The past few weeks were filled with excitement and preparation for a significant milestone in my life: my graduation from the University of East London. Last Wednesday, my husband and I flew from Germany to London to attend this long-awaited celebration of my educational and career achievements. To make the most of this moment, we both took a week off from work and embarked on an eventful journey-one filled with laughter, love, and a few surprises along the way.
The Journey Begins: A Hectic Start
The week kicked off with a hectic schedule. On Monday, my husband had a doctor’s appointment for his back pain, and then we embarked on a three-hour nonstop drive to our other apartment in Siegburg. By Tuesday morning, it was time to catch our flight to London.
The day started early, with chilly weather adding to the drama. Our train to the airport was delayed by 30 minutes, but thankfully, we still made it on time and even landed in London 30 minutes ahead of schedule!
From Heathrow Airport, we had a choice: wait for my dear friend Christine or go straight to our apartment and return later to pick her up. Opting for efficiency, we chose the latter. After purchasing all-day train tickets (thanks to a kind and helpful lady at the information desk), we began navigating our way to our apartment.
What we didn’t expect was the interesting journey ahead. A second train we needed wasn’t at the same station, and my husband’s navigation app suggested a “short” 14-20 minute walk. That walk turned out to be through a tunnel under the river – 600 meters long, dimly lit, eerily quiet, and with zero phone signal. To say I was uneasy is an understatement. At one point, I asked my husband if we had any self-defense tools (as if we were about to star in an action movie), but he reassured me. We kept walking. A guy ran past us, then another appeared behind us, and my imagination ran wild. But hey, we survived the “Tunnel of Doom”!
The Big Day: My Graduation
Wednesday arrived – the highlight of our trip! We started the day with a hearty breakfast delivered by Uber Eats. Feeling energised, I headed to Pelene Hair and Beauty, where the lovely Dalia styled my hair perfectly.
At the university, I was greeted by a sea of graduates and their families. Despite the crowd, everything ran smoothly – the registration, gowning, photos, and the ceremony itself. As I walked across the stage to receive my award, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride and gratitude for this moment and the journey that brought me here.
The celebration continued with cocktails at the venue, and later, we unwound back at the apartment with pizza and wine – a perfect end to an unforgettable day.
A Day of Surprises: Exploring London
Thursday was all about adventure! While Christine had plans with her friend, my husband and I set out to explore the city. Our first stop was Canary Wharf, where my husband surprised me with two beautiful Pandora UK charms for my city collection: the iconic Big Ben and a charming London bus adorned with the UK flag. These keepsakes were perfect mementos of our trip, capturing the essence of London in such a delightful way.
Just when I thought the day couldn’t get better, my husband led me to another stop I had completely forgotten: Jollibee!
As a proud Filipino, Jollibee holds a special place in my heart. I ordered all my favorites, and it was my husband’s first time trying them. Of course, he loved it – who wouldn’t? After filling our bellies, we continued exploring London, marveling at its rich history, beautiful monuments, and vibrant culture.
We capped off the day with a bus tour of the city. The tour guide, David, was kind enough to ensure we got on the last bus that covered all the major spots – from Big Ben to Victoria Road. As the day turned into night, we enjoyed the audio guide’s stories about London’s fascinating history. In the words of Eckhart Tolle, “Realise deeply that the present moment is all you ever have.” Being in the moment, surrounded by history and beauty, was truly magical.
Farewell, London
Friday marked our final day in London. After a quick breakfast, we bid farewell to Christine, who stayed to visit another friend, and made our way back to Germany. The flight was smooth, and by evening, we were savoring our favorite spareribs at a local steakhouse – a satisfying end to a whirlwind week.
Reflections and Lessons Learned
This week was more than just a series of events; it was a journey filled with love, resilience, and gratitude. From conquering fears in a tunnel to celebrating milestones, I learned the value of staying present and embracing life’s unpredictability.
Milestones like my graduation remind me to celebrate achievements, no matter how big or small, and to cherish the people who support and love us along the way. Here’s to more adventures, laughter, and of course, Jollibee meals!
Hello, Ms Jaz. This is inspiring. I’m in the process of application to the MAEd with Pedagogy at UEL. Would like to know how easy it was for you to prep all the requirements for admission, i.e., for non-PGCE holders, Philippine graduate – post bacc, no IELTS yet. Thank you po and more power.
Hi Jonathan, thank you for reaching out! Since you’re already in the process, I can share that for my application, I simply provided all my credentials: a BS in Commerce from the Philippines, a Diploma in Education from Thailand, and an Early Childhood Education certificate from Dubai, which was UK-based and accredited. They didn’t require me to take the IELTS, likely because much of my education and teaching experience was from abroad.
Best of luck with the rest of your application process.