Sophie Hamilton

I was born in Scotland to a musical father once called Jesus by a young student of his, and a mother who is quite artistic.  Both parents served in World War II in the RAF until my shining little face appeared just before the end of the war.  We went to Canada in 1950 where I promptly contracted polio when I was 6 years old.  My mother was incredibly important in ensuring that I completed my physical therapy necessary for recovery.   After crossing the ocean several times, I ended up with a husband, a business and my books.   By the time I had divorced my first husband I had lived in 3 countries and read 1,000 books.

Travels with Sophie:  I have lived in many countries including Saudi Arabia, France, England, Canada, Wales, Ireland, Libya (where you guys bombed us) and the U.S. Travelling across America twice and Canada once by car was a unique,  experience where we met funny,  incredible, helpful, generous people, especially the little boy who returned all my change I had left in the pay phone.

When I was 41 I returned to University to study interior design in London and had the time of my life!!  During this time we housed foreign students from Japan, Germany, Italy, Austria, Spain & Luxembourg.  The times we had with these students had a lifelong impact, and especially on my younger son who, because of these influences became a chef, cooking his way across Europe. 

After receiving my degree and working in London for many years, I emigrated to the United States carrying my compulsory, large, 35" X 28" chest X-ray to prove that I was healthy.   US Immigration never asked to see it!  

Oh yes I did have some children along the way--2 boys and 1 girl.  All are intelligent and good looking like their parents!   I have always loved doing new things like learning to ski when I was 47 and white water rafting at age 55.  I wonder what I will do when I am 74?--Write a book?

I joined Rotary in 2005 and am currently acting as Sergeant-at-arms.