I had mixed feelings about Charl’s suggestion to visit London during the Christmas holiday week. There are so many places I would like to show Zander. However, this would mean that I would have to open the London memory box that I have stored very deep away for the past 25 years. It was time.

London was a period of growth (1995 -1997)

My two years in London in my early twenties were a period of growth. This Afrikaans-speaking Kalahari girl had to learn to speak proper English and adapt to a global city with grey and cold weather. Sometimes I stood under the SA flag on Trafalgar square and prayed for strength for the day while the tears ran down my cheeks. I found solace in the Kiosk owner across the office’s “Good morning my, Love.”

It is clear how my London experience was a preparation for my life path. In London, I really got to know myself and my Creator. I learned that we have much more inner strength and perseverance than we think. The experience ignited my flame for my travelling, interest in other cultures, and writing passions. I learned the necessity to get involved and be open to new things to integrate into a new environment. The experience allowed me to perform in a London theatre as part of a charity Pantomime production.

Returning to South Africa after London

Our period in London concluded in September 1997, shortly after Lady Diana’s tragic death. Full of hope and dreams, we boarded the plane back to South Africa. However, the adjustment back in South Africa was much more complicated than we expected. We, and many things in South Africa, have changed significantly in these two years. We were gifted two beautiful little boys, but our marriage began to show significant cracks and ended in 2005.

God blessed me with a new life partner and a third son Zander. Zander also enjoys exploring new places and cultures, and the prospect of a London visit during Christmas and New Year’s celebrations at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay excited him.

London Christmas break (2022)

In Switzerland, we watch British television, and the language, culture and humour are familiar. We watched the entire Crown series and other British Netflix series like Outlander. Britain has a significant impact and influence on South Africa and consequently feels like a family member.

London and I have changed a lot in the last 25 years, but there was a familiarity in our reunion. The grey weather and famous historical landmarks brought fond memories. All the Christmas lights in Oxford Street and Covent Garden created excitement. We bought an English Scrabble in Hamley’s toy store, which Zander used to show off. Charl and I still tend to think in Afrikaans.

We experienced a typical British comedy theatre production in the West End and ate traditional fish and chips with plenty of salt, vinegar, and tomato sauce. The Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park was a spectacle. We visited Buckingham Palace to see the Changing of the Guards. However, officials cancelled it due to the rain. We also spent a day with friends of Charl whom we had not seen in South Africa for twenty years.

However, the day after Christmas, Charl had flu symptoms. After serious consideration, we decided to come home. Zander and I were sick with flu before our holiday, and we understood how bad and fragile a person feels. We were disappointed to miss the ABBA concert and the Edinburgh Hogmanay but had compassion with him.

We brought British traditions home with us

When we got home, Zander suggested we make the English tradition of a High Afternoon Tea part of our holiday routine. I decided it was time for him to learn some cooking and baking skills, especially since he is permanently hungry. As a result, we spent the rest of the holiday eating tea and scones, while playing Scrabble.

I am grateful for the opportunity that forced me to open my London memory box again and build new memories with Charl and Zander.

Kind regards

Emsia