Pearson International
As I sit here in the Hustle and bustle of Terminal 1 at Pearson International Airport in Toronto, I can't help but feel the mixed emotions of excitement, nostalgia, gratitude and a touch of sadness. As I engage in a bit of 'people watching,' I find myself pondering the stories behind the faces around me while also reflecting on my journey thus far.
I'm excited because I'll be flying across the pond to the UK in just a few hours and landing at London's Heathrow Airport. I'll spend the next four days immersing myself in vibrant places like Camden Market, the Borough Market, Churchill's war rooms, Bath and Stonehenge, to name just a few. On Friday I'll take a train up to Newcastle where I will pick up a car for the rest of my trip. I'll reconnect with family in County Durham and explore places like Whitley Bay, Whitby, Robin Hood's Bay, Holy Island, and Bamburgh before heading further North to Edinburgh. After Edinburgh, I'll make my way to Dumfries/Galloway for a photography retreat with the incredible Jessica McGovern of That Tog Spot. Jess is an international, multi-award-winning photographer, a fantastic tutor and an absolutely incredible human being. After the retreat, I'll head back to Newcastle to continue exploring the rugged Northumbrian coast for the last few days of my trip. I am very excited to photograph as many dogs as possible in these fantastic historical locations.
Nostalgic because although I have lived in the Niagara region of Ontario for most of my life and raised a family here, I was born in Gateshead, an area rich in history and home to the renowned Angel of the North. My mom's family are all from Gateshead, and my dad's family is all from Newcastle. The North East of England will always be home…." howay the toon".
Gratitude. I'm grateful for so many things. Specifically, at this moment, I'm thankful that I have the financial means to take this trip; I'm pleased that my health allows me to carry my 30-pound camera bag through hills and valleys; I'm grateful I still have family in the area; I am grateful for discovering That Tog Spot on youtube. Jess is nothing short of inspirational. The opportunity to learn from her in an immersive setting is undoubtedly an extraordinary privilege. I am eager to refine my skills, gain new perspectives, and bring fresh creativity to my work.
A little sadness... I wish I was sharing this trip with my husband; he would have truly loved the UK. I will miss my kids and grandkids, my dogs and most of all, my 8-month-old grandson, who will definitely be in university by the time I get back at the end of March.
Wheels up in 2 hours.
Stick around for updates from the UK—behind-the-scenes glimpses, stunning images, and reflections on this journey.