I have had a lot of time in the last week to relax and enjoy time with family, friends and pets. On reflection at the year at this time of year, there has been a lot that happened in a professional level, and I made a conscious effort to find some time to see more of England. You can see from my previous blogs posts that I have been busy with professional activities and some fun and travel thrown in. This year was busier than expected, and little did I know that I would be unable to have lots of free time.
Some of the highlights are mentioned here for my own reminder of a year well-spent.
It was also great to start the year visiting the Chanel exhibition at the V&A Museum. The dresses on display were like works of art and the exhibition enlightened me on Chanel’s impact on design and fashion from the little black dress, ball gowns, trousers, and the classic suits she is famous for to this present day. I have recently visited the Medieval Women exhibition at the British Library, and this reminded me of women who have been doing fascinating innovative activities throughout time but whose stories are not always told. For example, it was great to smell some of the scents made in the medieval ages that would not seem out of place in this current age. There is definitely a deeper appreciation for those who have gone before us.
One of them was getting ready for a wedding in the family where I had my first away weekend for a hen party. It seemed like ages ago but spending January doing fun things with family was a great start to the year. In Birmingham, we looked at movies, danced, tried new drinks, had brunch and had a cake completion. I do remember all the lovely pink theme items and even now when I wear my bright pink top – I still get compliments when I wear it and I feel oblige to say that I bought it for a hen party. Fast forward a few months, and the wedding was also a lot of fun! It was great to spend time with family for a big occasion like an Italian-South African wedding with delicious food, good music, dancing in a lovely venue.
I try to find a balance with work and life. This year I wanted to visit some places where I haven’t been before and they were Bournemouth, Dorset, Swanage, Shaftesbury and more recently Oxford and parts of the Cotswold. I spent a few nights in the south coast in Spring where we were able to see a few coastal towns. It was good to be by the seaside and get out of London. I really loved seeing the Dorset countryside and the Jurassic coast. Durdle Door was such a busy place in lockdown that it made all the headlines and therefore I was able to add it to my list to see this year. It was a natural geographic spectacular and I still find it amazing seeing people trekking across the steep cliff tops – they have my immense admiration!
Recently, I also visited Oxford as I have never been – apart for a visit to Abingdon for a library resources supplier visit in the 2000s. It was great to spend time around such a famous city and we made an extra effort to try some nice local restaurants such as Brassiere Blanc (not to be confused with the more exclusive Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons ) and The Ivy Brassiere. The architecture and local areas were great to see. We didn’t have time to do the world renown tour of the Oxford Colleges but it was nice to see the Bodleian Library and building along the city centre. I do hope to visit for work related visits in the future so just taking in the sights and town were good on this occasion. I also wanted to visit the surrounding area and thankfully the weather was great for driving to the picturesque village of Bibury and Cirencester which were in an area known as the Cotwolds.
It is very pretty around there and although it was December – it was nice to see. I imagine it will be more beautiful in summer when all the flowers are in bloom. Cirencester was bigger town and obviously the residents looked more affluent and well-to-do. There were great shops and a town square burst with activity for a Christmas market, festive choir and musical band as well as some street stalls. We were really pleased to fit in Bibury and Cirencester in the day and return to Oxford by sundown. The Ivy Brassiere restaurant was really good and the food excellent with great atmosphere, décor and service. I look forward to trying in 2025, the one in London as my recommended by my husband. There are still some places in England that I have to visit, and hopefully I can do that in the near future.
The two other big trips to the University of Rhode Island, Boston and Italy were great. SLA had a really great conference in Rhode Island – from the programming, the venue and grounds, to the attendees having a great time at the social and networking events. The talks and presentations were certainly empowering, especially with regards to newer trends in Artificial Intelligence to best practice in various information systems showcased. I met old friends and made some new ones along the way. That part of the country is beautiful – and I am lucky to have a cousin who went out of her way to welcome me. I was great spending time with family in the surrounding areas and visiting areas I was researching before my visit. I am truly grateful for their time and efforts. I hope I can do the same for them in future.
I had a few weeks of work on my return from the USA and then it exciting to visit Italy. In 2023, I was very busy being SLA President on top of my work and family life, so my reward to myself was to have a summer holiday in Italy this year. Looking back, it was such a great holiday to relax and observe life and the beauty under the Italian sunshine. I am a little bias, and there is so much I find interesting when I visit Italy that I never get bored of visiting. I am already planning my next summer visit to Italy or perhaps a city break.
Without a doubt, I have been very busy with work and all the demands a busy schedule requires. On reflection, I am thankful that all is fine for now. I know that next month I will no longer be on the SLA Board – this has been an opportunity of a lifetime and therefore I have been fully commitment to my role and the cause. I will gain some extra time in the new year, and will still be involved with SLA and SLA Europe in other roles and activities. I know the turn of new year will also be a busy time, but I will remind myself to take it each day at a time and look to the future with faith and belief that it will all work out in the end. Touch wood!
Connecting the Dots 