Hi, this is Sophia Cartman, host of the Dream Big Podcast show, a place to learn, laugh, and grow.
Hey, big dreamers, did you miss me?
Because I've missed you.
As I've mentioned in the last episode, we just came back from a trip that basically went around the whole world.
This summer, my mom and I went on a big adventure from London to Siberia to Italy.
And yes, we have so many stories to share.
But before we jump all into that, I have one more big update.
I've started fifth grade.
Can you believe it?
I started this podcast in first grade.
And now I'm the very top of elementary school.
More about that in future episodes.
But first, let me take you to our first stop of the summer.
London, England.
And the most unexpected thing that totally shocked me about London wasn't the castles, wasn't a guard with fuzzy hats?
It was a toy store.
Yep, I said it.
Let's go.
Welcome back, big dreamers.
Now, if you know me, you know this.
I love stuffed animals.
And not just any stuffed animals.
I'm talking about jelly cats.
You know, the soft, squishy, ridiculously adorable ones.
With the floppy limbs and the cutest faces.
Well, guess what I found in London, please?
Yes, the official jellycat store.
And yes, it's real and yes, it's amazing.
It was on the third or fourth floor of this big department store, and when I say the place was packed, I mean it.
There were jellycats everywhere, giant ones, tiny ones, toast plushies, smiling mushrooms and avocados with arms, and so much more.
I picked out a few for myself, but I also picked out some for my little niece, because Jellycat is a joy that is meant to be shared.
I carried those plushies across the world, from London to Siberia to Venice.
And guess what?
They made every hotel room feel like a home.
I think these toys aren't just toys.
They hold our memories, our hugs, and sometimes they carry our bravery too.
So shout out to Jellycat for turning our dreams into something we can hold.
Big Dreamers, do you have a favorite toy or even a favorite Jellycat?
Please share with us.
We'd love to hear.
Of course, at London, we visited a lot of landmarks.
But that's for a whole nother episode.
Now, let me tell you about what else happened in London.
We visited my mom's old friends, a beautiful family who lives just outside the city.
And right away, I noticed something.
First, their accents.
If you've never been to London, get ready.
They speak English, but it sounds so different.
Pants are called trousers.
Cookies are called biscuits.
And breakfast includes things like tea and beans and toast.
But what truly shocked me is the kindness in their home.
Their teenage daughter, who totally could have been on her phone, ignored me, was super friendly and showed me around.
She asked me questions, played with me, and made me feel really included.
The other kids were kind too.
They weren't stuck on their screens like little kids sometimes are.
They read books, played music, had conversations.
And the dad, he played piano in the morning and read a newspaper like out of an old movie.
The mom, she made a homemade bread in this amazing cake.
And here's the twist.
Even though they live in London, they kept some Russian traditions too.
Because my mom's friend is actually from Russia.
They grilled shishlik.
That's basically like Russian barbecue.
They welcomed us like we were family.
And I realized something.
Kindness and hospitality.
They don't need you to speak their language.
They speak your heart.
And family reminded me of something big.
That true generosity is making someone feel at home, even when they're far from it.
So, when people always ask, what do you remember most from your travels?
Here's my honest answer.
Yes, I remember the places.
I remember the views and the buildings.
But what I remember most is the food we shared, the people we met and the toys that made me smile when everything changed.
I actually sometimes like to get a toy when things are hard, or get a toy from every little adventure.
Like I'm going to Disneyland this weekend.
Maybe I'll get a toy there.
They keep special memories for me.
And little secret, I remember every single one of those memories.
So when I grow older, those memories will never be lost.
Big Dreamers, here's this week's challenge.
Think back on a trip you've taken, big or small.
Then answer these three questions.
What was the most surprising thing you saw?
Who was the kindest person you met?
What did you bring home that makes you smile?
And if you've never traveled far yet, that's okay.
You can do the same challenge at your friend's neighborhood, school, or visit a friend's house.
The world is full of little adventures if you know where to look.
Big Dreamers, that was only part one of our London adventures.
Next time we're heading to the Harry Potter studios, exploring the Tower of London, and I'm going to tell you how I saw the real king.
And no, I'm not kidding.
You won't believe what happened at Buckingham Palace.
So make sure to subscribe and join me next time.
Until then, stay kind, curious, and keep dreaming big.
As always, you can find our show notes at dreambigpodcast.com slash 466.
That's all for today, big dreamers.
This is Sophia Cartman reminding you that you have unlimited potential.
Your dreams are not optional.
You need to make them essential.
So take massive action and turn those big dreams into reality.
Live with passion the way life was meant to be.
See you next episode.
Bye.
