Duck Ponderings: The Good People of London

Even with the fast pace of London, I witnessed one kind act after the other. It frequently happened in the subway system when people patiently waited for others to get off even with a limited time to get on, (some even willing to catch the next one), when willing to give up a seat to another passenger, when saying “excuse me” or “I'm sorry” for several reasons.

During our stay, I made it a point to get to know some of the people. Our former pastor, Warren Kirk, always stressed to us that we all have a story, that it is beneficial to share our stories with one another.

While in the lobby of our hotel the first evening editing a good friend's book, a waitress gave me some complimentary tea which then led to a wonderful conversation. She came from Romania seeking a better life for herself and her young family. Night after night, she serves others with a warm smile.

I talked to a freelance writer with roots from India. Our conversation was at a restaurant where our tables just happened to be close to one another. She was finalizing an article for BBC News. Of course, I had to mention HSJ Online!

Late one night, I met someone from Afghanistan looking after the safety of others at the hotel. He chose to explore opportunities outside his country. I suspect he was wondering what I was up to when seeing me beyond midnight but then got accustomed to my presence night after night writing articles or editing my friend's book.

I will never forget our time in Notting Hill. We were there due to all of us enjoying the movie named after the town starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant. While taking a picture of the girls in front of the blue door to what was William Thacker's flat in the movie, I hesitated when seeing a gentleman patiently waiting. As I waved him on, he smiled and stated, “I live here.” I then replied, “We should take your picture!”

He went on inside even though I really wanted to talk with him about what it was like with people standing every day in front of his door for a picture. It is my understanding that someone tried painting the door another color at one time but soon changed their minds. I wonder if there is some type of agreement between the city and tenants.

On our final day, I chose not to go shopping on Oxford Street with the girls. So, I walked the same canal that we had traveled on a narrow boat earlier in the week. It gave me an opportunity to reflect.

I thought of the large number of people we saw throughout our stay and not noticing one physical altercation. Then, I thought about the many smiles, including the smile on our daughter's face, Haley, a smile that has been one of her best characteristics since the very beginning of her life. I also thought about how our small community and small school corporation in Hope had contributed so much in helping her as well as many others become positive contributors to this vast society.

Finally, I thought about how I am not one that is easy to persuade to travel but how much I had gained through the experience, one which will always be fondly remembered.