On July 14, 2019, I left Madrid for a quick trip to England not really to sightsee but to visit a family I consider my own. I lived with them while I was a graduate student in Spain and they moved to London in the late 1990s. They have lived there since.

What a reunion it was! It was so nice to see my dearest friend named Tita who I fondly call my Inay (Mom, in Filipino). Her daughter, Catherine, was like a younger sister to me. Had they not invited me to go, I would not have gone. It was sooo nice to see them after so many many years.

Upon arrival, they took me to a delicious lunch in their favorite Chinese restaurant. They ordered so much food, the dishes didn't fit our table. Shortly thereafter they took me to Boxhill in Dorking for some impressive views of the countryside.