Never Say No to London

Away has been my favorite word ever since I learned how to spell it. A word for going somewhere else on an adventure. That intrigued my second grade mind that was dying to escape my uptight private school.

So, why did I say no to London?

Binging Absolutely Fabulous as a teen sparked my obsession with traveling to Old Londontown. I also fell in love with the eclectic sounds of BBC 6 Music and the Brit's wit and dry sense of humor. And you can only imagine how bewildered I was to discover the delightful nerdiness of Doctor Who on my own, instead of from my British best friend and family members!

Also, my bank account is currently under siege by several British new wave/alternative bands from the 1980's. Duran Duran, Depeche Mode and The Cure all decided to go on tour this year and I had no choice but to surrender my wallet.

So, why the hell did I say no to London?

During my sophomore year in college — when I should have been studying more and spending less time watching Duran Duran concerts online (peak Xennial behavior) — my father booked a family trip to the UK. I was beyond excited!

That is, until I had to choose between London and starting journalism school at the University of Florida. Like the burgeoning workaholic I was, I chose school over a free trip to London. My reasoning was London would always be there (Yeah, but the free hotel, food and plane ticket won't!)

For years I tried to save up and scoot over to England and Ireland. High rent and low pay kind of got in the way of that aspiration.

Fortunately, the dream was only delayed. Just a few days ago, I finally bought a plane ticket for a trip across the pond this year! England, Scotland and Ireland are all on the itinerary for me and my mother. I can't wait to experience London and see the places that inspired my novel in Dublin.

Two decades later, I'm grateful I can finally afford to make this exciting vacation happen. But it's a lesson I'm learning in several areas of my life about not deferring your dreams. There's no going back in time. But moving forward, I want to make room for the many other destinations (Spain, France, Italy), experiences (falling in love, living abroad), and accomplishments (publishing a novel). Yes, I'm in my 40's, but I want to believe that it's never too late.