Park and you had promised to go with me. She happily agreed to accompany me if I wanted to do it! Let’s see!
On the second day we went to the Tower of London. Another place you visited when you were little.
And on the third day we went to Sigmund Freud’s house, another thing we thought you would be interested in. We saw his consultation room, as well as his daughter’s. And the many relics and stories about him. Jess got you a little magnet. The 3 of us discussed how you didn’t quite like his teachings, but Shalini reminded us that from his literature came more studies and knowledge. You would have liked it I think. I hope you were with us as we walked around his house.
It’s been so fun going around London with the 2 girls. Shalini is so easy to travel with, and we are all aligned in things we want to do. Deep down, there is often that niggly thought I try not to think of -how amazing it would have been to have you with us here too.
Love Mum
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