English Travels

Quite scary to think we're leaving again a week on Thursday, how time flies!

Just got to Bristol for 5 days staying at my parents. C and L getting to know cousins A (3 yrs) and T(7mths). First time in a city this trip- so many people and cars squeezed in to a small space. Mind you the feeling of 'many people' has been everywhere- I guess there are just more here!!

Just spent a gorgeous weekend in Studland, Dorset with most of Tim's family (sadly one brother and sister in law in Brazil). The weather was stunning, with a happy morning on the beach, and a walk in the afternoon drip feeding L blackberries (with hindsight poss not so good for her innards!). Lovely to watch children with cousins, all notably more mature than 2.5 years ago, in some ways tantalising to spend such a short time with them. I find the cousin relationship refreshing c/w others- a multi age acceptance, a rare opportunity to play with children outside their agegroup.

Last week we were in Kettering, a gentle week to get over jetlag whilst being looked after by Tim's parents. An autumnal woodland walk, harvesting veg from the allotment and a visit to Foxton Locks were highlights. C was fascinated by the locks plus the remains of a boat lift- actually I was fascinated too! Spent lots of time talking about history- transport before cars and Lorries etc.

Working backwards... impressions of England.... I've been suprised at how unfamiliar much has felt- things like road signs look very odd to me (and have had to think hard about getting into gear in a manual car and who's right of way it is when turning left!!), countryside more familiar though. And there's so much traffic!! and people-hmm said that already haven't I?! A treat to see lots of family!

The journey here- well best not to think too much about that as we've got to do it again soon! But were well treated in the luxurious 'Koru lounge' at the airport (a staff Christmas present!)- a 'how the other half live' experience!! First flight was good- excellent service including a bright spark who gave us a whole 2 litres of water, saving the need to keep eyes open for the drinks runs. A Bassinet for D and the children slept for most of it. We DID get on the desired flight from grumpy LA and got a bassinet again but the 2nd flight felt very long, L only falling asleep a few minutes before we landed! Great joy to be met by family- even the exhausted children smiled, before dropping off again in the car!

Children coping very well, though the next 10 days will be much busier than the last- lots of hellos, goodbyes and packing and unpacking of the cases! And I need to fit in some (more) shopping!