Love letter to Worcester

I simply cannot wrap my head around the fact that my time here has come to an end.  I have truly loved being here for the past four months.  It has been the experience of a lifetime.

I miss my husband, my children and my friends, but the miracle of technology eased the pain of separation and distance.  I don't know if I could have survived this trip without the electronic link of e-mail and Google Hangouts.   I was also blessed that my husband was here twice and I had visits from two of my friends and my oldest daughter.  I will also have the great opportunity to go to Istanbul to meet my son and his girlfriend, and to travel with another of my friends to meet my daughter and her boyfriend in Prague.  We will also travel  on to Krakow and Berlin.

It's no secret that the last few years have presented me with some challenges.  This trip has put those challenges in perspective.  I have felt freer and more adventurous than I have for many, many years.  Being here gave me an opportunity to re-create myself.  I was able to push back against limits I have imposed on myself.  I let go of some phobias and anxieties and I allowed myself to take risks I would have avoided in the past.

My campus experience was great.  I loved the three hour modules and intimate class sizes.  I loved the engagement of the students in our daily activities.  I loved getting to know the students in the SIE program on a much more personal and friendly level.  I loved not having to drag my laptop around since each classroom had a fully equipped AV podium.  I loved having a close, working relationship with my two colleagues.  I liked having an office mate and an unlocked door with our director.  I liked having regular meetings as a team wherein we spoke freely and respectfully.  It was a wonderful collegial experience.

I truly loved living in this town and in this country.

The River Severn was one of the first sources of exploration for me.  Just walking along the riverside was a daily education.  Reading signs and watching wildlife were both instructive and entertaining every single day.

The canals were so different  from anything I've experienced back in the states.  I overcame my fear of walking on the locks and it became enjoyable to do so.

The trips I've taken have been such great learning experiences and so much fun.  I feel as though I earned another college degree with all that I've learned.  How great is it that living here in the West Country offers day-trip access to so many wonderful cities and sites just by hopping on a train or a coach.  I loved
Scotland,

Wales,

 Stratford,

Blenheim Palace,

Bath,

Cornwall,

Stokesay Castle,

Whitley Court,

Malvern,

Gloucester,

Oxford,

Avebury,

 Stonehenge,

Cirencester,

 and, of course, London.

Worcester itself has been a source of so much learning, I could not have predicted all that the city had to offer.  The museums here might not be world-class, but they are local gems which should not be overlooked.

The Cathedral and its bells

The Royal Worcester Porcelain Museum

The Commandery

The Tudor House

Greyfriar's

The City Art Gallery and Museum

I have loved the fact that I can walk the streets of this town at any time of the day or night and feel completely safe.   I love the fact that I could walk absolutely everywhere I needed to go.  Although I rented a car twice, I believe if I lived here permanently, I wouldn't want to have a car.  I didn't feel I needed it.  The rentals allowed me to explore other towns, but I didn't need a vehicle more than those two weekends.

I love the local eateries and their proprietors.  My first "discovery" was the Cafe Afloat,

which proved to be a lovely place to have a cup of coffee or the occasional dinner.  I was so sad when it closed down back in November, and have every hope it will re-open soon.

The Cathedral Cafe has been a personal refuge.  The ladies who run the cafe, Luciana and her daughter Emma, are two of the kindest women I've ever met.

It was such a treat to stop in for cream tea and a chat.  I feel I've made real friends.

On a less personal level, I enjoyed

Bindle's

Benedicto's,

Saffron,

Puccini's,

Carluccio's,

the Little Ginger Pig

and the Chocolate Deli.

Each venue offers really terrific food and wonderful service.

I was also blessed to travel to France for a weekend and visit with some lovely friends.

I do have some wishes for my adopted town.  I hope the litter problem improves.  I hope the people of Worcester (and the UK more broadly) stop smoking.  I hope the drivers and bike riders develop more respect for pedestrians.  I hope dog owners work harder at taking care of their animals' BMs so unsuspecting walkers don't accidentally "step in it".


This is a gem of a town and one which deserves to be better known. I would come back here in a heartbeat if resources and opportunities presented themselves.  It feels like a second home.