Party like a Hinckstar.doc

For the over 40s in the reading crowd there was a popular song of recent memory called Party like a Rockstar from which I've crafted my witty title. The last five days have been Hincks crazy. I kicked the thesis to the curb for the past four days and trading it in for hosting duties. We had an amazing visit.

I met Emily on Wednesday at the train station (after picking up some flowers at a little stand on my way from the gym). It was probably the shortest time between seeing each other - it had been less than 48 hours. We walked up the parade and I gave her a bit of a tour of the main sights. I introduced her to Nova Lodge and all its poshness. After a bit of relaxing we went about making a feast of a dinner. Here in Europa, Emily and I have both developed an affinity for making delicious food. I think it's the fantastic collection of cheeses, spices, and influence from people who love to cook. We had some piri-piri chicken, rosemary potatoes, and I experimented with some tea and guinness infused button mushrooms. Everything came out pretty stellar.

After dinner we went to Bec's house for a gathering. Adam and Lotte were there and it was the first time I had seen them since splitting for the summer. We all shared our holiday pursuits and (thankfully) avoided talking about thesis writing. If I spend six to eight hours in front of my computer with it, the last thing I want is for it to accompany me to my social events. It was also nice to socialize with Bec's housemates again. Bec, ever the impressive hostess, had such wonderful cheeses; we sampled away even though we had had a big dinner. After a few drinks at her place we went out on the town for a pint before closing.

The next day we went window shopping and picnicing. We browsed though all the high street stores on the parade and stopped in for a leisurely coffee. To the Leamington gardens we brought leftovers from the night before and snacked on the chicken. I also introduced Em to my favourite yogurt (I'm nervous it might be laced with a drug because it tastes so darn good) that has bits of wholegrain inside. We spent a good two hours in the park chatting and snacking before returning home. After some message catch up we made a caesar salad to accompany our rollie-polly. That's right, rollie-pollies in England. Em was lucky enough to bring me two pastries. We stuffed this one with bacon, mature cheddar, and all kinds of spices. It was delicious. That evening we stayed in with a bottle of wine and watched a few episodes of a TV show that was recommended to us the evening before at the party.

Friday I made my way to Warwick campus to help Zoey move into Nova Lodge. She had booked an extended stay at Heronbank originally so she moved in a week after Tory and I. It was a quick and effortless move. Emily relaxed in the apartment during the morning while I went to campus. After Zoey was settled here, and Emily was finally able to meet her, we went to the gym for some afternoon activities. Emily claimed a free guest past for the day and we made ourselves at home. We worked out in the main room for an hour and a half - the highlight of which was chatting while rowing a 2000 m together. Afterwards we hung out in the sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, and went for a small swim. It was a really relaxing afternoon. That evening we joined Adam and his girlfriend and Bec at my favourite pub in Leamington, The White Horse. It was packed and there was a really cool energy. An OPD was had, as was a good time by all (insert cliche phrase here).

On Saturday we met Courtney at the local Tesco to get supplies for an amazing picnic. We grabbed a cucumber, hummus, cheese, bread, and some veggies. It was a scorching day in the UK, probably the last hot one we'll see. We sat near the river and watched amateur boaters make their way through, a dog interested in sticks but not food, and a rapidly dwindling feast. Courtney brought some delicious cupcakes. It was a beautiful afternoon. That evening, after a wee nap and the second of the two rolly-pollies, we hosted the gang at our place before heading on the town. We sat round and shared some stories before heading to the biggest nightclub in the city called Smack. The low light of the week was the just over an hour we waited in the line before getting in. There wasn't much method to that madness. You can't always say it, but the wait was actually really worth it. The silent disco proved to be even better the second time around - I knew it was a theme the Hinckster would get in to. We switched back and forth on the two music channels, posed with the beaded wall in the club, and sang our hearts out at the songs we knew. It was a late night, but one of the most memorable of recent memory.

Sunday we packed up Emily and her and I made our way to Birmingham for dinner with the Hincks. It was a nice relaxing Sunday after four really energetic and jam-packed day. Doug and Shelia took us through an arts festival taking place in downtown Birmingham and then we went back to their place for a wonderful roast dinner. It had been ages since I had lamb so it was a welcome treat. We visited after dessert and snuck in a bit of tele before heading to bed. Like the Hincks family in Toronto, the Birmingham contingent is also very warm and generous. In the morning we had breakfast and then headed to downtown Birmingham for some shopping. Emily was purchasing the infamous half boot for Portugal and I picked up some sweat pants which I haven't had since Canada. We said an extremely sad (yes Em, s.a.d.) goodbye. It was a bit sad for a number of reasons: we won't see each other for four to six weeks, we both are on the threshold of intimidating and new adventures on our own, and we've been really close the past month trying to fill the void of not having best friends in our new surroundings and not hearing much from our busy friends back home. Emily has been a true constant these past few months, and during the year in general.

What makes the end of the visit also a bit of a downer is that it signals a return back to work. As much as I'm optimistic about what I need to do, I've really enjoyed five days off. It's now back to the grindstone. Thankfully, I can add Leamington Spa to the list of places in the world in which Hincksy and the Doctor have caused a bit of trouble.

Doc's Prescription of the Day: Too much from this weekend to prescribe to you - delicious food, nice wine, and best friends.