London and long lost friends

When I left Chile, I left family friends and sunshine. I arrived in London, it was raining, and I was instantly greeted by the peak hour hustle and bustle of tubes, buses and grumpy, busy Londoners- collars up, eyes down.

I was initially in shock. What was I doing? Leaving behind the friendly smiles, kind gestures and happiness inducing sunshine of South America. But to make up for the bad weather I surrounded myself with good company.

For those of you who don't know. I went to boarding school in Somerset, southwest England from the age of 10-18. The last time I was in the UK was summer 2007. And sadly with the passing of time, one drifts apart from friends, emails become more sporadic and common ground dwindles. So I arrived; jet lagged, tired and cold to Kate's doorstep.

We were good friends in high school, but the last time I'd seen Kate was in Melbourne, Australia on our gap year while she was visiting family. And despite the lack of communication in the years that have passed she took me in, made me a cuppa and we spent the night gossiping away. It was just like the old days, but better, we were calmer, happier and more mature.

I then spent the next two weeks visiting people from my past, rekindling long lost friendships and walking down memory lane. It was both soul satisfying but also calming to know that after so many years, so much change, so many ups and downs, the people I knew, the people I loved, are still there, still able to make me laugh and smile.

I spent New Years Eve with another high school friend, Kate, making burgers, eating ice cream and watching ballet. It was lovely to gossip and giggle, generally resolving back to my high school self. After a weekend of visiting friends in London, Cooper came from Australia.

Its been interesting to see people's faces as they question and calculate that yes, I have a boyfriend, and yes we're going to be away from each other for 15 months as I trot around the world doing my own thing. So after 5 months apart, Cooper got on a plane and flew 17,000 km to see me.

I met him at the airport, and as I stood there, heart in my throat I couldn't help but think, what if its weird? What if I don't make him laugh? What if he doesn't make me smile?

Well, like most worry, it was completely unfounded and proved to be a waste of energy. We spent the next 12 days smiling and laughing, as if no time had passed at all. We had so many adventures. We went to Paris (my Christmas present to Cooper- a surprise I've kept for months!) which proved to be both cold and a flurry of touristy visits (I've seen the Mona Lisa, she's pretty, and the Eiffel tower, its tall) almond croissants, bad french and baguettes.

We went to Somerset to visit Wellington School, my old boarding school. We drove from London, and as the sun transversed the English countryside I felt a feeling of familiarity wash over me. I felt something resonate- like I belonged. I honestly felt like I was returning home.

We spent the weekend catching up with people from my past. From dinner with my ex-boyfriends family, lunch with my favourite teachers and we even stayed with Dr. Lungley, a favourite teacher of mine from school, who I unofficially call my English Dad.

I loved every second of it. I was so happy. I woke up smiling and went to sleep smiling. I went through a couple of boxes from my high school days. I found old treasures, a plethora of memory inducing photos (Miles- I'll take a ransom fee for some of these!)

And upon visiting my old school, was invited to give a little speech to the senior school. As I stood there in front of a couple hundred students in the beautiful chapel I spent so many Sunday mornings, my heart swelled. I openly told them about the journey I'm on, how I got here and encouraged them to savour their time at Wellington, to challenge their futures, be grateful to their teachers and to lap up every moment. These are the golden years, that forge you into the people you will be, and help you find your way to become the people you want to be.

To be honest, I nearly cried. I just wish they could see what I saw. Hundreds of lucky, healthy, happy teenagers on the brink of possibility. I guess part of the beauty of that age is not fully understanding your potential or fortune.

So, as I sit here, in India, hugged by the humidity, I reflect on my short time in England and beam. I am so grateful for all the opportunities I had, to visit old friends, rebuild lost friendships, spend time with Cooper and other people I love, to remind myself where I came from and remind myself of what it feels like to belong somewhere.

So, I want to thank everyone I saw. You all mean the world to me. You have no idea of the positive effect your company had on me and my GVI journey.

Kate Hutch and housemate Dave, and Sam who I didn't see, but left her room to us. Thank you for making us feel at home in the big city, you are brilliant hosts and wonderful people. Kate Goodall for welcoming the new year with me, you are as sweet as pie and I'm your biggest fan. Alice and Henry, thank you for proving that time heals everything, you two look so happy together. Flora, once joined at the hip, I'm glad we could reconnect, meant the world to me, thanks for making the effort. Hannah for coming in from St. Albans and sharing Mexican memories, I miss the whole crew. Goughy for the beer and chit chat about the good old chemistry days. The Claphams, thanks for a lovely roast dinner and charming company, Han Ban, Laura, Sarah and Pete, a pleasure as always. Dr. Matt (and therefore Tom) thanks for reminding me that even a broken heart can heal and be replaced with friendship. Captain Ashley, good luck in Oxford and thanks again for opening my mind and once again reminding me that I don't have a zombie plan.

The Lungleys, I seriously love you, thanks for sharing your home, your memories and making our time in Somerset truly magical. Miss T (sorry Stephanie, I just can't help it) your contagious laugh takes me back to my first days at Avenue, thanks for being a guiding light then and now. Max and Jill, you look so well and happy (I'd bet not chasing 45 teenage girls has helped), thanks for the cuppa and the promise of a music box in exchange for a bottle of Australian red on my inevitable return. Kate Newmarch, despite my lack of communication, I still hold you and your family close to my heart. Beth, I could not think of anyone better to visit the photography exhibit with, you look so happy. Em, thanks for dinner, you are my academic idol, I'm so glad we could rekindle our friendship, you make me smile. Jono and B, thank you for introducing us to stilton, digestive biscuit and port, my palette will never be the same. Ryan, thanks for reliving Mexico with me in cold cloudy London. Will, you make me think, thanks for challenging me and sharing all those entrees. Miles, thanks for helping me get to Kate's house, I can honestly say little brother, you belong in London. Dan, Mr. Reader, Mr. Page, Mr. Vyse, Mrs. Nickleson, Mr. Felletar, Mr. Anderson, Mrs. Vyse, Miss Rowe and the other teachers at Wellington school. Thank you for the support then and now, Wellington is a very special place, thanks for making it that way.

And Cooper, my love. Thank you for taking the time to fly to England. Thank you for taking the "Tina-tour" of England and coming with me to visit where I came from and meeting all the people I love. Thank you for making me smile and reminding me what the journey of life is all about. I can honestly say, hand on heart, that knowing I get to come home to you at the end of all this makes the inevitable reality of returning so much less scary and sad.

It was hard to leave. It was hard to close the flood gate after the memories came rushing back, but thanks to everyone for the experience. I am now in Kochin, south India. Amongst a new set of volunteers, teaching in a school with underprivileged kids, soaking up the delicious food, beautiful colours and hot sun.

From long lost friends to new friends. From cold to hot. The next adventure begins...

London and long lost friends