A night with South African’s
(GBK Burger)
Dan and Andy dropped us in Richmond, where Ruth and I connected with Julia, my summer running partner in Stellenbosch who is now back in London. Great to have time to connect, but a pity our planned run in Richmond Park was postponed till next time. She kept telling me about deer in Richmond Park, and seeing them while running 4min km’s holding conversation. Mmm. I’d have to see it to believe it, but Julia is always good for her word.
Our Richmond to Wimbledon train doors didn’t open automatically. A first for us. So I lost a few seconds there, got on with my bike in hand, and as Ruth lifted our big bag, the doors shut, and I was off. We hadn’t talked the scenario through before, and I thought we didn’t have phone contact. Brief panic. I disembarked at the next station – mistakenly – and decided to bike back to Richmond as opposed to wait for the next train in 45min’s time as St Margarets is desolate on a Sunday afternoon. Riding amongst London’s double decker red busses with no brakes is not recommended. I dug my right foot’s Puma into the tar as hard I could, Ukrop’s green grocery back hitting the spokes…
I walked the rest to Richmond Station, and found my misses calm as ever waiting patiently. Hence we were late for the Shofar Church service on Wimbledon Common, with paster Fred over from South Africa to do the sermon. Most of the congregation I recognised from Shofar in Stellenbosch. Over working in London. And it felt like home for a moment. A great sermon confronting deeply, on the effect of how we see things, how we view each other, and how a heart of gratitude can affect our worlds.
Great moments catching up with South African accents from friends based in London after the service as well as at GBK (Gourmet Burger Kitchen) for a the meanest burger. Special times with special friends.
