For our last stop on our journey we were heading to England. A place I have always loved, (I have been here twice, once when I was 8 and once when I was hammered...(hey I was in my 20's, meeting my BF, only stayed for 2 days, then we were off to Bali).
Throughout our travels, I have mentioned the special people we have met along the way. The last friends we were going to visit, we met way back in Costa Rica (Puerto Viejo). Dan, Jo and their little girl Esmee- (We spent the week in CR having a great time and becoming fast friends). They live in Brighton and invited us to come to their lovely home when we pass through the UK...We happily took them up on their offer, made the plans and we were on our way.
We arrived at Charles De Gaulle airport on time, prepared for an easy 56 minute flight to London Gatwick. 6 hours later we finally arrived. There was a storm hanging over Gatwick and we had to be rerouted...landing at Louten Airport (1 hour north of London!). Finally after a very long night, safe and sound we reconnected with our friends and dragged ourselves to bed.
We had such an incredible weekend. Very "normal", (what we all need after the jam packed itinerary we usually adhere to). We went to a school and community fair, (I had my first Pimms and Lemonade, OMG!!!), had delicious home cooked meals (including some of the best pizza I ever had!), live bands in a park, hot tubbing, and lots and lots of alcohol. Our first weekend in the UK was a complete success.
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| Drinking our very classy Stella Atois- In Canada quite hipster- in the Uk....its like drinking a 50 |
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| Officially the best summer drink ever |
We spent the rest of our time as tourists in Brighton- we rode the girl's first double decker public bus,and went to see the famous Brighton Pier and went up in the I-360. What a pretty city on the sea, very touristy in some parts, but the same kind of vibe as Niagara falls....probably don't want to do it every day, but it's fun every once and a while...
The next morning we said goodbye to our friends, crossing fingers they will come visit us in Toronto.
We spent the morning visiting the Royal Pavilion, King George's summer palace before we boarded to train and headed to our place in London.
We were staying in Clapham, at a cute Airbnb about an 8 minute walk to Clapham Junction station, navigating the London transit system was a bit of an adjustment, but we managed.
On our first day in London, we found out such sad news...my dear step dad passed away, (he was ill but only went in the hospital a couple of weeks ago) and the girls had to deal with their first passing of a loved one. Nana insisted we try to enjoy London so after some tearful hours we went out to explore.
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| Papa a few months before he died |
The next two days we toured every nook and cranny of this magical city. I absolutely love London and the energy it exudes....I took Liv to the Harry Potter studio tour (if you are a fan this is an absolute must do!).
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| Liv was in heaven being here- she said it was her absolute favourite place. |
From the London Museum (probably my most favourite museum ever) to St Paul' s Cathedral, Westminster Abby, the Parliament buildings, Big Ben (covered in scaffold so couldn't see an inch of it). Buckingham Palace, St James Park, Hyde Park, The Tower Bridge, The Tower of London, the Thames....phew...there is a ton to do and we barely scratched the surface.
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| I absolutely LOVE the history of this place |
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| St James park, with a bird trying to get in the shot |
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| Westminster Abby |
On our last night in London (and our last ever night from our year around the world), it was very fitting to meet up with my mom's cousins that live in Surrey. I have not seen them in about 35 years. How great to reconnect with this part of my family. I instantly felt connected to them and so happy we met. Sally, Janet, Martin and Dennis, I will for sure see you again!
Waking up in the morning was bittersweet, we were all a little emotional about the day ahead, excited to be coming home, but knowing things will never be the same.
